Stone Walkways: Choosing the Right Material for the Job

August 11, 2025

According to the New York Post, a majority of American adults seek to spend more time outdoors. Over 60 percent of survey respondents cited that being outside increased feelings of relaxation, gave them mental acuity, and improved their mood.

The design of your outdoor space can be a significant hurdle to spending quality time in nature. When you do not feel like it's navigable or accessible, it may seem easier to just stay indoors.

Stone walkways are an easy solution to upgrade your landscape design and turn it into the area of your dreams. In this article, we'll dive into some of the benefits of stone walkways and some of the most durable stone solutions.

Let's get started.

The Benefits of Stone Walkways

You may be wondering if stone walkways are worth the investment. After all, outdoor renovation projects can be time-consuming and expensive.

Here are some of the key advantages of stone walkways for your outdoor space.

Accessibility

Walkways open up the entire green space to people of all ages and abilities, making navigation much easier for those with mobility devices such as the following:

Wheelchairs
Walkers
Crutches
Canes
Braces

The stone path provides a smooth surface, so those with mobility limitations can retain independence and dignity while exploring the outdoors. Additionally, mobility aids can be expensive, and stone walkways pose less risk of damage and potentially costly replacements.

If you wish to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, you'll need to ensure that your walkways are at least 36 inches in width.

Healthier Grass

Although many types of grass are designed to withstand constant foot treads, too much impact can cause damage. Walking on grass during the colder months may prevent it from growing back properly during the spring.

Stone pathways provide designated walking routes and prevent people from unnecessarily touching the grass. This can be especially beneficial if you have recently installed new grass or you're waiting for seasonal growth to begin.

Installing stone pathways also allows you to plant more ornamental grasses that cannot withstand heavy foot traffic, such as:

Bottlebrush grass
Pink muhly grass
Mexican feather grass
Maiden grass
Prairie cordgrass

Even if your outdoor space contains regular grass, conditions such as wet weather can make it unpleasant or even impossible to walk through. Rather than deal with the hassle of waterlogged shoes or grass stains, use designated stone walkways as a cleaner alternative.

A Structured Look

Large outdoor spaces with many different features can sometimes be overwhelming. When there are different attractions, such as fountains, retaining walls, or play areas, the eye can be drawn in many different ways.

Pathways can add structure to your yard space, breaking it up into several sections. A path system that makes every area of the space accessible can allow users to explore without having to navigate through plant life.

Structured stone paths provide a cohesive look as well. Different design elements may feature an array of materials and colors, but a consistent pathway running through the space can tie it all together.

Durable Stone Choices

Once you have decided where you want your stone pathways, the next choice is material. The type of material for your pathway depends on factors such as:

Budget: Calculate an estimated budget for your project, factoring in material, labor, and other costs.
Foot traffic: Determine how much foot traffic the area will receive, so you can find a material that meets your durability needs.
Maintenance: Think about how much time or money you are willing to spend on maintaining your stone pathways.
Lifespan: How long would you like your pathways to last before replacing them?

Below, we'll explore some of Paramount Stone's best product options that are ideal for stone walkways.

Bluestone

Our premium Bluestone is a beautiful blend of natural appearance and enduring elegance. Choose from two options:

Select Blue: A more subtle tone of blue and grey, ideal for more monochrome spaces.
Full Color: Features more shades of brown, green, grey, and blue with an overall more saturated and vibrant hue, better as an accent element or as part of a more fun, colorful space.

Concrete

For builders on a budget, concrete is a great choice that combines durability and functionality. Its grey hue means that it can fit in seamlessly with almost any outdoor space. Since it tends to be more inexpensive, you won't have to worry about heavy foot traffic or accidents, such as breakage and spills.

At Paramount Stone, we offer a versatile concrete block that can be used as a foundational material or as a basic paver for outdoor areas, such as patios. For quick construction projects, it is one of the most cost-effective methods for achieving a streamlined look while on a budget.

Belgian Blocks

For a more elegant look that harkens back to cobblestone streets, Belgian Blocks are a fantastic choice. While modern options can be sleek and stunning, traditional materials such as Belgian blocks bring elements of Old World charm and sophistication to the design of your outdoor space.

Granite

Granite isn't just a popular choice for indoor countertops; it can serve as a durable and beautiful option for your outdoor spaces as well. Its smooth, sleek appearance, combined with durability, makes it a good investment.

Granite is much more resistant to general wear and tear, such as scratches and stains, than other materials. If you're looking for a solution that will not have to be replaced anytime soon, granite may be the right choice.

Find the Best Material for Your Stone Walkways

Stone walkways are a stunning feature that can transform your outdoor space. With these natural stone options, your walkway design can be both functional and stylish.

At Paramount Stone, our team of experts can work with you to create the perfect outdoor design for your home or business. We have generational knowledge of construction and masonry, and our company received the distinction of MIA Accredited Natural Stone Fabricator in 2014.

Are you looking for a company to partner with for your landscape stone solutions? Reach out to Paramount Stone today or visit our showroom in Stamford, CT, to view our products in person.