If your outdoor space isn’t quite ready for entertaining, don’t worry. Here are simple ways to punch up your patio on a shoestring budget.
*Cost and time estimates below are based on a 12×12 patio area.
Packed Gravel
Gravel is a terrific choice for affordability and ease of installation. Start by marking the area for the patio and digging out the grass. Make sure the base is level and compact using a tamper. To keep grass from encroaching on the patio, you can use landscape edging, treated wood or bricks as a border. Line the area with landscaping fabric to block the weeds and allow it to drain. Spread the gravel so it is 4 to 5 inches thick, and pack it in tightly with a tamper.
Cost estimate: $560
Time estimate: 1/2 day
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone is typically something you would use as a base material for pavers, but we’ve found that it makes for a great patio space on its own. Once you tamp it down and wet it, it becomes a solid surface. You can use the same border material as you would for a gravel patio. This is also a great option if you plan to lay pavers later, as you’ll already have your base ready to go.
Cost estimate: $430
Time estimate: 1 day
Watch Using Paver Base as an Outdoor Surface for step-by-step instructions.
Pavers
After you laid, tamped and wet the base material, and it has formed a solid surface, then you’re ready for the pavers. Pavestone pavers come in a wide variety of patterns, sizes and materials. Lay out the pavers and top with topping sand to lock the pavers in place.
Cost estimate: $1,560
Time estimate: 2 days
Watch How to Lay a Paver Patio for details.
Concrete Forms
Using concrete forms, such as WalkMaker from Quikrete, is another great option for patios. Although made of concrete, they can be made to look like bricks or stones, and can be customized by adding color to the concrete mix or staining after the concrete has dried.
Cost estimate: $1,480
Time estimate: 2 days
Watch Creating a Stepping Stone Path Using Concrete Forms to see how it’s done.
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