19 DIY Cheap Patio Paver Ideas for a Beautiful Walkway, Garden, or Yard!
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DIY cheap patio paver ideas! Cheap patio pavers are perfect for upgrading your backyard without spending too much cash. Because maybe you’re tired of gawking out your window at an empty backyard – or you wish you had a beautiful patio to enjoy. If so, then you’ve come to the right place!
We’re about to showcase 19 DIY cheap patio paver ideas that will instantly enhance your patio, walkway, garden, or yard.
Whether you’re a total DIY beginner or a weekend warrior, these cheap DIY patio paver ideas will transform your backyard into a lovely patio paradise in no time. And without breaking the backyard budget.
Sound good?
Then let’s proceed!
Why Install Patio Pavers Yourself?
Have you been considering sprucing up your yard with a patio? If so, you must first decide if you should install patio pavers yourself – or hire someone to do it for you.
There are many reasons to consider DYI-ing this project – the most important one is to save money.
We all love saving money, and installing your patio pavers can help you do that. Sure, you may have to buy some tools you don’t already have, but in the end, those tools will be yours and can be used again and again on future projects. In addition, if done correctly, there should be no need to hire professional maintenance.
But that’s not the only reason to install DIY patio pavers without hiring a contractor.
Working with your hands is one of the most rewarding experiences for homesteaders. Not only will working on this project make your yard more beautiful and functional (which is an accomplishment in itself!), but you will also learn new skills that can help you with other homesteading projects in the future.
Plus, when people ask who did your paver patio installation, instead of replying I hired someone or My neighbor did it for me, you can proudly say that you handled the installation yourself!
What is the Cheapest Patio Paver?
Choosing the cheapest patio paver can be a daunting task. There are so many options. And all of them come with different price tags. Which one is right for you? Fear not!
Below are some patio paver materials for your outdoor living space. We ranked them from the lowest price to the highest. Bluestone and granite don’t come cheap! With this information in mind, you can move on to the DIY building projects described below with a better idea of the average costs for buying the cheapest pavers.
19 Patio Pavers for You to Try
We brainstormed for a week and penned the following list of the best patio pavers for DIY enthusiasts. We tried to include the cheapest and easiest options.
(We also snuck in a few premium methods. But they aren’t required – and we focused on easy DIY.)
We hope you enjoy them!
1. Pea Gravel
Here’s the cheapest of the bunch. Pea gravel is an excellent option for a patio material if you’re looking for something affordable and easy to install. Pea gravel is small stones that are easy to spread and level, making it an ideal choice for DIYers.
Pea gravel comes in diverse colors, so you can easily find something that suits your taste. However, since it’s not very sturdy, pea gravel isn’t suitable for high-traffic areas or driveways.
2. Brick Pavers
Brick pavers are slightly more expensive than pea gravel but still a reasonably affordable DIY option. They have a classic, timeless look and come in several shapes and sizes. Bricks are also durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic, making them our favorite choice for walkways or pathways around your home.
Plus, they’re easy to maintain since they don’t require much upkeep or sealants.
3. Porcelain Pavers
Porcelain pavers are one of the most popular patio paving materials because they offer style and durability without breaking the bank. Porcelain is strong enough to withstand heavy foot traffic while still being visually appealing with its range of colors and patterns available on the market today.
On top of that, porcelain pavers require minimal maintenance – all you need is occasional sweeping and mopping to keep them looking their best.
4. Bluestone, Granite, and Flagstone – the Most Expensive Pavers
Bluestone, granite, and flagstone are among the most expensive patio pavers available due to their beauty and strength; however, if money isn’t an issue, these might be your best bet. They’ll last for years with minimal maintenance required aside from cleaning with soap and water.
Bluestone is especially popular as it has natural anti-slip properties making it perfect for wet areas like pool decks or outdoor showers. The unique color palette makes it easy to incorporate into any design scheme – from traditional to modern styles.
Granite adds timeless elegance while flagstone offers old-world charm – both materials are sure to last years even in harsh climates.
5. Plastic Molds to Make Your Pavers
Plastic molds are the way to go if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make your pavers. All you have to do is buy plastic molds for making your pavers. Then mix up some concrete and pour it into the molds.
Once it has set, pop out the pavers from their molds and lay them on your patio area. There’s no need to hire professionals or rent expensive equipment. Just mold and go. This is one of our favorite DIY cheap patio paver ideas!
6. Stepping Stones
Another underrated option for creating a unique DIY patio is stepping stones. This project requires minimal effort and can get done in no time.
All you need is some stones or bricks that are large enough to walk on comfortably. And some gravel or sand for any gaps between them. Lay out the stepping stones in whatever pattern suits your fancy, fill in any gaps with gravel or sand, and voila! You now have a one-of-a-kind stepping-stone patio.
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7. Fire Pit Patios
This fire pit patio project requires more planning than our other two options but can be just as rewarding if done correctly.
