Almost every home owner has thought about how to do garden path with your own hands, is it worth creating it for your site and how to choose the right design option. Of course, this design deserves a location on your site, because they will not only perform a decorative role, but will also help you comfortably navigate the area of the garden. And for other questions, you will find answers directly in the article itself.
Why are paths made from saw cuts or lumber so popular?
The question for this answer is very simple, people are attracted by the advantages of a wooden walkway:
1. Available to everyone. Of course the prices for wooden crafts are very tall and grow quickly, but wooden walkways are an exception. Their cost is several times lower than that of other options (for example, stone paths, brick paving slabs and so on.). Plus, it is possible to use lumber left over from other repair work or fallen trees on your property.
2. Unique texture. It allows you to create extraordinary track designs without putting in any extra effort. In particular, they like to use such designs in eco-style.
3. Easy to use. The construction of this type of path does not require any special construction skills or special tools.
4. Environmentally friendly. Wood is completely safe for human health, and also perfectly combines and interacts with the environment
As annoying as it may be, this type of path also has its drawbacks. First of all, it is worth noting the susceptibility of the material to mold or fungi. Also, wood can be damaged due to insect activity.
Some note the short service life as a disadvantage. But, in fact, how long the track will last depends on many factors. For example, the type of wood, the correct processing of workpieces, their installation, the reliability of the base. Therefore, if the rules are followed during the work and in the future, the tracks can last up to 40 years.
Preparing the foundation
Often people encounter problems such as heaving, sinking, overgrowing with weeds and crumbling of the garden path. All these are consequences of improper foundation preparation.
Step-by-step instructions for preparing the bed:
1. We mark the contours of the future path. This stage does not involve any complexity, but still the process itself is labor-intensive. To create markings, you need to do the following: on the site, using a cord stretched over driven rods, we outline the boundaries of future paths. If the territory has flat surface, the rods are installed in increments of 2.5 m; in the case where there are bends, the rods will have to be driven in very often (approximately every 40 cm). Sometimes people have difficulties with this marking method (especially if the path is quite winding), then you can use sand, chalk or lime. When planning a path with curbs, it is necessary, even before marking, to calculate the width of the base in accordance with the required indents.
2. The next step is to dig a trench approximately 25 cm deep. We constantly check that the created ditch does not go beyond the boundaries of the markings, and that its level is the same everywhere. Please note that this stage must be performed exclusively in dry weather, because if the trench is flooded with water, the quality of the bed will noticeably deteriorate.
3. If you plan to install curbs, then you need to pour sand, preferably compacted, and install them, leveling them using building level.
4. We compact the base and line it with geotextile or a polyethylene film may be suitable. This process will protect the path from overgrowing with weeds and also prevent subsidence.
5. Over the entire bottom area, we lay a drainage layer of gravel or crushed stone (with a fine fraction and having a height of 5-11 cm, the value of which depends on the stability of the earth). It is also allowed to use sand and gravel mixture(8:2). We compact the drainage layer using a vibrating plate, a roller, or a manual (made with our own hands) tamper.
6. There are types of paths that need a sand cushion, which is laid on the drainage and has the same height. It is poured in stages, layer by layer. At the same time, you must remember to moisturize and compact them well.
Where can I get saw cuts?
Of course, you can purchase ready-made saw cuts from any species at a building materials store. Some manufacturers even offer their products already treated with special solutions, which only need to be installed, following the installation rules. But this option suitable only when the budget allows it. After all, the purchase will not be cheap.
Let's give an example from the price list of one well-known manufacturer: larch cuts, without pre-treatment, having a diameter of 25 cm and a height of 15 cm cost 150 rubles per piece. That is, one meter of track (50 cm wide) made of this material will cost 8,000 rubles, not counting the cost of delivery and processing solution. But don’t despair, because you can make the cuts yourself.
Making cuts with your own hands
To reduce the cost of the process, you can make the cuts yourself. Ideally, if you or someone you know has a fallen tree on your property, which does nothing but clutter up the place. Then the blanks will be practically free. But not everyone has this opportunity. In this case, you will need to purchase a round timber.
Any type of tree is suitable for cutting, but the best option, of course, is larch. Also, blanks made from pine, oak, alder, hornbeam, and acacia will last a long time. But keep in mind that processing larch and oak is very difficult to do on your own. One more important factor When choosing a tree, its dryness is important. If the wood is wet, the cuts may warp, crack, and the path will simply fall apart.
