With time, patience and the help of a few friends you can transform that ugly entrance into your own path of gold.

A paved entry path is attractive, practical and hard wearing, providing a nice, flat passage to the front door. The path shown here has been laid using two different-sized pavers in contrasting colours. It's an individual look that will suit most people.

The brick-like pavers come in more than a dozen finishes, with the larger ones in four colours, so there are many possible combinations.

The excavation for the path should be about 150 mm deep to allow 75 mm for the base rock, 25 mm for sand and 50 mm for the pavers.

The only other expense would be the hire of a Wacker (plate compactor), which will set you back about $70 a day. And there it is. A worthy addition to the house and garden that will add beauty and value to any home.

Story by Chris Desmond © Herald Sun New Home Magazine
Pictures by Roger du Buisson

James, Nicole and baby Lucy are delighted with their new path

Step 01: Excavate the area and mark out the path with stringlines

Step 02: Lay a base of crushed rock

Step 03: Level the crushed rock with a straight edge

Step 04: Pack down the rock with a vibrating plate compactor

Step 05: Lay an even bed of sand

Step 06: Level the sand with a straight edge and two screeding rails

Step 07: Start laying the pavers using stringlines

Step 08: Leave a gap of 2 to 3 mm between pavers

Step 09: Place cut pavers around obstructions

Step 10: Sweep in sand to fill the gaps thoroughly

Step 11: Concrete haunch all free edges and give final compaction