Porcelain paving, with its low porosity, is the easiest to care for, as it doesn't absorb stains as readily as more porous stones. However, even porcelain can stain if organic matter is left on its surface for too long.
Natural stone, tile, pavers, and brick are some of the longest-lasting patio materials and are all good options.
The most affordable patios are gravel and concrete slab models, while premium, high-priced patios are made of natural stone. Note: If you want price estimates for a deck (a wood or composite structure raised off the ground), see our guide, How Much Does it Cost to Build a Deck in 2025?
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.
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.
Best budget patio tip – shop second hand
The best cheap garden paving idea is to use second-hand paving slabs, bricks or stone. By choosing to re-use and recycle, you'll be able to keep costs down while also saving building materials from going to landfill – so it's a more environmentally friendly option too.
Concrete – You may be surprised to learn that one of the best choices for a patio material in hot climates is concrete. There are several reasons why this is true. Concrete is comfortable to walk on, even at the hottest time of year, because it doesn't conduct or absorb heat the way some other materials do.
Cost Efficiency
While concrete slabs stamped with your desired pattern typically cost less than concrete pavers, repair costs over time mean this choice is not cost-effective in the long run.
The winter (a.k.a. the off-season for outdoor furniture for most of us) is an ideal time to shop must-haves for your patio, deck, or backyard at a discount. And even better, some of the best outdoor furniture stores are hosting winter sales now on some of their most highly coveted collections.
Some say that a concrete patio may last as long as 30 -50 years. However, if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, the climate's yearly freeze/thaw cycles shorten concrete's life expectancy. Still, the average 25 years lifespan is a long time.
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.
PAVERS are the best option
For a do-it-yourself patio, a simple square design with one size of pavers is a lot easier to install than one with various sizes and curves because you will not have to cut the pavers, which takes time and skill. Pavers are strong, inexpensive, and easy to install.
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!
In fact, most patios can add around 8% - 10% value to your home.
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.
Pouring a 24×24 concrete slab may cost between $2,304 to $4,608, factoring in material, labor, and a six-inch slab. Keep this range in mind when planning your project.
For a dining area for four people, you'll need about 10x10 feet. For six to eight, make it 12x12 feet. To accommodate a typical round table with six chairs, provide a circular area with a diameter of at least 9 feet.
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.
Crushed Stone: This is one of the most popular choices for hardscape foundations, particularly under driveways, patios, and pathways. Crushed stone is available in several sizes, from fine stone dust to larger graded stones. Its angular shapes lock together, providing a firm foundation that offers excellent drainage.
The Shape of Your Patio
A rectangle shape made of cut flagstone, brick or paving stones will lend a formal, symmetrical look to your home while a curvaceous circular shape will give it a more casual feel.