After purchase we begin preparation necessary tools. Of these, you will need an electric or chainsaw, a tape measure, pencils for markings, templates and a planer for sanding.
To make cuts you will need to perform the following steps:
1. Clear the trunk of all branches that are present on it.
2. Sand the trunk using a planer or scraper (you can sand ready-made cuts, depending on personal preference).
3. Using templates, we mark the trunk in equal parts of 15-25 cm (depending on the thickness of the log, the greater the thickness, the correspondingly greater the height of the cuts). Keep in mind that if the height is less than 15 cm, the path made from saw cuts will not be stable.
4. Open the trunk according to the marks.
At this stage the cuts are ready.
Processing workpieces with special solutions
Before you start laying the trail, you need to process the blanks. It will protect the future path from the appearance of fungus and mold, as well as from harmful insects. For processing you can use different kinds solutions. For example, you can use special antiseptics and impregnations (in this case, you can only use those that have deep penetration and you must follow the instructions for use).
It is also possible to prepare a solution for treatment yourself. To do this you need to mix copper sulfate with water in a ratio of 2:8, leave to settle for 2 days, and dry it in the shade for the same amount of time. When using this solution, it is necessary to take into account one important detail: Copper sulfate, when interacting with wood, causes it to darken. This will create the effect of “aged” cuts. If so design solution If you don't like it, use another option.
You can prepare the solution yourself using drying oil; to do this, bring it almost to a boil. You can also use old-fashioned method: brew larch bark and soak the workpieces with this solution, this will allow the wood to obtain antiseptic properties, as well as a beautiful dark red tint.
In addition to applying the treatment solution, it is necessary to cover the lower part of the workpieces with a waterproofing layer. This is not so easy to do: we melt the bitumen (the melting temperature reaches 200 degrees Celsius), always in a metal vessel, and dip the saw cuts into it. Adding to the complexity of execution is the unsafety of this operation. But there is another way: we place bitumen briquettes in a metal container and fill it with gasoline. Next, you need to leave the solution for a couple of days until a liquefied bitumen mass forms. We dip the lower part of the workpieces into it.
Installation of paths from saw cuts
Let's begin the most creative stage of all our work - creating a trail. Many people are worried about what a path made from saw cuts will look like; we have placed it at the end of the article. So you will not only get rid of your worries, but you will also be able to choose the design you like.
Instructions for making a path from wood cuts:
1. Check the readiness of the cuts and the level of the bed.
2. We begin paving.
3. We install each part in its rightful place, while pressing it into the sand cushion and leveling it, carefully tapping it with a hammer that has a wooden or rubber head.
4. We control the evenness of the cuts so that they are on the same level.
5. We lay out the cuts according to the planned pattern, which depends solely on the plans of the artist and the appearance of the blanks.
6. In the spaces between the cuts, it is necessary to get rid of the void. To do this, we fill these places with sand, crushed stone screenings or small stones mixed with soil.
7. We decorate our path by planting in the gaps. ornamental plants or moss.
8. Decorate the edges: decorate using decorative stone, fill it with crushed stone, gravel and compact it well.
Creating a path from lumber
Sometimes preparing and laying saw cuts seems like a rather difficult and too long process for people, but the idea of making a wooden path on your own is still to their liking. In this case, the solution will be a path made of lumber. The time to create it is much shorter, and the materials used do not require additional processing.
Lumber for a path can be very diverse: beams, boards of various lengths, etc. The lightest and affordable option- panel flooring, it does not require labor-intensive preparation of the bed. That is why we will consider this version of the track.
Instructions for creating a panel deck:
1. Prepare everything necessary elements: edged boards of the same length, if possible equal to the width, wooden beams, nails. Main tool for a path made of lumber, this is a hacksaw, but you will also need a hammer.
2. We mark the trail.
3. Level the ground in the places where the future path will be located (fill the holes, cut off the tubercles, compact the soil).
4. We saw the beams into pieces of equal lengths.
5. Trim the boards.
6. We cover everything wooden parts antiseptic.
7. We treat the lower parts of the boards with bitumen putty, or cover them with kuzbaslak, wait until it hardens completely.
