Cheap patio paver ideas are all over the internet. Budget-friendly options can save money and still produce a delightful outdoor “room” to fill with comfort and peace. Creating outdoor living spaces allows you to take advantage of nature any time of the year. A patio is the perfect way to make a nesting space for socializing, relaxing, and simply reading a book in the sun.
Cheap Paver Patio Ideas
Why not keep expenses in check and still create a beautiful space? Inexpensive paver patio ideas require few tools and just a little bit of knowledge.
First, you need a level space and then you must decide how large the area will be so you can acquire the necessary materials. Found or repurposed materials are great DIY cheap patio paver ideas.
Be prepared to install the patio yourself since this will save a lot of money against professional installer fees. Get creative and be flexible with your design. Adapt to the existing topography rather than forcing a design that will require extensive excavation and leveling. And finally, have fun with the project and make it your own.
Budget-Friendly Paver Options
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When it comes to options, it will depend upon what is most available.
- If the neighbors tore out a brick retaining wall, perhaps they will gift you those bricks.
- Check out any used building materials shops that might have pavers that were removed from another home.
- Maybe your landscape is naturally filled with rocks. A little hard work excavating these will give you free DIY small patio paver ideas.
- If there is a remodel or demolition site nearby, stop in and ask if there is broken concrete or other possible materials they will give away.
- Check online sites for free or discounted used materials. You can build your cheap paver patio out of any of these and more options.
Pea Gravel and Pavers
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If you are only able to get a hold of a certain number of pavers and find it won’t be enough, invest in some pea gravel. Pea gravel is relatively inexpensive, and comes washed or unwashed. You can buy this by the bag but it’s more economical to order or pick it up in bulk from a landscape supplier.
Prepare the area by laying weed barrier fabric or screening as the base to prevent weeds from invading the area. Lay out the pavers in an appealing way and then fill in the gaps with the pea gravel. The effect is natural and will save money on having an entire area filled with just paving materials.
A Brick Cheap Paver Patio
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Brick is another budget friendly item that is readily available at garden centers. They are easy to install, being regular in size with straight edges. Prepare the area the same way as you would for paver/pea gravel installation. With this material, it is important to have a very level site. This will prevent tipping bricks and irregular, stumble prone areas.
Lay the bricks anyway you like, but a herringbone pattern is pretty and makes a sturdy floor. It is useful to fill in between the bricks with sand, another economical material. Sweep sand into the cracks for a smoother surface. Use garden or river sand to avoid salt if plantings or ground cover will be present.
DIY Concrete Project
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There are many shapes of concrete forms available at very reasonable prices. I have done this numerous times with a cobblestone form and the process is easy, although a bit back-breaking.
- Choose the form you want and acquire as many bags of concrete as necessary for your square footage.
- I just mix the bags in my wheelbarrow. Add enough water to mix the concrete into a creamy consistency.
- Use a shovel to pour the mix into the form. Use a concrete trowel to smooth the surface.
- Let it set part-way and remove the form. Place the form adjacent to this first piece and repeat the process.
- This will go a bit faster if you use a quick concrete mix that sets up faster. Again, fill in the cracks with sand.
Rock Patio Options
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Even if your garden isn’t filled with rocks, purchasing decorative stone is still relatively inexpensive when compared to other patio materials. River stones or lava rock is readily available in bags or bulk.
Prepare the site with weed barrier fabric and spread the rock. River rock will result in an appealing space but should be nestled in sand or soil to make it more stable to walk upon.
Lava rock is smaller and very lightweight, making it easier to use. It will also fall into place a bit easier than the large river rocks. Lava rock comes in several colors. It is a good idea to make some sort of edge barrier to keep the lava rock in the location.
