Mixing materials definitely helps stretch things further, especially if you’re working with leftovers or reclaimed stuff. I’ve found that using brick as a border keeps the wood slices from shifting around too much, plus it looks a bit more “finished.” I get what you mean about pine—tried it once and it got mushy after one winter, even with sealant. Oak and maple seem to last longer, but they’re not always easy to find cheap.
If you’re worried about uneven wear, maybe set the wood slices in gravel or sand instead of straight dirt? That way, if any start to rot or break down, swapping them out isn’t a huge hassle. I’m also curious if anyone’s tried using concrete rounds instead of wood for the same look—might be more work up front, but zero maintenance. Just a thought.
I get the appeal of concrete rounds, but honestly, I think they lose some of that cozy, organic vibe you get with wood slices. Plus, concrete can crack over time if your ground shifts a lot—had that happen in my last place and it was a pain to fix. I actually like the idea of mixing in some stone or even metal accents for durability without going full-on industrial. Just feels a bit warmer, you know?