8. Place the bars on the base every one and a half meters, pin boards to them, recessing the nail heads. The best option the nails will become galvanized.
9. In places located between the boards, leave gaps of up to 6 mm, this is necessary to ensure ventilation, as well as water drainage.
10. We sew the shields together using beams.
11. Sand the joints using sandpaper.
12. Paint the resulting path using paint used in exterior work.
Another simple trail design is a wooden walking path. In addition to ease of execution, it is famous for its low cost of materials. To create this option you need to do the following:
1. We prepare the base according to the principle described above. The only difference is that the depth of the trench for such a path is 6-8 cm.
2. We cut out sections that have a length equal to the width of the path from the beams.
3. We process them using the same principle that was used during the manufacture of panel flooring.
4. We place the planks over the entire area of the bed at intervals of half a meter, pressing them into the backfill.
5. We paint.
Path care
In order for a wooden walkway to be pleasing to the eye and comfortable to use for a long time, it requires proper care:
1. Once a year, clean the dirt using a metal scraper, then treat the wooden parts with an antiseptic and cover them with drying oil.
2. In a timely manner, get rid of weeds that have the ability to destroy the base of the coating.
3. Be sure to prevent the possibility of flooding or erosion of the coating. To prevent this from happening, you can use the services of special grooves or dig ditches on the sides of the path.
4. B winter time years to clear the snow and prevent it from wooden covering ice formed.
5. Do not use salt or other substances to clean ice, which may cause wood deterioration.
After reading this article, every owner of a summer cottage will be able to independently make a path from saw cuts or lumber, without ruining his wallet, without asking for outside help and without making excessive efforts. Also after the article there are photos of various variations of path design. You can choose the one that fits harmoniously into your garden design.
One can only envy those who have the opportunity to make paths from wood. Wooden paths attract the eye even in the most prestigious property. Walking on them barefoot is an unspeakable pleasure: pleasant tactile sensations arise both in the heat and in the cold. Of course, the paths must match the landscape and be suitable for the conditions of use.
Path from saw cuts in the gardenFeatures of wooden paths.
We have already noticed that, unlike other materials for paths, wood has low thermal conductivity, and it is pleasant to walk on it barefoot. Let's note others positive traits country paths of this kind:
- available material in some cases;
- environmental cleanliness;
- low complexity and labor intensity in manufacturing;
- the unique appearance of each track;
- accessible and limited list of necessary tools.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages:
- cracking due to sun exposure;
- rotting due to moisture;
- destruction by insects;
- instability to fire;
- wet surface becomes slippery.
Note that the fragility of wood is balanced by the ease of repair. Of course, wooden country and garden paths will last longer in dry climates and if installation technology is followed.
Paths made from wood cuts
Options for laying wood cuts Garden paths made from wood cuts are popular and attract attention with their unusual nature. When using this technology with your own hands, you can easily create variations by changing the width and direction, without using a border. Paths made from sawn wood are especially appropriate in rustic and eco-style landscapes.
As you can see, the spaces between the wood can be filled with small crushed stone, gravel, soil, covered with pine needles, or planted with grass. On decorative path, and also when it is rarely used, the cuts are laid at a step distance.
Wooden paths can have steps and act as retaining walls when the ground level changes.
Preparation of material
When preparing wood and paving the path, you will need the following tool.
For paths made from saw cuts, it is recommended to use the following wood:
- larch;
- pine;
- birch.
Preparation of cuts for the path If possible, it is best to use larch as the most durable option. It can last for thirty years. The service life of pine is 5-10 years. Small diameter saw cuts are placed between the workpieces large diameter, providing maximum density of the fabric. Logs are sawn into pieces 10-20cm high. A path made from stumps that have been cleared of bark will last longer. If the cut surface is perpendicular to the log, installation of the coating will be easier.
The saw cuts are processed and ready for installation To protect against rotting, the workpieces are processed in two stages. First, they are impregnated with hot drying oil or a special ready-made antifungal impregnation. Dipping saw cuts into boiling drying oil is cheaper, but more dangerous than treating with an antiseptic. After complete drying, the lower parts of the wood are coated with hot resin. In this case, it is also more convenient to use bitumen diluted in gasoline, which is called automobile anticorrosive. The upper planes of the cuts can be forcibly “aged” by treating them with copper sulfate.
