Long-lasting
and often of significant cost, the hard surfaces of your property
should be thoughtfully designed and installed. Both the driveway
and front walk welcome your visitors and give that initial
impression of warmth and charm. Therefore, not only the practical
considerations of function, but also, the shape, color, and
texture should be decided as well.
There are only two practical rules when designing a front
walk. First: It should allow two people to walk abreast
of each other (usually 4 to 5 feet wide). Second: Steps
should be grouped. If singular steps are spaced every 4
to 6 feet apart, a person must always look down to watch
for the next step. This is both annoying and breaks up the
natural rhythm of walking.
The paving choices for driveways available today are numerous.
Departing from the common asphalt but using it as a practical
base, we might choose pea stone or clamshells as a surface
material. This not only gives us color and texture but a
soft crunching sound under the tires as we drive in. Even
though we spend a spring morning raking the pea stone after
a winter of plows and shovels, this inexpensive alternative
to asphalt should be used more often.
Brick is another attractive alternative. From the classic
'City Hall Paver' to the numerous cement based, color enhanced,
brick pavers, the choice seems endless. Not only color but
also the actual shape, and dimensions, of the individual
bricks must be decided. Furthermore, a border of greater
or lesser color contrast and a brick of different shape
might be considered. In a large area, a geometric, or other,
pattern may be introduced to enhance interest and break
up the visual expanse of the surface.
Granite in the form of cobblestone, steps, or flat pattern
has many applications. More suitable in walks and terraces
it is often too expensive for driveways. Colors vary from
light gray to almost black. It can be used in combination
with other materials as either a border or accent.
Exposed aggregate is a combination of pebbles and cement.
Designed and installed correctly, the clean pebble surface
determines the color of the walks, terraces and driveways.
The
decision for bluestone or fieldstone walks and terraces
depends upon the degree of formality desired, bluestone
having a more formal appearance. Bluestone comes in rectangular
shapes of various sizes while fieldstone is naturally irregular.
Both materials can be cut to conform to the outline of a
walk or terrace. One should be aware that the quality of
these stone types varies greatly and that only the best
should be used.
Finally, flagstone is a material to be avoided. It is slippery
when wet and unstable unless set in cement. Today, only
the best masons seem capable of achieving a cement bond
that will not crack over time.
Because
our eyes naturally follow lines or edges, the layout of
our hard surface should be as pleasing as possible. Whether
curved or straight, it is the outline of these surfaces
that lead us into the home and garden.
Therefore, given the cost and long-lasting nature of hard
surfaces, it is important to consider your choices carefully.
Research your alternatives thoughtfully and possibly seek
a professional's advice.
— Randall Wieting
Hard
Surfaces: Walks, Driveways, and Terraces 