What is a classy and natural pathway material?

Question

Can't be messy

Should require no water

Not concrete (of course this isn't natural anyway)

I can't afford any more flagstone (I have Idaho quartzite patio in my back yard).

Answer 1

I would consider nutshells, stone, or anything else that lets water through and meets your aesthetic preferences. Organics like shells breakdown very slowly. A nut hull will be long lasting and shells keep their color.
Your local nursery may know of sources or look in your area for nut orchards. In the Pacific Northwest we have filbert (hazelnut) shells and I have not had to replenish in the 4 years since I placed them in the paths. I found them through my local nursery.

Here is a picture so you can see the color of pecan hulls
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rustyrabbit/124350183/

Answer 2

Your choice is going to be governed by several factors - The co lour of the existing hard standing because the new will need to 'go' with it. The amount of paving you already have - think about your water run off - do you want something really permeable, or can it be solid? If it is a pathway How much use will it have? Pea shingle often gets into the grooves in the bottom of boots and can be a nuisance - Bark can be dirty - dusty int he heat and soggy int he wet! My advice would be go to the local builders merchant and see what they have in your price range - you may be surprised by the range and find something you would not really have considered.

Answer 3

here in arizona the standard for pathways is a quarter inch minus- or quarter minus. it is fine granite mixed in with pulverized rock and dirt, usually in the red color.

the dirt and pulverized rock allow for building up the material anywhere needed and having it solid under your feet. the loose gravel rolls around the top when you walk, but the loose gravel never gets deep in depth, always allowing for traction.

I can't locate a picture of a pathway with it, but it would look good in the red color with the flagstone.

usually this is contained within brick borders containing the walkway, but home depot does have a cheap plastic border that is much faster to install.

Answer 4

I'm not sure how my client did it but he has on his kitchen floor small pea gravel size rocks then over it he's poured some kind of clear coating, it looks just like glass, its beautiful and smooth and just needs to be swept and mopped. I'm sure at the local hardware or home improvement store they would be able to help you out with the right directions and materials.

Answer 5

Think about some logs or trees cut two inches thick, soak them with wood preserver lay them down to a pattern , then put stone dust or small pebbles in between.

Answer 6

I am in Florida and here alot of people buy oyster shells whole very cheaply if not free..If you are close to the ocean this would be an option..I do not prefer shreded tree bark, for it gets messy, sticks to your feet as well as harbors lots of insects and termites...

Answer 7

I like smooth,locally excavated gravel. You can hear people coming up the drive!!

You have to get the base right though or it just gets pushed to the edges

Answer 8

Shredded redwood. It works well for paths, and planters as cover. In planters, it keeps the ground from drying out, prevents some weeds from thriving, and wont mildew.

Its softer and quieter than rock.