Laying the path
The trench is ready for paving the path Before paving the path from cuts, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work on the site:
- mark the path;
- remove the fertile layer and dig a trench;
- arrange waterproofing and foundation.
It is convenient to mark the contours of the path with pegs and a cord, or sprinkle it with sand. The groove is dug to a depth of 10 cm greater than the height of the wooden blanks.
Geotextiles, crushed stone and sand are laid in the trench The bottom of the trench is leveled and geotextiles are laid on it, which allows water to pass through upper layers, but does not allow the crushed stone to mix with the ground. Next, a layer of crushed stone 5-10 cm high is filled and laid. 5-10 cm of sand is poured on top of the crushed stone, which is moistened and compacted. Ideally, another layer of geofabric should be laid between the sand and crushed stone.
The saw cuts are set according to level Segments of logs are sequentially installed on a sand substrate and slightly hammered into it rubber mallet. You can make a pattern from the saw cuts or mount them, focusing on ease of installation. The job is easier to complete starting with larger elements. The upper planes of the pieces of wood are leveled. The gaps between the trees are filled with fine crushed stone, gravel, soil or sand.
Paths made of boards
You can make a wooden path in your dacha yourself using edged boards. This work is noticeably simpler than laying saw cuts. At the same time, the quality of the material used and the level of its processing determine whether these will be the simplest paths or paths with high decorative properties.
As with the use of saw cuts, the best wood larch stands out, and the most popular option is pine. Lumber flooring can be made above the ground at a height of about 10 cm, laid on the surface of the ground, or it is located in the ground. The recommended coating thickness is at least 40mm.
Winding path made of planks To extend its service life, the flooring material is first treated with an antiseptic and then painted. If you want to preserve the structure of the wood, the wood is covered with stain and yacht varnish. To organize paths in a dacha with complex shapes, boards of different lengths and with variable widths of one element are used.
Experienced builders must leave a gap of 5-10mm between the boards to compensate for the expansion of the material when moistened.
Flooring and joists made of identical boards Before installing the decking, it is recommended to arrange a base for water drainage. To do this, a trench about 15cm deep is opened, into which geotextiles, 5-10cm of crushed stone and 5-10cm of sand are laid in succession. Crushed stone and sand are compacted in turn. The frame for the deck above the ground is mounted on logs made of timber or boards. They must be treated sequentially with an antiseptic and resin, or they can be wrapped in roofing felt.
Between the board joists every other linear meter install crossbars. This will prevent the joists from falling to one side. The flooring is secured to the supports with nails or screws. To ensure an equal gap of 5-10mm between the boards, bookmarks made of thin slats are used.
The path is laid directly on the ground Wood flooring is easier to lay directly on the base. To install the track, the boards are put on two cables through a preliminarily drilled holes. Between the individual elements, segments are put on the cable plastic pipe to ensure equal clearance.
A path made of boards is convenient to use on sand The decking elements can be secured to a fire hose or garden border tape. In this case, screws are screwed in from the tape side, and then the finished track is turned over. Such a path can be rolled up and hidden from bad weather for the winter.
Convenient to walk on wood laid in the ground The path made of boards laid at the level of the soil surface looks original and is easy to use. In this embodiment, the material is in conditions high humidity. This means that it is imperative to arrange the preparation specified above from sand and crushed stone. The gaps between the individual elements are filled with crushed stone. Wood must first be carefully and successively treated with protective impregnations and coatings.
Laying decking
Wooden paths are very attractive in appearance, but are short-lived. To solve this problem, a synthetic material – decking – has been developed. It consists of shredded wood and plastic. Terrace boards made from this material are very stable in atmospheric conditions and do not require additional coating. Of course, decking is much more expensive than regular lumber, but its appearance and reliability are worth it.
Decking on the lawn looks good Note that with noticeable bends, the decking board may crack, so to lay the decking you will have to create a fairly even and reliable base. It is best to prepare in the form of cement screed. Installation of the covering is carried out on logs made of the same material, in increments of 0.2-0.3 m. When laying them, it is necessary to provide a gap of 3-10 mm between the individual elements for water drainage.
