Why Pave Your Pathways?
A muddy, worn track across the lawn looks untidy, creates mess that gets tracked inside, and doesn't handle heavy foot traffic well. A properly paved pathway solves all of this — it keeps people off the lawn, handles rain without becoming a mud pit, and gives the garden a planned, purposeful look.
Aztec Paving installs garden pathways, side-access paths, service paths and connecting routes throughout Alberton and across Gauteng South. Pathways are often part of a larger project — connecting a driveway to the front door, linking a patio to a pool surround, or running along the side of the house to the back garden.
Types of Pathway Paving
Brick Paved Pathways
Standard brick pavers — either clay (Corobrick) or cement (bevel bond) — are the most common pathway material. They're durable, practical, and available in a range of sizes and colours. For pathways that will match an existing driveway or patio, we try to use the same brick type and colour for visual consistency.
Flagstone Pathways
Flagstone paths have a more natural, informal character than brick. They work particularly well in established gardens where you want the path to feel integrated rather than imposed. LaCotta flagstones in mixed sizes create an especially attractive garden path. See our flagstone paving page for more on this option.
Stepping Stone Paths
For informal garden access where a full paved path isn't required, individual stepping stones can be laid through grass or garden beds. This is a lighter and more affordable option where the pathway serves occasional rather than constant use.
Pathway Width and Design
Path width should match the intended use. A simple garden access path can be 600–900mm wide. A side path that needs to accommodate a wheelbarrow or garden equipment should be 900–1000mm. A path that two people will regularly walk side by side needs to be at least 1200mm. Getting the width wrong — particularly making it too narrow — creates a path that nobody actually uses.
Curves and straight lines both work, but curves need to be generous rather than sharp to look natural and flow well. Poorly designed curves that don't align with how people naturally walk create shortcuts through the garden.
Drainage Along Pathways
Pathways that run beside a house need to be carefully designed to direct water away from the foundation. We ensure pathways slope correctly and that water can drain to an appropriate area rather than pooling against walls or running back towards the house.
For longer pathways, we consider whether drainage channels or permeable joints are needed to handle heavy summer rainfall in Gauteng.
Matching Pathways to Existing Paving
Where you already have an established driveway or patio, the pathway paving should ideally complement it. We'll look at what you have and advise whether to match it exactly, use a complementary material, or create a deliberate visual contrast — the right answer depends on the overall design of your property and personal preference.
Pathway Paving FAQs
A minimum of 600mm for a rarely-used access path, 900mm for general garden access, and 1200mm or wider if two people will regularly walk side by side. Side paths that need to take a wheelbarrow should be at least 900–1000mm clear width.
A full concrete base isn't always required, but a properly prepared and compacted base layer is essential. The depth of preparation depends on the soil type and intended use. Light garden paths may need less preparation than a path that will carry heavy foot traffic regularly. We assess each project individually.
Yes, we add pathways to existing gardens regularly. This typically involves some disturbance to surrounding areas, which we keep to a minimum, and we tidy up the edges and adjacent planting areas on completion.