Landscape Design: How Wide Should a Path Be?

Paths are an important part of garden design. They make your garden and its various areas accessible and create a walking route. Of course, you’d prefer to use as little space as possible for things like paths (and leave more room for greenery), but a well-designed and sufficiently wide path in the garden is still very important. To determine the minimum width of a path, it’s important to distinguish between different types of paths and their intended uses. You can use the following guidelines for your garden design or garden plan.

What is the minimum width for a garden path?

Main Trails

A main path must be wide enough. The main path is the primary (or only) route between your garden gate and shed or gate, or between your front door and the sidewalk. If possible, it’s best to design it so that two people can walk comfortably side by side. To achieve this, aim for a minimum width of 120 cm.

Secondary trails

A secondary path is used less frequently and less intensively than a main path. However, even a secondary path can still see a lot of use. Think of a side path, a path leading to an outdoor seating area, or a path leading to the trash cans, for example. The basic rule here is that the path should be wide enough for a single person to walk comfortably. Aim for a minimum width of 75–90 cm.

Decorative paths

If you have the space, it might be a good idea to create one or more decorative paths. This is a great way to create lines of sight through the garden, to take a pleasant stroll around the garden, or simply to access certain plants or borders (for example, for maintenance). A decorative path can also be built using natural materials or stepping stones.

How do you use the path, and what do you need to keep in mind?

There are various ways to use a path. A wide path can also serve as a play area for the kids or a spot where you can easily turn your bike around. If you often use a path with larger tools or a wheelbarrow, it’s best to make it a little wider. If you also have a lawn, you might find it just as easy to walk on the grass in the summer, but in the fall and winter, a paved path is very convenient.

For wheelchair users, a path at least 90 cm wide is recommended. It’s also helpful for people with strollers if the path is at least this wide.

Keep in mind that many plants at the edge of a border will hang over or grow onto the path. This creates a beautiful effect, but of course it does narrow the path.

With a good garden design, you can make the path part of your garden plan and even have it enhance the design—even if you do need a wider path.