Walkways That Wow: Materials, Layout Ideas & Design Tips for Your Home

A beautifully designed walkway does more than guide guests to your door — it sets the tone for your entire outdoor space. The right walkway can boost curb appeal, increase safety, define your landscape, and even raise your home’s value.

At Gerhart’s Landscaping, we help homeowners create walkways that are as functional as they are visually striking. Whether you're enhancing your front entry or creating a garden path that winds through your backyard, the design possibilities are endless.

Here’s your ultimate guide to choosing materials, layouts, and design features that will make your walkway truly wow.

Why Walkways Matter

Walkways may seem simple, but they play a major role in your overall landscape design. A well-crafted walkway:

• Creates a welcoming entry to your home

• Provides safe, stable footing in all seasons

• Connects outdoor spaces in a cohesive way

• Complements architectural style

• Helps manage foot traffic and protect plantings

• Adds long-lasting value to your property

Thoughtful walkway design is one of the most impactful — and often overlooked — hardscaping upgrades you can make.

Best Materials for Standout Walkways

Choosing the right material is the first step in creating a walkway that fits your style, budget, and maintenance needs. Here are the most popular and durable options.

Pavers — Versatile, Durable, and Stylish

Pavers are one of the most common choices for walkways because they combine beauty with long-lasting performance. They’re available in endless colors, shapes, and textures, allowing for custom patterns and unique looks.

Benefits:

• Highly durable and crack-resistant

• Great for Pennsylvania freeze–thaw cycles

• Huge selection of colors and styles

• Easy to repair (individual stones can be replaced)

Popular styles:

• Herringbone

• Running bond

• Random pattern

• Basket weave

Flagstone — Natural, Timeless Beauty

Flagstone provides an earthy, organic look that works beautifully with gardens, natural landscapes, or rustic-style homes.

Benefits:

• Rich color variations

• Natural non-slip texture

• Elegant, high-end appearance

Common varieties:

• Bluestone

• Sandstone

• Slate

Concrete — Clean, Modern, and Affordable

Concrete has come a long way in the design world. Today, homeowners can choose standard concrete for a clean and simple walkway or opt for decorative stamped or colored finishes.

Benefits:

• Cost-effective

• Smooth, uniform appearance

• Customizable with stamping and staining

Great for modern or minimalist designs.

Gravel or Stone Paths — Casual and Charming

Gravel walkways work especially well in gardens or informal landscape designs. They’re budget-friendly and offer a soft, natural feel.

Benefits:

• Affordable

• Quick installation

• Rustic, cottage-style charm

Pair with stone or metal edging for a polished look.

Layout Ideas That Transform Your Landscape

Your walkway layout is just as important as the material. The shape, width, and flow influence both function and visual impact.

Straight, Formal Walkways

Ideal for traditional homes or symmetrical front yards.

Features:

• Clean, bold lines

• Enhances grand architectural styles

• Works well with pavers or concrete

Curved, Organic Paths

Perfect for a relaxed, natural look.

Features:

• Softer edges

• Great for gardens and flowerbeds

• Encourages exploration

Curves naturally guide visitors through the landscape and create a sense of movement.

Stepping Stone Walkways

Creates a whimsical, charming feel — excellent for backyard spaces.

Features:

• Spaced stone slabs

• Looks beautiful with groundcover plants

• Works well with flagstone or large pavers

Wide Entry Walkways

A wider walkway instantly elevates curb appeal and makes entryways look more grand and welcoming.

Ideal width:

• 4–6 feet for front entryways

• 3–4 feet for side or garden paths

Design Tips to Make Your Walkway Stand Out

Here are some key features that can take your walkway from simple to stunning.

Add borders or edging

Edging creates visual definition and prevents grass or mulch from spilling onto the walkway. Popular edging materials include stone, metal, brick, and pavers.

Incorporate lighting

Lighting adds safety and ambiance. Options include pathway lights, recessed step lights, and low-voltage LED fixtures.

Use landscaping to frame the walkway

Plantings soften hard edges and create a welcoming feel. Consider:

• Boxwoods

• Perennials

• Ornamental grasses

• Seasonal color flowers

Combine materials for a custom finish

Mixing textures — such as pavers with gravel accents or flagstone surrounded by mulch — creates contrast and interest.

Match the style of your home

The material should complement your architecture:

• Colonial or traditional homes → pavers, brick, bluestone

• Modern homes → concrete, large-format pavers

• Rustic homes → flagstone, natural stone

Ready to Transform Your Walkway?

A thoughtfully designed walkway adds curb appeal, functionality, and long-lasting beauty to your home. At Gerhart’s Landscaping, our team combines expert craftsmanship with custom design to create walkways that elevate your entire property.

Whether you prefer modern simplicity, natural stone elegance, or a charming garden path, we can bring your vision to life with durable materials and professional installation.

Contact Gerhart’s Landscaping today to schedule a consultation or get started on your walkway project!