In a nutshell:
- Plan the size.
- Dig a hole about 10 in. deep, and pack a 6-in. layer of gravel to form a flat base that slopes slightly for drainage.
- Set the patio stones and brick in a layer of sand and tamp them down so the surface is even.
- Fill the cracks with sand, tamp again, then landscape around the new patio and you’re done.
- Outline Your DIY Patio and Remove Sod. Lay a garden hose on the ground or use stakes and mason line to define the shape of your patio. ...
- Add Landscape Fabric to Patio Base. ...
- Build a Patio Base of Gravel and Sand. ...
- Place Your Stones or Pavers. ...
- Top Your Patio with Sand. ...
- Maintain Your DIY Stone Patio.
What is the cheapest way to make a patio?
The Cheapest Way To Build a Patio — It’s Less Expensive Than You Think
- Patio DIY vs. Hiring a Professional. ...
- Sizing Your Project. Naturally the bigger your patio is, the more it’s going to cost. ...
- Different Material Costs. Plainly put, different materials will each have different costs. ...
- Other Ways to Save Money. While gravel patios are certainly the easiest to construct, there are other ways to save money on your patio build.
How to build a small backyard patio?
Upgrade Your Backyard with an Easy DIY Patio
- Outline Your DIY Patio and Remove Sod. Lay a garden hose on the ground or use stakes and mason line to define the shape of your DIY patio. ...
- Add Landscape Fabric to Patio Base. Line the excavated area with landscape fabric ($13, The Home Depot ), cutting the fabric to fit. ...
- Build a Patio Base of Gravel and Sand. ...
- Place Stones in Patio. ...
- Top Patio with Sand. ...
How to build an outdoor storage bench for your patio?
Planter Plans
- Assemble the Box Sides. Attach the corner posts (A) flush with the long edges and tops of the box ends (B). ...
- Install the Bottom. ...
- Cut a Drip Groove. ...
- Install the Frame. ...
- Attach the First Slat. ...
- Attach Remaining Slats. ...
- Fasten the Lid Battens. ...
- Assemble the Lid. ...
- Install the Hinges. ...
- Cut Hinge Mortises. ...
How to build an outdoor awning over your patio?
Method 1 of 2: Installing Different Types of Patio Covers
- Purchase a patio umbrella for a cheap premade option that is easy to set up. This is the most basic and economic option to cover your patio.
- Use some poles and a tarp or canvas to create an affordable outdoor canopy. ...
- Buy a sail shade and tie it above your patio with the provided accessories. ...
What is the easiest type of patio to put in?
If you have a desire to install a patio in your home, then using gravel for the surface is going to be one of the simplest ways to make it happen. Gravel is generally an inexpensive material so getting your hands on it is going to prove to be easy. It is also relatively simple for you to install this type of patio.
What is the cheapest way to create a patio?
Concrete is one of the cheapest and most popular materials that can be used to build a hard-surface patio. The aggregates of concrete can be stone, gravel, sand, or shells, which are mixed with water to form a paste that dries into a hard surface when left to settle.
How much does it cost to build a 12x12 patio?
Patio Installation Cost per Square FootPatio SizeAverage Cost7x7 ft$250 – $2,50010x10 ft$500 – $5,00012x12 ft$750 – $7,20016x18 ft$1,450 – $14,5001 more row
What is the cheapest material to use for a patio?
Concrete is one of the most popular patio materials and the cheapest material you can use to build a hard-surface patio.
How do I build a simple patio?
How to Build a Patio.What You'll Need.Outline Your DIY Patio and Remove Sod.Add Landscape Fabric to Patio Base.Build a Patio Base of Gravel and Sand.Place Your Stones or Pavers.Top Your Patio with Sand.Maintain Your DIY Stone Patio.
Which is cheaper pavers or concrete?
The up-front cost of pavers can run anywhere from $8 to $25 per square foot, while concrete runs about $3 to $6 per square foot.
Does a patio add value to your home?
On average, the cost of building a patio can be as high as $5,300, depending on size and materials used. That said, it's estimated that well-designed patios not only add 8-10% home value, but also earn an ROI of over 80%.
Is it cheaper to build a deck or patio?
Patios generally cost less to build than decks do. Patios consist of more affordable materials like stamped concrete or stone as opposed to wood or bricks which are common for decks. Patios also require less labor and maintenance, which can help keep the costs down.
