If you want to build a walkway on a slope, keep reading for our best tips!
Often, homeowners are faced with grade issues on their properties. While they may want to add hardscaping to their backyards, they may be hesitant due to the difficulty of hardscaping a steep slope. A professional contractor can employ several options to make a hilly yard or sloping driveway a hardscaping masterpiece!
A professional landscape contractor understands the local ground conditions and can design the base layer to compensate for sloped ground or other problems. If you want to build a walkway or pathway on a sloped area of your property, keep reading for our best tips!
Measure the Slope
Accurately measuring the slope is essential for a successful project. A simple way to do this is by using a string level. Place a stake at the top and bottom of the slope and tie a string between the stakes, making sure it is level. Measure the distance from the ground to the string at both ends.
The difference in these measurements will give you the slope. Knowing the exact grade helps you plan for drainage and other design considerations.
Design Considerations
Designing a paver walkway on a slope involves more than just picking pavers. You must ensure the walkway is wide enough for comfortable use, with a minimum width of 36 inches. Gentle curves are more aesthetically pleasing and easier to navigate than sharp turns. If the slope is steep, consider incorporating steps or landings to make the walkway safer and more visually appealing.
Choose the Right Materials
Concrete and paving stones are great materials for sloped walkways. Brick and granite are other great choices for their durability and slip resistance. In certain areas, loose pebbles also work for a sloped walkway. Your team will take time to understand how you intend to use the walkway to make the right recommendations for your space.
Don’t Forget About Drainage
Proper drainage design is especially vital when hardscaping a pathway or walkway on a slope. While it is not essential, adding a drainage mat at the lowest elevation of the paver surface can aid in water removal. Good drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling and causing erosion. Consider installing French drains or trench drains to direct water away.
Interested in Improving Your Outdoor Living Space? Consider Landscape and Hardscaping Design Services from Carroll Landscaping
Carroll Landscaping has over 30 years of experience with landscape construction, porch construction, deck building, and hardscape installation. Our award-winning landscape designers are passionate about providing customers with top-notch service and landscape design. Our landscape designers have a creative design outlook and work as a team with our installation crews to make your vision a reality. We are committed to providing every customer with the highest quality workmanship, professional and knowledgeable service, and creativity in design in order to surpass our clients’ expectations in every aspect of the project.
We serve residents throughout the beautiful state of Maryland including Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City, Eldersburg, Clarksville, Sykesville, Manchester, Westminster, and Woodstock. For more information and to schedule a consultation with one of our expert designers, contact us online or give us a call at 410-922-2416.