If you want to create a barrier-free garden path, you have to consider a large number of points. In this guide you will learn the essential requirements for wheelchair-accessible paths in the garden.

In a nutshell

  • Width according to DIN 18040
  • maximum 6% incline
  • use non-slip material
  • integrate lighting
  • Plan wheelchair-accessible passageways

Barrier-free garden path: dimensions

To make a garden wheelchair accessible, you need to use the right measurements. These are specified in the DIN 18040 standard (barrier-free construction), which makes garden design easier for people with the following restrictions:

  • motoric
  • sensory
  • cognitive

The length of the paths is not specified by the standard. However, you should make sure that the paths are not too short and wide enough for wheelchair users in particular to be able to move around easily. It is therefore preferable to create long paths that run in gentle curves so that there is no lack of space. The minimum width for barrier-free garden paths is specified as follows:

  • straight paths: 120 cm
  • 90° curves or junctions: 160 cm

With these values, the paths can be implemented so that they are suitable for walkers and wheelchairs. But these are not the only values that you have to consider. Other garden path widths relate, for example, to special purposes when designing a barrier-free garden:

  • Byways: 90 cm
  • Working areas: 150 cm

Notice: If the garden path is to be suitable for turning, the width must be increased from 120 to 150 centimetres. This provides enough space to turn and align the wheelchair.

note slope

In addition to the width, the slope is of course an important factor when creating barrier-free garden paths. Regardless of whether a wheelchair or walker is used, inclines of more than six percent can no longer be mastered with it. Therefore, make sure to equip slopes with sufficient paths that meander with a low incline. In this way, a slope can be overcome without any problems. Inclines of two to three percent are particularly easy. They can be used for all paths.

Notice: The maximum gradient also refers to ramps in the garden. As a precaution, equip the ramp with a railing at values of three to six percent.

Gardens on slopes can also be accessed via a platform or classic stair lift. However, only the platform and lift are wheelchair-accessible. The commercially available lift can overcome a height of up to 1.5m, which should be sufficient in most environments.

Material suitable for wheelchairs

In addition to the width and incline, you must use the right material in order to be able to create the garden paths barrier-free and wheelchair-accessible. The floor covering makes a significant contribution to safety in the garden. It should therefore have the following properties:

  • anti-slip
  • weather resistant
  • low-vibration

This allows the garden path to be used all year round, as long as it is cleared when there is snow. There are a number of materials that are suitable for this purpose. Since they each offer different optics and are available in a variety of finishes, they can be integrated as you wish. The following floor coverings are ideal for this:

  • drainage stones
  • Concrete slabs with Teflon coating
  • rubber elastic plates
  • natural stone paving
  • clinker
artificial grass

Tip: Artificial turf is also a popular covering for barrier-free garden paths. Due to its resilience, durability and low maintenance regardless of the weather, the material is ideal for wheelchair-accessible gardens.

integrate lighting

Lighting at the side of the path, which protects against accidental driving onto the lawn or into a bed, is often forgotten. It is mainly used as a signpost so that people with disabilities can find their way around in low light. The style of the lamps doesn't matter as long as they are bright enough to light the way. There are a few installation points to consider to optimize lighting effectiveness and safety:

  • use weatherproof lamps
  • place close enough
  • merging lights important

Make sure that there are no dark spots between the lamps. The darkness and distance can quickly lead to accidents in the garden. Furthermore, the following properties are available for the garden lamps to make operation easier or to adapt them to the desired result:

  • dimmable
  • shielded (no direct light upwards)
  • with timer

passages

If you want to create garden paths barrier-free, you must not forget the wheelchair-accessible connections for garden doors, gates or other passages. With these, various properties are important in order to facilitate the transition from the sidewalk or the house to the garden:

  • Minimum width: 90 cm
  • thresholdless
  • use the ramp if necessary
  • avoid direct branches

frequently asked Questions

What joint width is recommended?

To ensure that the garden path is wheelchair accessible, a maximum joint width of five millimeters should be selected. This distance can easily be overcome with a wheelchair or walker, even if the joints need to be renewed. Larger joints, on the other hand, can lead to a variety of problems that significantly limit accessibility.

Do special points need to be considered during maintenance?

Moss and weeds should be removed as much as possible over the period of use so that there are no sudden bumps. This is important, for example, for paths that are permanently in the shade. They should also be cleaned regularly. In this way, no large amounts of dirt or plant debris accumulate, which would lead to slippery paths, for example after rain.

Are control systems necessary?

In your own garden, no guidance systems are required if the person concerned is familiar enough. If the visual impairment is too severe, the systems can be integrated. Guidance systems are extremely helpful, especially in larger gardens with numerous plants, other obstacles and slopes.

Category:

Garden design