What is the best base for patio pavers?
A sand-set paver base is the traditional way to install pavers. This method uses a layer of sand as a bed between the base and pavers. After installing sand, the pavers are laid on top and pressed into place.
How much does a 20x20 paver patio cost?
A 20x20 brick paver patio costs $3,800 to $6,800. The average cost of pavers and base materials is $4 to $6 per square foot, while labor runs $6 to $11 per square foot. Get free estimates from masonry contractors near you or view our cost guide below. How much will your paver patio cost?
Is it cheaper to do a wood deck or concrete patio?
Overall, a concrete patio will generally be cheaper to install compared to a deck. While your specific house and yard set-up may determine which is cheaper for your individual needs, a wood deck is likely to have a better return on investment compared to a concrete patio.
What can I use instead of patio slabs?
Gravel. Gravel is one of the cheapest and easiest alternatives to paving slabs. Most often used for footpaths and driveways, aggregates used for gravel are available in a wide variety of sizes and colours for a range of different finishes.
What is the cheapest form of paving?
Stamped Concrete Concrete is one of the most inexpensive and most popular products that can be used to construct a hard-surface patio. Stamped concrete is produced by pushing versatile stamps made of polyurethane into newly put concrete.
What can I use instead of patio slabs?
Gravel. Gravel is one of the cheapest and easiest alternatives to paving slabs. Most often used for footpaths and driveways, aggregates used for gravel are available in a wide variety of sizes and colours for a range of different finishes.
Is a wood deck cheaper than pavers?
Cost. Depending on the material you choose, a patio is a more affordable option than a wood deck. Concrete pavers have an average cost of $4 to $12 per square foot (before installation cost), while natural stone can go up to $30 per square foot.
What can I use instead of pavers?
5 Compelling Alternatives to Paving a PatioPoured Concrete. Most concrete patios are made from either concrete slabs or individual concrete pavers. ... Mosaic Tile. One of the most unique and stylish ways to pave a patio is to use wet concrete and mosaic tiling. ... Dirt. ... Loose Gravel. ... Permeable Pavers.
Paver Patterns for Patios
Begin with a plan for a paving pattern. There are many paver pattern designs you can try. Jack-on-jack or running bond patterns are the simplest paver patterns to install. More advanced patterns, like a herringbone pattern or pinwheel, require more cutting. Different paver shapes can give you additional pattern design options.
How Do You Lay Concrete Pavers?
To lay patio pavers or concrete pavers for a typical patio installation, you need to build up several layers:
Preparing to Lay Patio Pavers
Like most projects, preparation is critical to success for a hardscape patio.
Laying Patio Pavers
This patio has 6-inch-by-6-inch and 6-inch-by-9-inch stone in a running bond paver pattern, with 6-inch-by-9-inch blocks along the border. The process is similar for paver laying patterns such as pinwheel or herringbone patterns, but laying the pattern may be a bit more complicated. Here's how to lay pavers.
Adding Polymeric Sand
Jointing sand or polymeric sand helps keep the pavers in place and weeds from growing between pavers. Take the time to add and finish the process properly.
Finishing Touches
Select outdoor furniture and a grill to move your living and dining spaces outside. Our Patio Furniture Buying Guide, and Grill and Smoker Buying Guide will show you some options.
What does it mean to have a beautiful patio?
Creating a beautiful patio means more than just setting out a few chairs and hoping for the best. It involves forming an artistic vision and transforming that idea into reality. 01 of 10.
How did Beth from Home Stories A to Z make a patio?
Beth from Home Stories A to Z dreamed up this DIY patio by extending the feeling of a living room outdoors. Beth didn't want to spend a fortune, so she kept her purchases affordable by getting a damask outdoor rug skirted by bargain wicker-look outdoor furniture. Comfort was the priority, so she chose cushioned furniture plus matching pillows and a throw—the result: an affordable, stylish, and comfy do-it-yourself patio.
What is a Merry Thought patio?
Transform a dark, dingy backyard into an open, clean place of stunning beauty. From the oversized concrete pavers to the horizontal slat fence painted black, this patio exudes modernity. With an outdoor sectional and lounge chairs that are worthy of indoor living, this patio from The Merry Thought design team of Manda and Caitlin invites relaxation and comfort. Relaxing and inspiring, you will never want to leave this patio.
What is a focal point for a patio?