Appearance and the stability of the decking is beyond doubt At the same time as decking, you should purchase all the necessary components for assembly: corners, plugs, connecting brackets, end strips and hardware. Self-tapping screws should be tightened with sufficient force, however, excessive zeal can lead to destruction of the material. The fasteners are covered with plugs or painted. In the case of a closed connection, no installation elements are visible. The material must be unpacked one day before use. Do-it-yourself assembly of decking flooring is carried out only at positive temperatures. The tile flooring is eye-catching
A garden path made of tiles looks impeccable, but it costs even more than one made from conventional decking. Plastic locks will fail if there are significant distortions, so it is necessary to prepare a fairly level base for the flooring.
Photos and examples
Of course, it’s easier to do any work if you have it in front of your eyes. interesting examples for imitation. Sometimes it is better to see once than to hear a hundred times. We tried to select for you the most interesting examples of photos with comments.
Often, saw cuts are laid without removing the bark. Geometric paths can be made from perfectly flat calibrated logs correct form. A path of stumps in the garden makes it surprisingly cozy. Path from wooden cuts fits organically into the surface of the lawn.
Wooden blocks and crushed stone make it possible to create a kind of sidewalk in the garden. Garden sidewalks can be made from lumber laid lengthwise. An unedged board allows you to create a reliable and original covering. Wooden garden paths are easily installed on a sloped area.
The different widths of the decking boards only add to its originality. The boards can be laid in pairs and secured with metal staples. Thin planks, fastened with a cable and laid on concrete, do an excellent job. An elegant decking overpass complements the crushed stone path. We wish you to enjoy working with pleasantly smelling wood and enjoy using the results of your work.
Let this video help you on how to make an oak path with your own hands.
The paths on the site allow you to move freely between zones in any weather, without sinking ankle-deep in mud or dragging the soil on your soles. They will become an element of landscape design, if we take into account not only the practical, but also the visual component. When choosing material for paths, they are guided by the general design style of the site and their financial capabilities. Wooden paths in a country house are always universal - they can be combined with lawns, flower beds, and paved terraces, you can actually make them yourself, they look great without a border, and the cost depends on the chosen variety. Many users of the FORUMHOUSE portal improve their landscape with the help of wooden paths.
DIY wooden paths
Wood as a material for garden paths is not the most popular category, but it is quite in demand due to its high decorative value, relative durability and affordability. Although a cubic meter of processed boards costs a decent amount, many people use construction residues for paths, which significantly reduces the cost. But even if you take new lumber, due to the absence of wet processes during installation and taking into account the peculiarities of preparing the base, the tree can be cheaper than other varieties. According to the manufacturing method, there are two types of wooden paths.
DIY wooden walkways
The main canvas is raised above the ground level, the frame is laid on the prepared base. The boardwalk is raised above the ground to ensure free access of air - such ventilation will significantly extend the life of the path and protect against waterlogging. It turns out to be a real “wooden sidewalk”. This design requires a slight slope - it helps water roll off the surface of the “sidewalk”; even after heavy rainfall, the canvas will dry out faster.
The basis for the flooring is a frame made of longitudinal logs, on which cross members made of boards or timber are fixed using fasteners. It is possible to alternate segments that are equal in length but different in width, it all depends on the idea. To avoid warping, wide board it is attached to three or four self-tapping screws (nails) on each edge, two are enough for the timber, the caps are sunk deep to avoid injury to the feet when walking barefoot.
To move normally on the flooring, calmly pass someone you meet, or, if necessary, roll a wheelbarrow, a path width of 80 cm or 1 meter and a board thickness of 25 - 50 mm are sufficient.
If family members are of considerable weight, or the path in the garden will be used for transporting heavy loads in a wheelbarrow, an additional, middle joist is laid.
How to treat wood on a path
To protect joists in direct contact with the ground, they must be treated with liquid bitumen mastic or similar means. If necessary, the crossbars are passed with a plane, sanded with sandpaper, after which they are impregnated with antiseptics, dried and mounted on the frame. There are two possible assembly options - close together, without gaps and with equal spaces between the elements. Wrong side the flooring is also covered with mastic, the front surface is painted or varnished. Pre-treatment of structural elements with coating before assembly is more effective than in finished form, it is easier to cover the assembled flooring with bitumen and tinting.
