How to Design a Path With Pavers

Walk the area of your yard where you intend to add the path. Create a simple pencil sketch including the existing trees, gardens, fence and other features.

Decide where you want the path to begin and end. Consider choosing a well-traveled path that guests take from the entrance to a pool or patio. Mark those points on the sketch.

Test potential courses for the path and decide if you want a direct path, if it will wind around a garden or both. Consider splitting the path so guests can take a direct route, or visit the garden first.

Measure the area to determine how wide the surface can be. The path can vary in width to accommodate narrow areas, but note that a wheelchair will need a minimum width of 4 feet.

Draw the course of the path on your sketch. Note where the path will turn and if the turns will be angles or curves.

Choose the type of pavers and pattern you will use. Pavers come in a range of colors. Create your own pattern or try traditional patterns such as a half-basket weave.

Decide if you will lay the pavers in sand or mortar. Sand-setting pavers gives you easy access if you need to repair or replace them in the future, and it's a cleaner installation process. Setting pavers in mortar is a more challenging process for novice do-it-yourselfers.

Choose the type of edge restraint to install along the borders. Consider wood or metal for straight paths and flexible edging for curves.