Building a Boardwalk

[fritz]

From the area park my car and truck, to the cabin, is about 200 feet across pasture grass.  It's not a bad walk in workshoes, but other times it can be wet, muddy and by winter, snow and packed snow.  I'm thinking I'll build a boardwalk from the parking area to the area around the deck and steps into my cabin.

SO I've got a couple of ideas and wanted any thoughts you all might have:

Idea one:  using pre fab concrete deck blocks as on-ground footings.  This will make it easier to build very level --- and will protect the wood longer, but it may allow more grass and weeds to grow under.

Idea two:  running three runners of 2 x 6 along the ground to follow the mostly flat contour of the ground.  This will reduce eliminate grass and weeds, but shorten the  wood life.

And Question:  I'm leaning toward the runners on the ground -- and was thinking I would offset 16 foot boards on opposite sides to make one continuous run -- but also thought about building this is 8' sections and joining the sections.

Any thoughts? 

[apaknad]

are you considering the snow that will have to be cleaned off it?

[Redoverfarm]

Fritz I would opt for the above ground.  You could roll out some "weed block" fabric under it to control the weeds.  You walk would last longer.  If you have ever built a temporary board walkway to a construction site and see how it looks 6 mons-1 year down the road.  Not very appealing. 

[NM_Shooter]

Are aesthetics critical?  Why not border the path with railroad ties, put drain tubes through where needed and fill with gravel?  If intent on a boardwalk, I'd raise it off the ground and use synthetic wood for the deck.

[OldDog]

I have one at my home.  It is built just like a long, narrow deck on 4x4's about 6 inches off the ground.

Snow can be a pain in the butt.  I have found it best to clear it of snow before walking on it.

I did not put anything under it to stop grass and only have an occasional blade make it through the cracks.  I just hit it with the weed whacker when triming along the sides.

[MarkAndDebbie]

2x6's will have less chemicals than posts which are rated for direct ground contact. I don't know the different life expectancy, but you might check it out.

[fritz]

Thanks all, good stuff to think about....I'll post on my Builder Project thread as I get closer.