Garden path from boards: how to make a sidewalk summer cottage
Although the flooring can be laid on a flat surface without preliminary preparation In order for it to last as long as possible and not have to fight weeds during operation, it makes sense to follow the technology. There are two methods of preparation - under the logs or across the entire width of the track; preparation is carried out in several stages:
- The soil layer to a depth of 20–30 cm is removed, the bottom is compacted;
- A layer of sand is poured, compacted, spilled, a layer of fine crushed stone is poured on top, and compacted.
If possible, geotextiles are placed between the layers so that the materials do not mix, this increases the drainage ability of the pillow.
If the installation of wooden flooring is planned as temporary, you can do without a cushion; geotextiles, roofing felt, conveyor belt or similar materials are laid under the logs, and herbicides are used to control weeds.
How to make garden paths from wood
Wooden flooring is well-deservedly popular among portal users.
Andjey FORUMHOUSE Member,
Moscow.
We came to make wooden paths at the dacha, we used the leftovers - bars (larch, substandard) 3 cm thick and 10 to 2 cm wide. I made a meter-wide path from them, did not plan the timber, burned it with a torch to remove the splinters. In the future I will paint it with some kind of impregnation. I chose half a bayonet worth of soil, a small layer of sand (rammed), geotextiles, and fine crushed stone on top of it. On crushed stone - logs from the remains of logs and beams of the 100th, 10 cm high. The logs were covered with mining.
Ilya79 FORUMHOUSE Member
Boards 25 and 50 mm, transverse solid, covered the boards with an antiseptic with kolinova, the width between the lags - by eye, so that the boards protrude slightly from the edge (about 10 cm). I decided not to make a span between the crossbars: it’s difficult to mow the grass, you scratch the trees.
Julia397 Member of FORUMHOUSE
We decided that at our dacha we would have wooden path made of boards. While the plan is for 21 meters of canvas, 4.5 meters were knocked down over the weekend. Next time we plan to finish knocking down and start polishing and painting it to match the color of the house.
Path made of boards
frog555 Member FORUMHOUSE
I'm all for it too paths made of boards in the country, It’s nice to walk cleanly and barefoot; you can’t run on concrete “roads” like that after a bathhouse.
Alternatively, the flooring is made from used pallets from building materials– pallet. For installation in their original form, pallets with a narrow span between elements are selected. Such a device does not have much decorative value, but it requires minimum costs energy and time to work. Not the most beautiful, but as a prefabricated temporary structure - best option, tested by dacha practice.
To make such a path more decorative and last longer, the pallets are treated protective compounds and put together a full-fledged flooring from them. More time is spent, but the result is much more attractive, and the cost of the track, in both the first and second options, cannot be cheaper.
A counterweight budget option from pallets, laid paths from decking - special wooden tile modules from decking boards(on the picture). This garden parquet is laid on a flat base and is superior in appearance homemade varieties, those who did it leave only positive comments, but due to the high cost, not everyone can master it.
Garden paths made of wood
Dig-in
Wooden elements in such paths at the dacha are dug into the ground flush with the surface or protrude slightly above the ground, the voids are filled with drainage materials - crushed stone, coarse sand, granite screenings. The paths are made of boards, cuts of logs, stumps, branches, thick timber, dies are cut 10 - 15 cm long. Since the tree is completely immersed in the ground, it needs enhanced protection from moisture, it is advisable to soak the washers in an antiseptic solution or hot drying oil, the bottom The saw cut is covered with bitumen, the top one can be varnished or waxed. The laying of the cuts is arbitrary; to increase the decorative effect, small round timbers are inserted between thick round timbers. If timber is used, imitation is relevant brickwork with bandaging rows.
Unlike decking, which can be placed directly on the ground, dug-in paths made from saw cuts and timber require careful preparation of the base, as they will be in the ground and exposed to the external environment.
To avoid stagnation of water and premature wear, an effective drainage cushion of sand and gravel, at least 10 cm thick, is made under the cuts.
The bottom of the trench dug according to the markings is compacted, covered with geotextiles, then a layer of sand, compacted and spilled, a layer of crushed stone and finally a layer of sand. The cut is placed on a substrate, alternating different diameters increases the decorativeness of the path, the blocks are tapped with a rubber hammer, and the horizon is controlled with a building level. The gaps are filled with fine crushed stone, coarse sand, granite screenings, and clay.
The saw-cut path fits perfectly into the landscape of the forum member’s site NikNikTar.
