The patio is like a hybrid of home and outdoors. It’s the space where soft pillows and clouds co-exist. But, the most important factor is the design of patios that make or break the game.
It costs crazy to renovate the patio, but many people do it cheaply by using 2 options: either they choose cost-effective materials or DIY everything (designing, preparation, installation).
For instance, Angela Rose, a fearless DIYer, revamped the stucco wall of the patio with thin slat wood panels. She used redwood with a transparent stain to protect it. After testing out some options, she finalized the pattern and installed them horizontally. Then, this wood wall was decorated further with planters and pots.
Want to cut the expense and make your home dreamy like hers? I’ve collected some practical paver design ideas that are budget friendly yet stylish.
So, let’s dive in!
4 Budget-Friendly Patio Paver Ideas
These are the popular paver design combinations that won’t cost you an arm and leg. If you have the right tools, you can DIY them to save more.
1: Pavers With Grass/Gravel + Fire Pit + Sofa Chairs
It might be one of the most popular backyard cheap patio paver ideas, but I still love it because of how timeless it is. Simple paver design is uplifted when you grow grass in between them or add gravel. If you are interested in keeping it all plain, I’d suggest laying some rug or cover to give it a life.
It is an inexpensive option because the materials are readily available, and the design is easy to install. Moreover, it requires less labor to maintain. For the sofa chairs, you can get them via seasonal sales or clearance section.
- Why we love it: It’s a kind of cozy spot where you’ll want to sip lemonade and scroll TikTok all day.
- Budget tips to get this look: Use leftover pavers or gravel from previous projects, grow grass from seeds instead of pre-grown sod, use pea gravel, and install bricks or rocks on borders instead of expensive fancy edging.
2: Stamped Concrete + Dining Area + Sunroof
It is the best cheap patio paver idea because it can mimic the look of other materials as well. This design is not only modern and aesthetic but also durable so you won’t need to call for assistance every other month for repairing the patio.
Stamped concrete costs $9 – $13 per square foot. You can customize it and mimic the aesthetic of bricks or stone. Install a sunroof (polycarbonate panels, retractable awnings, and fabric canopies are cheap options) if you want to make the patio more practical.
- Why we love it: Perfect for morning coffee, hangouts, and dinners.
- Budget tips to get this look: Stamp concrete yourself, use concrete overlay, use solar-powered lights, install inexpensive wood, bamboo, or pipe for the sunroof structure, and make furniture cushions yourself.
3: Pebble Mosaic + Raised Garden Beds + Water Feature
A pebble mosaic patio makeover is easy and inexpensive because you can buy them in bulk or collect them yourself. Plus, it does not require much processing or preparation. The look is sophisticated and stylish for pathways, patio walls, and stepping stones.
My inner artist finds this cheap patio paver idea fascinating because I can make millions of patterns: sunbursts, checkerboards, fish scales, flowers, half moons, rainbows, etc. Just scroll through Pinterest to get more inspiration.
Raised beds and artificial water features are perfect for adding some greenery and nature to your patio and renovating your home completely.
- Why we love it: Visually interesting design that doesn’t require more investment for extra decor. The calming effects of water splashing from fountains make the patio serene.
- Budget tips to get this look: Find good quality pebbles from nearby hardware stores and use simple concrete adhesive to stick them down—no fancy tools needed. Create raised beds with wood blocks and bricks laying around in your home instead of buying them pre-built.
4: Multilevel Flagstone Patio Paver + Plant Decor + Outdoor Bar Area
Flagstone patio looks effortlessly grand and luxurious even if you design them in a simple way. They are larger in size and flat, so you can easily use the space for socializing. People mostly install them in irregular patterns, edging with plants to create a natural lounge-like area.
Since they have some gaps in between, you can incorporate gravel or moss to make it more dynamic. Experts suggest using small-size flagstones for elevated portions of the patio (wall or counters) and larger sizes for open areas (seating).
- Why we love it: I love installing flagstone so that it has one level for seating with small tables and another slightly elevated level with a bar or coffee station.
- Budget Tips: If you are DIYing it, you can get the tools on rent, buy flagstones in bulk, keep the number of levels small and manageable, and keep the design simple.