Design Ideas for a Front Entry Walkway

Slate Walkway

• Create a striking front entry walkway that shimmers with variegated shades of blue, gray or brown with slate tiles. Slate tiles have an uneven surface which provides a bit of traction, even when the tiles are wet. Lay the slate tiles onto an exterior grade plywood substrate with a mortar application. Leave up to 5/8 inch between each tile for the grout application. Line the slate walkway with bright green border plants ,such as liriope, or alternate blooming perennials like Stella Dora daylilies with season-specific annuals. Plant pansies in the winter and early spring, begonias in the summer and chrysanthemums in the fall. Small solar lights are also a plus along any front entry walkway. Position the lights on each side of the walkway, spaced up to 2 feet apart.

Cobblestone Walkway

• Design a charming old world style walkway for your front entry with cobblestone pavers. Excavate and level the space for the walkway so that it slopes away from your home; a slope will prevent water from standing on the walkway. Use edge restraints along both sides of the walkway excavation to help keep the pavers within the desired walkway parameters. You can install cobblestone pavers without mortar or a solid substrate. Polmeric sand is a good choice for both the base of the pavers and as a seam connector, but you can also use concrete sand. After arranging the cobblestone pavers in a bed of sand, sweep sand between the crevices of each paver. As with the slate walkway, plant border greenery and flowers, along with solar lighting, on each side to brighten up your landscape.

Flagstone Walkway

• Natural flagstone is another option that you can use to create a distinctive front walkway. Flagstones are larger than cobblestones and, as such, may present a challenge during placement; ask another person to help lift and arrange the flagstones. Prepare the walkway the same way as you would a cobblestone walkway; excavate, level and slope the area, and place the edge restraints. Like cobblestones, lay the flagstones on a bed of sand, and sweep sand between the stones. Line the flagstone walkway with plants and small solar lights.