NikNikTar FORUMHOUSE Member
From the remains of aspen logs from my construction site and abandoned freebies behind the fence, I sawed washers 15-20 cm thick, took out the soil and laid them in peace on geofabric and a sand cushion, having previously bathed them in Senezh. The gaps were filled with chopped aspen trunks (there are a lot of them on the lake shore) and covered with sand, and the top layer was rubbed with fine granite chips. The aspen paths fit very wellinto the area, it's pleasing to the eye, but slippery after the rain. I wouldn’t dare to make them as the main ones, but as a design element and for sedate movements between small architectural forms on the site and walks around the garden, that’s just the thing.
All buildings and structures (gazebo, terrace, swimming pool, greenhouse, vegetable garden and different elements landscape design) at the dacha or personal plot communicated through paths.
What kind of path to make, or rather, from what material, everyone decides for themselves; specifically, within the framework of this article, we will consider making a garden path from chopped tree rings.
Among all the options (from boards, timber, panels, garden parquet, branches and bamboo), one of the most accessible in terms of material and the most complex in terms of design is paths made from wood cuts. The material is structured according to the principle step-by-step instructions so that anyone can build such a path with their own hands.
A path made from wooden saw cuts can be called differently: from slices, stumps (die, block, stump, log, ends of logs), but the construction method will be identical.
Garden paths from cut wood - step by step guide
For work you will need materials and tools:
- Wood cuts (cuts)
- Rolled waterproofing or geotextile (geofabric)
- Sand, pebbles, gravel, water
- Level
- Hammer (preferably a mallet)
- Hand chainsaw
- Shovel, buckets, brushes
Step 1 - preparing wooden cuts
You need to start work with preliminary preparation of wood cuts (sections). Then they will be ready just in time for installation.
When choosing wood, you need to take into account how long the path is expected to be used and what load it will bear. When arranging garden paths from wood cuts at the dacha, it is better to give preference to hard types of wood. So, for example, oak will last you about ten years, pine - no more than seven. And larch is practically indestructible and will delight you for more than a quarter of a century.
But, most often, blanks for the path are made from those species that are available. It all depends on the budget; saw cuts from poplar will cost much less than from oak or larch.
To prepare the cut, you need to cut the log into pieces 150-200 mm high.
The rule that works here is larger diameter logs, the greater the cutting height should be. And of course, the height of all blanks should be approximately the same.
If the thickness of the cut is less than 100 mm, there is a high probability that it will not be fixed in the ground and may “pop out” when pressed.
To extend the life of the saw cut, it must be cleared of bark. Because it is the bark that will begin to peel off first.
In addition, it is better to avoid using saw cuts that have cracks. They will begin to deteriorate first and very quickly, and the crack may increase under the influence of loads on it.
The cut also needs to be pre-treated. The most common treatment is drying oil.
To do this, it is heated to a boiling point and the saw cut is coated completely. Please note that this work is dangerous, so it is better to buy special antiseptic solutions that will provide both moisture protection and biosecurity. The saw cut should remain in this solution from two hours to two days.
To further protect the wood from rotting, the bottom of the round timber must additionally be treated with bitumen. You can age wood using a solution of copper sulfate.
The treated saw cut must be dried thoroughly.
Step 2 - marking the path
The difficulty of this step is in determining optimal sizes tracks - 350 mm, sufficient width for one person to move freely. As well as its route - to ensure access to all required facilities.
Step 3 - preparing the base
In order for wooden garden paths to serve you as long as possible and be safe, they need to be securely fixed.
To do this, you need to dig a trench along the marked route of the future path. Its depth depends on the length of the hemp (cut) plus 50-100 mm. (depending on the type of soil and the expected load on the path).
The width of the trench is equal to the desired width of the path.
A waterproofing film is laid at the bottom of the trench (you can use plastic film, used for greenhouses or geotextile).
Gravel or small crushed stone is poured on top of the film. This drainage is necessary to protect the wood from moisture. The height of the first layer of the pillow is equal to half the required height (25-50 mm). It is important to compact it well.
The sand and crushed stone cushion must be leveled using a building level. This will significantly save time and effort when laying cuts.
Step 4 - installing curbs for paths (edges)
If a curb is provided, then they must be installed before installing the cuts.
Stones, bricks, sheet iron, wooden blocks or long logs.
