What is the cheapest option for a patio?

Author: Kayden Grimes  |  Last update: Monday, September 8, 2025

Gravel is the cheapest option when looking to create a patio on a budget.

What is the best patio on a budget?

Pea gravel is the best option to create a patio on a budget. Stake down landscaping fabric, spread pea gravel on top, and create a border with larger rocks. Then, you can set your patio furniture on top of the pea gravel for an outdoor entertaining area.

What is the cheapest way to lay a patio on a budget?

One of the least expensive ways to make a small outdoor patio is by using concrete pavers or gravel. You can lay them out in the desired area, level the ground, and then arrange the pavers or spread the gravel.

What is the cheapest way to make an outdoor 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.

What is the cheapest patio?

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.

30 Cheap Patio Paver Ideas That Are Perfect For Your Backyard

How much does a 20x20 concrete patio cost?

A 20-foot by 20-foot concrete patio runs between $2,000 to $6,000, including labor and materials. Adding decorative finishes and colors could make the price even higher.

What is the easiest type of patio to put in?

Gravel is easier and more economical to install than other patio materials. A pea gravel patio requires fewer tools and materials to create than other types of patios. The small stones will fill in nearly any shape, allowing you to create a customized design with edging or borders.

Is cement patio cheaper than pavers?

As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.

How much does a simple patio cost?

Installing a patio costs $5 – $40 per square foot, including materials and labor. Small patios of 80 to 100 square feet cost $400 to $4,000, while large patios of 400 square feet or more range from $2,000 to $16,000.

What is the cheapest paving option?

As one of the cheapest paving options on the market, Limestone is a great choice if you are looking to create a bold finish to your patio without breaking the bank! Black limestone slabs look stunning when wet, offering deep tones which are great at disguising most types of spills from a garden party or BBQ!

How can I extend my patio cheaply?

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.

What is the most low maintenance patio?

Paver Patios Are Your Best Choice For Low Maintenance Outdoor Living. As they are typically based on the ground, there is no concern for climbing stairs and avoiding a step up as most paver patios blend seamlessly from your backyard lawn to the patio itself.

What is the cheapest way to cover a patio?

Options such as screened-in patios, outdoor curtains, polycarbonate or corrugated roof panels, bamboo or reed fencing, and tarps or shade sails can help you create an affordable, comfortable, and functional outdoor living space.

What is an alternative to paving a patio?

In conclusion, whether you choose block paving, resin-bound gravel, timber decking, tarmac, composite decking, bark chippings, or artificial grass, there are plenty of alternatives to paving slabs that can help you create a unique and stylish outdoor space.

What's cheaper, deck or pavers?

In an apples to apples comparison, most paver patios are less expensive than wood decks or comparable in price.

How much does a 12x12 concrete slab cost?

Pouring a 12-by-12 Concrete Slab

On average, some areas can cost as low as $50 for pouring a 12-by-12 slab of concrete . Otherwise, inclusive of materials and installation, a 12-by-12 patio will cost roughly $796 to $1,476 at $4 to $8 per square foot.

What is the least expensive patio?

Gravel. Gravel is one of the most inexpensive patio material options. You'll pay approximately $6-$10 per square foot. It is also easy to install so you can save on the cost of labor if you want to do it yourself.

Can you lay pavers directly on dirt?

Indeed this is a common question for first time do it yourself-ers. And the answer is a resounding “No! Don't do it!” Patio pavers need to be placed on a special base material that allows moisture to drain away.

What is the cheapest way to add a patio?

Gravel is one of the most cost-effective patio designs around. Less expensive than concrete or paving stones, it's easy to install and requires minimal upkeep. The biggest drawback is that the surface can be unstable, which can make it difficult to walk on.

How many 80lb bags of concrete for a 20x20 slab?

So, you would need about 222 bags of concrete for a 20x20 slab with a thickness of 4 inches if using 80 lb. bags.

Can I pour my own concrete patio?

It is possible to build an attractive concrete patio yourself, but careful planning and preparation is necessary. Be sure to place all the concrete at once; a big patio can be broken down into smaller manageable sections using 2x4's.

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