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Hi there,
I’m considering updating the front of my house and have two options in mind, but I’m not sure which would be the best fit for both appearance and budget. Here are my options:
- Decking pathway and connecting it to the front of the house.
- Tiles and connecting them to the existing tiles at the front of the house.
The old pavers are quite messy, and I’m looking for a fresh, budget-friendly solution. I’ve attached pictures to give you a better idea of the current situation. Could you advise which option would work best and what budget I should keep in mind? Also, should I hire a skilled professional for this project? If so, can anyone recommend someone?
Thank you for your help!
Hello @amalabid
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about building front path to your front gate.
A low-level deck pathway is possible but height and spacing will need to be taken into consideration. If the low-level deck is going to affect the gates opening, then the door of the gate will need to be moved up so that it will not hit the deck. If your gate posts are already anchored into the ground this might become an issue when moving the gates height.
Using pavers on the other hand means that the old pavers must be removed so that you'll have a nice new uniform paved walkway. Lining this up would be relatively straight forward as you just need to dig into the soil so that the pavers can be laid out level. The main advantage of the pavers is that they don't require a great deal of maintenance when compared to a timber walkway where it will need to be painted or stained when its covering starts to fade. Here is one of my favourite front yard renovations - Front yard renovation by @LaCasaDIY
For long term use and ease of maintenance, I'm putting my vote to pavers.
In regards to the budget, pavers are not that expensive, and it all depends on how much you are willing to spend. I propose drawing up a plan and see how much material you'll be needing. You can then visit your local store and see how much the pavers will cost.
Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Pave A Pathway
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Good Evening @amalabid
I really like the abilty to change the look of a yard, you pretty much have a blank slate 
I like reusing the pavers for a few reasons -
- reuse feels good and your pavers are a decent size.
- low maintenance, they arnt going anywhere.
- prep work is only digging and shoveling.
I agree with @EricL over the issue with a raised deck, even a low one. Trying to line it up with the existing height of the gate will make it look a little odd. Cost for the decking and the ability to stand up to your enviroment is something else I would factor in.
For the design process, Id grab a sketch pad, pencil and head to your nearest cafe
Sit back and sketch in the known things you have in your yard, it dosnt have to be accurate but should contain things like concrete slabs, driveways, taps and anything solid (trees, shrubs)
Once you have that then the next page is where you get to add in and subtract ideas, All those hard items you transfer to you second page. I notice that your front path is narrow and dead straight plus you have a patio kind of with the same pavers. If you lift the patio pavers then you could widen your path to 3 pavers, if you wanted to go for a stepping stone style with pebbles that opens up a larger area of what you supplies (resources) can do.
I had about 4 iterations for my front yard, I am currently designing my backyard doing exactly what I am suggesting for you.
This is what was
To an idea of what I am thinking of
What was real.
What is now.
You definently have the ability to do landscaping yourself, set small projects within the relaying a path, then a path out to your side gate?
New letterbox area, garden with water tolerant plants (presuming from your redish soil you could be in an area that dosnt get a lot of water, tho Robertson South of Sydney has red soil and is lush )
Everything from a dry creek bed Rainscaping: Rain gardens, buffers and dry creekbeds by @DirtMonkey It wasnt one that id seen before as I just went looking for another but wow to what they have done!
I have swales that funnel my stormwater around the front yard to let it soak in as much as it can. (troll through my bookmarks under my name) It really works and I can guarentee you will be out in the rain watching your hard work, work
The last suggestion I can throw in, well last few suggestions People get rid of pavers for free all the time, keep an eye out in the socials for them. Need to move fast when you see it. One of the recent projects I saw was a front path with large tiles on mud with white pebbles and that looks outstanding How to tile over concrete pavers and stabilise pebbles? by @ty2. They revamped it and it looks professional!
Maybe mix it up with side path with 3 pavers side by side with white pebbles and the front path with brand new large tiles style plus pebbles, Even a bend adds to non boring look. Cruise around a few neighbourhoods and take note of ides is something I do
Cant wait to see which way you go, save the $$$$ and even $$$$$ and sink some of that into doing it yourself
Dave
