Ideas for a High-Traffic Walkway in My Yard

Planning Walkways

• Well-planned high traffic walkways are apparent and say a lot about the landscaping of a yard. The walkways should have a charming appeal and yet be able to stand up to the heavy use. Choose a material that compliments the existing décor of the yard, is durable and smooth with tight joints to prevent tripping.

  Also, keep in mind that a width of 4 feet will allow for two people to walk side-by-side; however, a high-traffic walkway should never be less than 3 feet wide, so everyone -- including seniors and wheelchair users -- can maneuver down it.

Choosing Walkway Materials

• Slate works well combined with other materials for a rustic mortar-free walkway. Patio materials such as brick, stone pavers, concrete pavers and tiles equally work well for high-traffic walkways. Of course, there's always the traditional poured concrete.

  Stepping stones, bark and gravels are recommended more for paths that have less traffic than those that receive high levels of traffic. Interlocking concrete pavers are classy-looking and more durable than poured concrete. They will last for decades if properly installed, because the interconnecting joints allow for a bit of flexibility without cracking.

Walkway Landscaping

• Creating beauty along the sides of a walkway will encourage people to stay off the lawn and make use the passageway. Raised flowerbeds, pots, birdbaths, benches, small goldfish ponds and statues are just a few of the items that can heighten the landscaping around a high-traffic walkway.