Have you ever embarked on a home improvement project with grand visions of beauty and functionality, only to find yourself knee-deep in regrets? Well, let me tell you about our biggest regret from our backyard makeover by far: the gravel pathway.
When we first decided to install a gravel pathway on our property, we were excited by its charm and natural appeal. It seemed like the perfect addition to our outdoor space, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Little did we know, however, that our love affair with the gravel pathway would be short-lived.
In hindsight, we realize that our mistake was prioritizing aesthetics and budget over practicality. While the gravel pathway looked picturesque initially and kept us more reasonably in budget, it soon revealed its flaws. It quickly became apparent that gravel was not the most suitable material for our family and our furry friends.
The issues started to arise almost immediately. Gravel would get lodged in our shoes, finding its way into our home with every step we took. Our dogs, oblivious to the delicate balance we were trying to maintain, treated the pathway like their personal playground, kicking up dust and gravel. And don't even get me started on the constant battle of keeping the pathway clear of debris—it felt like a never-ending chore.
After enduring a year of frustration and countless attempts to mitigate the problems, we finally decided it had to go. We made the decision to replace the gravel pathway with salt finished concrete, and it was one of the best decisions we've ever made. Unfortunately, it would have been more affordable to have just done this from the beginning, but hindsight is 20/20.
The transformation is remarkable. Not only does the new pathway provide a clean and durable surface, but it also offered the practicality and functionality that had been missing before now.
Now, instead of worrying about gravel getting tracked into our home or tripping when bringing things into the workshop, we can focus on enjoying our outdoor space to the fullest. The salt finished concrete pathway has proven to be a low-maintenance and long-lasting solution that perfectly complements our lifestyle.
Looking back, I wish someone had warned us about the pitfalls of choosing gravel for our pathway, but you live and you learn. We absolutely love the new pathways and can’t wait for everything to fully bloom out! I’m trellising these climbing roses this week so follow along on Instagram if you’re interested!!
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