But, in order not to disturb the harmony of the garden path, chibouks sawn lengthwise are used.
Step 5 - pouring the second layer of sand cushion
Sand is used as the second layer. The total height of the pillow is 50-100 mm.
To compact the sand well, a technique such as pouring water on it is used.
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Step 6 - diagram of laying wood cuts
The order in which the wood cuts are installed is not of fundamental importance. The formation of the pattern depends on the preferences of the owner.
It can be positioned so that there is as little space as possible between the cuts. Or, on the contrary, you can place them widely.
The main thing at this stage is to slightly “drown” the cut (compact) and also level them.
Step 7 - decorative design of a garden path from wood cuts
The space between the cuts can be filled with sand or soil mixed with seeds of ground cover plants.
Leave the saw cuts themselves in their original form or paint them with bright colors.
You can more clearly show how to make paths from wood cuts using a cross-sectional drawing of a path.
Caring for wooden paths
To ensure that a DIY garden path made from wood cuts does not lose its original appearance over time, it requires constant care.
To do this, you need to clean the cuts once a year with a metal scraper, treat them with an antiseptic and apply a special protective covering, drying oil or paint.
Advice
When you make a path, set aside a few cuts in reserve so that they can be replaced in the future. individual elements in the process of renovation. In order to reduce the sliding effect after rain, do not heavily polish the ends of the logs before installation.
If you are interested in the process of making a path from wood cuts - a video illustrating how to make it yourself
Garden paths made from wood cuts - pros
- cheapness;
- high speed and ease of installation;
- the ability to carry out the entire process independently;
- do not accumulate moisture (do not create puddles);
- have a natural look;
- very repairable;
- environmentally friendly;
- the opportunity to make a unique garden path made of wood. After all, all cuts are different, which means that the design cannot be repeated;
- the ability to use end-of-life logs as mulch or chop them up and add them to compost.
Country paths made from wood cuts - the cons
- subject to rotting;
- react to temperature changes;
- require constant care;
- become smaller after rain (evened out through the use of a special treatment compound).
Conclusion
Based on the foregoing, it becomes clear how to make a path from wood cuts with your own hands, without resorting to excessive expenses and outside help. Although, you shouldn’t rely too much on cheapness, even with self-production you'll have to spend some money, but this path is worth it
Reading time ≈ 6 minutes
Modern summer residents and nature lovers have often thought about beautiful wooden paths at their dacha. made of wood should fit into the design of the site and the landscape of the area. Small paths in the dacha territory perform not only a decorative function, decorating general form. They also make moving around the site comfortable and convenient.
There are many ways to wire paths: they can be connected to a gazebo, dining or play areas, to bathrooms, bathhouses or greenhouses. Paths also serve to protect shoes from dirt and dampness and create an atmosphere of romance and comfort. Sometimes wooden paths border the entire perimeter of the site. In addition, this design of the territory is suitable for lovers of environmentally friendly and natural materials. If you have a log wooden country house, such paths will harmoniously fit into your landscape design and will become the highlight of the design of the site.
If everything is done correctly and the wood is treated well, in the summer you can safely walk barefoot along such paths. This cannot be said about country sidewalks made of concrete or stone. Wooden paths can be combined with a swimming pool, a beautifully trimmed lawn, planted trees and bushes various shapes. If there are large tree roots on the site, you can build paths on the logs. This way you will not damage the roots and create a beautiful design for the area.
Types of wooden paths by type of construction
A wooden path on a summer cottage is laid with your own hands using various types of wood:
- Larch is considered the most durable. Its structure contains fibers of different directions, so the wood is stronger.
- Coniferous wood is also used, but the structure contains only longitudinal fibers, so it is not as strong.
- Paths made of oak, alder, pine and even aspen are popular.
- Tropical wood is stronger and more durable than larch, but its cost is significantly higher than all previous ones.
There is no need to cut down trees yourself. modern technologies It has long been possible to purchase ready-made wood kits in stores. you can buy wooden log houses and finished cuts of any size and shape.
All paths on a summer cottage can be built in various designs depending on the functionality, goals, ideas and characteristics of the territory itself. Let's look at the most popular of them:
If you suddenly plan to build a border, take care of this when you pour sand and crushed stone to ensure drainage for your foundation. For the border, you can choose stone, metal sheets, brick and, of course, wood logs.
