What Material Should I Use for a Walkway or Path?

When designing a beautiful and functional landscape, walkways and paths are more than just a way to get from point A to point B. They’re a vital part of your yard’s structure, helping define outdoor spaces, guiding visitors, and adding curb appeal.

At C&K Landscaping, one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners across Central Utah is:
“What material should I use for my walkway or path?”

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal material depends on your property’s style, your maintenance preferences, your budget, and how the path will be used. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular walkway materials, their pros and cons, and where each works best in Utah’s climate.

Why the Right Path Material Matters

The material you choose for your walkway directly affects:

• Durability

• Maintenance needs

• Safety (especially in icy or wet conditions)

• Visual appeal and design style

• Long-term value

Because Utah’s climate brings hot summers, freezing winters, and low annual rainfall, your walkway materials need to handle freeze-thaw cycles, potential snow removal, and drought-tolerant design aesthetics.

Let’s dive into the best options.

Concrete: The Workhorse of Walkways

What It Is:

A solid slab poured into place or installed as precast pavers.

Why It’s Popular:

Concrete is widely used for residential and commercial walkways because it’s strong, affordable, and extremely versatile. You can stain, stamp, or texture concrete to mimic stone, tile, or brick at a lower price point.

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting (20–40 years with proper care)

• Low maintenance

• Smooth, even surface

• Wide range of design options

• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Can crack over time with freeze-thaw cycles

• Requires expansion joints

• Repairs are more noticeable than modular materials

Best For:

• Entry paths, front walkways, and high-traffic zones where you want stability and clean lines.

C&K Tip: We use reinforced concrete with proper base preparation to minimize cracking and ensure lasting durability in Utah’s freeze-thaw conditions.

Natural Flagstone: Timeless and Elegant

What It Is:

Large, irregular flat stones like sandstone, limestone, or slate, installed directly into soil, sand, or mortar.

Why It’s Popular:

Flagstone creates a natural, upscale look that blends beautifully with Utah’s mountain and desert scenery.

Pros:

• Highly durable (can last decades)

• Natural appearance that complements landscaping

• Unique, custom layouts

• Cooler underfoot than concrete in summer

Cons:

• Higher cost for materials and installation

• Uneven surfaces may be difficult for wheelchairs or strollers

• Requires skilled installation for stability

Best For:

• Garden paths, backyard patios, and accent walkways where aesthetics are a priority.

C&K Tip: We carefully grade and compact the sub-base before setting flagstones to prevent shifting, especially during snow melt and spring thaw.

Pavers: The Best of Both Worlds

What It Is:

Pre-cast interlocking blocks made from concrete, clay, or natural stone.

Why It’s Popular:

Pavers offer the durability of concrete with the design flexibility of natural stone, plus easy maintenance.

Pros:

• Highly durable (30–50 years)

• Easy to repair (individual pavers can be replaced)

• Freeze-thaw resistant when installed properly

• Wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns

Cons:

• Higher installation labor cost

• Weeds may grow between joints if not sealed

Best For:

• Driveway aprons, front walks, backyard patios, and paths near flower beds that need a more decorative, customizable look.

C&K Tip: We install pavers with polymeric sand in the joints, reducing weed growth and shifting while keeping maintenance low.

Gravel: Affordable & Natural-Looking

What It Is:

Loose crushed stone, decomposed granite, or pea gravel.

Why It’s Popular:

Gravel is a budget-friendly, flexible option that works well for informal paths or xeriscaped yards.

Pros:

• Low cost

• Excellent drainage

• Natural appearance

• Easy to refresh and expand

Cons:

• Loose surface can shift or wash out

• Can be tough for wheelchairs, bikes, or high heels

• Requires occasional raking and top-off

Best For:

• Secondary garden paths, informal walkways, side yard access, or xeriscape accents.

C&K Tip: We recommend edging and compacted base layers to reduce gravel spread and help your path hold its shape over time.

Brick: Classic & Charming

What It Is:

Traditional clay bricks or modern concrete brick pavers laid in patterns.

Why It’s Popular:

Brick offers a timeless, warm aesthetic that works especially well with historic homes or cottage-style landscaping.

Pros:

• Attractive and classic appearance

• Durable with proper maintenance

• Can be laid in various patterns (herringbone, running bond)

Cons:

• More expensive than concrete

• Can shift over time without proper base prep

• Susceptible to moss or mildew in shaded, moist areas

Best For:

• Front walkways, patios, and courtyards with a traditional or upscale design.

C&K Tip: We install brick on properly prepared crushed stone and sand beds to prevent settling and maintain longevity.

Wood or Composite Boardwalks

What It Is:

Pressure-treated lumber, redwood, cedar, or composite decking materials.

Why It’s Popular:

Boardwalk-style paths are ideal for elevated or wet areas where drainage is a concern.

Pros:

• Warm, natural look

• Great for uneven or sloped terrain

• Comfortable underfoot

Cons:

• Shorter lifespan for natural wood (10–20 years)

• Requires sealing or staining for maintenance

• Can become slippery when wet

Best For:

• Garden bridges, wet areas, or pathways through sloped planting beds.

C&K Tip: We recommend composite decking for lower maintenance and longer lifespan compared to natural wood.

Which Walkway Material Is Right for You?

Choosing the right material isn’t just about looks—it’s about function, long-term performance, and how you’ll use the space.

Professional Installation Makes All the Difference

Regardless of which material you choose, proper site preparation and professional installation are key to making your walkway last—especially in Utah’s tough climate. At C&K Landscaping, we bring:

• Years of experience installing walkways that handle snow, ice, and sun

• Knowledge of local soils and drainage

• Attention to proper grading, compaction, and base materials

• Beautiful, functional designs tailored to your property

Let’s Build a Path That Lasts

Your walkway isn’t just a path—it’s an investment in your home’s beauty and function. Whether you want the timeless look of flagstone, the durability of pavers, or a budget-friendly gravel path, C&K Landscaping can help you plan and install a walkway that will perform beautifully for years to come.

📍 Serving homeowners across Central Utah: Richfield, Gunnison, Manti, Ephraim, Salina, Fillmore, Monroe, and surrounding areas.

👉 Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s start designing the perfect path for your property.