Chapter 15 Hardscapes 401 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Standard Widths Walkways should be wide enough for at least one person to walk comfort- ably. A minimum standard is 24″. It must be twice that width, or 48″, to allow two people to walk side by side or to pass each other without stepping off the path. The path must be at least 36″ wide to be suitable for a wheelchair. The width of a path should also be in proportion to the home. A large home with an expansive yard, for example, may have a path ranging from 5′ to 10′ wide. Driveways Driveways are often one of the largest hard- scapes in residential landscapes. The standard mate- rial used for most homes is poured concrete. If it is not practical to replace a driveway, designers may have to leave the driveway as it is or perhaps line both sides with stone or bricks to make it more interesting. If the driveway is going to be newly installed or replaced, a designer may include it in the design. Driveways can be one continuous surface or divided into tire paths with groundcover between the paths. The materials used often depend on the client’s choice and/or the budget, Figure 15-3. The design and installation of a driveway and other hardscapes may be subject to local building regulations and codes. Patios and Decks Patios are recreational areas adjoining a building, such as a home, to extend the living area and are often used for outdoor dining. Patios are typi- cally made with hard surface materials, such as stone, pavers, or concrete, and are usually at ground level, Figure 15-4A. These areas should be designed with suffi cient space for chairs and tables and enough area for people to sit or stand and socialize. A deck is typically a raised platform constructed with wood or a composite made from a combination of recycled wood and plastic. Decks often have aesthetic and practical features, such as multiple levels, built-in seating and storage, fi repits, and built-in lighting, Figure 15-4B. romakoma/Shutterstock.com Figure 15-3. Driveways should match the home in style, material, and proportion. A B Dariusz Jarzabek/Shutterstock.com Figure 15-4. A—Patios provide places to gather, dine, and socialize with family and friends. B—Decks often have multiple levels, steps, and rails, which add interest to the design and create more areas for socializing. Ozgur Coskun/Shutterstock.com