A focal point works brilliantly as a ridiculously easy design device for your patio. Sisters Ashley and Whitney from the popular design blog Shanty 2 Chic added a unique, six-tube glass flower vase and daffodils as a focal point to this patio's center table. It helps make the space sparkle with color, plus it offsets the rich brown wicker outdoor furniture.
Is a pergola worth it?
A pergola is an ambitious build but well worth it. This pergola not only helps define the space for this patio from Ursula Carmona of Home Made by Carmona but provides opportunities for more design elements. Pergolas were originally intended to support vines. Any type of climbing plant can be trained up the columns and onto the roof. Or for a lively appearance, drape it with lights, lanterns, hanging plants, or wind chimes. The decor possibilities seem endless with a pergola.
What is the easiest patio to install?
A paver patio is the easiest type to install. The following instructions offer a detailed picture of the steps involved.
How should a patio look?
Ideally, the patio should look and feel like a natural extension of your home, or if placed away from the house, it should fit almost seamlessly into the landscape. Watch the way the sun falls over the area, and monitor the amount of debris that builds up from trees and bushes.
How long do brick pavers last?
Installed correctly, brick pavers can last over 100 years, and who doesn’t appreciate their charming old-world aesthetic? Different patterns are possible, from herringbone to basket weave, and bricks of different colors may be installed side by side for an eye-catching effect. Of critical importance is buying brick that is rated not only for use outdoors, but also for the specific temperature range of the climate where you live. Mostly resistant to stains and kind to bare feet, brick patios run the gamut form $2 to $13 per square foot.
What is composite pavers made of?
A relatively new entrant to the patio world, composite pavers are made almost exclusively from recycled materials (e.g., old tires). A half-dozen colors are available, and the slip-resistant pavers are comfortable underfoot. Plus, alignment is a breeze, since the pavers snap onto a pre-laid grid.
What type of pavers are there?
PAVERS. Homeowners can choose from the variety of pavers on the market. Popular options include brick, flagstone, clay, concrete and composite. Less expensive are concrete pavers, which come in different colors, textures, and styles.
How much does a brick patio cost?
Mostly resistant to stains and kind to bare feet, brick patios run the gamut form $2 to $13 per square foot.
What is the most expensive patio material?
Each has different heat-retention and slip factors. Select carefully based on your planned usage of the patio. With the exception of specialty tile, natural stone is the most expensive patio material in common use today.
How long does it take to build a paver patio?
With the right materials and proper foundation, you can build a paver patio in a day. These easy-to-follow instructions include expert tips to help you achieve the perfect finish for your new DIY paver patio.
Is paver patio good for walkways?
Credit: Ed Gohlich. Brick or concrete pavers are durable and weather-resilient, which makes them an ideal low-maintenance material for patios and walkways. Plus, building a paver patio is relatively easy when you use the proper technique.
What is the best material for a patio?
Another popular material for patios is brick. They may not offer the dazzling appearance of a flagstone patio (such as in the prior slide), but one of the virtues of building a brick patio (assuming that you are doing the job yourself) is that the work is relatively easy for beginning DIY'ers.
What is summer patio?
The summer patio is about tea and dessert -- or whatever dining experience suits your fancy. PeopleImages.com/Getty Images
Can a gravel patio break?
Here is another type of patio that has some give to it: a gravel patio. As with the sand of the Zen garden pictured in the prior slide, the gravel cannot "break" when tree roots attack it. As a result, you need to be less wary of growing trees around your patio than you do with hard-surface patios.
Is an outdoor fireplace a good feature?
An outdoor fireplace is a useful feature on a patio. Chuck Schmidt/Getty Images
Can Japanese maple trees grow on patios?
Just be careful in your plant selection if you will be growing the tree right near your patio, since, as mentioned earlier, tree roots can damage hard-surface patios. Japanese maple trees double as great fall-color trees and relatively safe trees to grow around patios.
Can annuals be used on patios?
Annuals can further enhance the color in an already spectacular patio. Jeremy Woodhouse/Getty Images
Can you grow trees around a patio?
Wouldn't you like to grow some of the most colorful trees for fall around your patio? Although they would look great, here is the problem: Tree roots can wreak havoc with structures such as flagstone, brick, or tile patios. A better choice may be a "patio" made of a material that has some give to it. With an expanse of sand (as in this photo of a Zen garden ), there can be no issue of tree roots causing damage, per se (because there isn't anything to break).
