15 Amazing DIY Backyard Patio Ideas On A Budget (2024)

FAQs

What is the most affordable DIY patio? ›

What is the most budget-friendly DIY patio material? Packed gravel is the lowest-cost option. Gravel is inexpensive, and installation involves digging, tamping, spreading, and adding borders. It's a fast way to add usable backyard space.

Gravel. Gravel is, on average, the cheapest material for a patio and requires the least time to install. It can match well with a less landscaped, wilder garden or backyard, and offers great drainage.

More affordable than stone, more colorful than brick, and more durable than asphalt, concrete pavers are a practical yet attractive option anywhere on the property. And because they're modular, they're easy to install and fix, even for DIYers.

Gravel is the cheapest option when looking to create a patio on a budget. Otherwise, pebbles or reclaimed materials are also good options. If you're set on laying paving slabs, concrete is one of the cheapest materials, and when installed and maintained correctly, it can hold up well and last for years.

If you're a traditionalist and want to utilize tried-and-true approaches that function in almost any setting, go with a sand-set foundation. It's safe and reliable. If you're looking for an easy installation with less required equipment, open-graded crushed stone may be the best option for you.

Just to be clear, we're not advising you to lay the paving directly onto the soil, however, laying paving on a combination of compacted soil with an MOT Type 1 sub-base is the recommended solution provided by the majority of leading paving manufacturers.

Porcelain pavers can be laid directly over existing grass or lawn as 'stepping stones' or to create a pathway, but for better stability of the pavers, the grass beneath the pavers should first be removed, together with a shallow layer of the topsoil.

Pea gravel or another gravel is the most affordable way to create some seating space. To do this correctly the earth needs to be excavated to about 6″–8″ underneath the grade. Then compact base rock to create a base and a bed for the pea gravel to sit on.

Use Landscaping Fabric to Prevent Weeds

To prevent weeds grass and other unwanted vegetation growing up from beneath the loose stone add a layer of landscaping fabric across the entire coverage area. Then add the base rocks if they are necessary and then the pea gravel on top of the weed barrier.

Concrete and gravel are the cheapest materials you can use to extend your patio. Concrete typically costs around $5 per bag. One 60-pound bag makes enough concrete for 1.5 square feet of a 4-inch-deep patio.

Is it cheaper to build a porch or patio? ›

Patios are cheaper to build since they're composed of simple material. However, decks are a better home investment and more sustainable. Overall, both decks and patios have their pros and cons. It ultimately depends on what you're specifically looking for to make the best decision for your home.

Concrete. It would be hard to find anything more versatile and adaptable than concrete for a patio floor. This time-tested recipe combines a mixture of sand, water, cement, and gravel and offers even more options than brick. By using well-constructed forms, concrete can mold and conform to nearly any surface shape.

Cost Savings: Buying pre-made outdoor furniture can be quite expensive, especially for high-quality pieces. By building your own, you can save a significant amount of money. Sourcing affordable materials and utilizing your own labor can result in substantial cost savings without compromising on quality.