First things first! Make sure you pick out an area where there won’t be any risk of fire hazards, such as trees or buildings nearby. Next, build your patio by laying down pavers and filling the gaps with gravel or sand. (As we discussed earlier).
The next step is an additional safety feature. You can erect a wall around your fire pit using brick or stone blocks so the surrounding area won’t get too hot when lit up. Lastly, enjoy your cozy new fire pit with friends.
8. Aggregate Pavers
These are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability and easy installation process.
Aggregate pavers are made of pea gravel and concrete, making them sturdy and durable while still operating lightweight. They also come in many colors, patterns, and sizes that can fit any budget or aesthetic. This option requires minimal maintenance and will last for years if properly cared for and upheld.
9. Cheap Red Bricks
If you’re looking for an inexpensive option that doesn’t skimp on aesthetics, cheap red bricks might be one of the best DIY patio paver ideas.
The rustic look of a brick patio adds a unique charm to any outdoor space without dragging you into the poor house. They are simple to install but require more maintenance than other options since they may need occasional repairs or replacements.
10. Meshed Flagstone Paver Tile
Flagstones are one of the best-looking patio paver ideas. However, we must admit that some flagstone pavers get tremendously expensive – well into the thousands of dollars for a decent-sized flagstone starter kit.
The good news is that flagstone pavers look great almost anywhere. And they’re also easy to install. However, if you’re trying to keep costs to a minimum, we advise against using flagstone pavers exclusively.
11. Try a Framed Design
If you want a patio paver with more visual impact, try creating a framed patio design with interlocking stones or wooden planks. This type of patio requires precise measurement work upfront but pays off with its eye-catching geometric patterns. It’s also relatively easy to maintain once installed.
12. Try Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is another one of our underrated DIY cheap patio paver ideas for those who want the look of stone without all the work.
This method involves pouring concrete onto your patio space and stamping it with a patterned roller while the concrete pavers are still wet. And when it dries, boom! You have a perfect patio that looks like a team of professionals installed it for you. Plus, it’s easy to repair if something goes wrong.
13. Add Rocks to Reduce Patio Stone Numbers
If you’re looking to reduce the number of patio stones needed for your DIY cheap patio paver ideas project but don’t want to sacrifice aesthetics, try adding rocks to your design. Patio rocks are great for filling in gaps between stones and can provide extra stability. Plus, they come in all shapes and sizes, so you can get creative with your design without selling off half of your farm!
14. Give Oversized Pavers a Try
For those who want something unique, oversized pavers are the way to go. These larger-than-life stones make any outdoor space look elegant and are surprisingly easy to install. Starting is easy. Get some gravel and sand for leveling purposes. Then you can start building your dream patio today.
15. Try Resin Pavers
These sturdy plastic pavers are excellent for creating an elegant look without spending too much money or time on installation. They’re also lightweight and easy to clean – perfect for busy homeowners who don’t have time to fuss over their patios incessantly.
16. Build a Patio With a Retaining Wall
If you’re looking for something rewarding and aesthetically pleasing, look no further than building a patio with a retaining wall. Retaining walls will create an elevated area that requires minimal upkeep and is perfect for entertaining guests.
Plus, the walls will protect your patio from the elements and provide extra seating. To make it even easier, you can purchase pre-made blocks or slabs of concrete that you can lay down in any configuration.
17. Use Circular Pavers
Another great way to keep things simple is to use circular pavers. This option allows you to create breathtaking patterns without having to do too much digging or laying of foundation materials. Best of all, circular pavers come in infinite styles, sizes, and colors, so you can customize them to fit whatever design suits your taste.
18. Try Decorative Stones
Decorative stones are another great option when you want something quick and easy. You can buy them in bulk at most home improvement stores, then lay them out however you’d like around your outdoor space.
The stones come in different shapes and sizes. You can mix and match them for maximum effect. Plus, they tend to last longer than other patios since they don’t require any maintenance beyond occasional sweeping or hosing off.
19. Use Irregular Concrete Step Stones (As a Kit)
Finally, there’s always the option of using irregular concrete step stones as part of a kit. These kits usually come with everything you need to assemble an entire patio quickly and easily – including the stones themselves, mortar, sandpaper, grout, sealant, and tools – so all you have to do is follow the instructions included with the kit.
Kits like this make it incredibly easy to build a beautiful patio yourself. Without having to hire anyone else or have any special skills!
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of DIY patio project you decide on – whether it be building a retaining wall patio, using circular pavers, decorative stones, or irregular concrete step stones – it’s important to remember that these projects aren’t only about aesthetics. They’re also about creating an inviting outdoor space for yourself and others.
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry – there are lots of patio paver options that will help you create a gorgeous outdoor oasis in a budget-friendly way.
Spruce up the entire space with these fun and cheap paver patio ideas – and be sure to pick up some new outdoor furniture while you’re at it!
And in the meantime, let us know if you have questions about cheap patio paver ideas.
We love hearing your feedback.
And we’re here to help!
Thanks again for reading.
Have a great day!