Cheap Patio Paver Ideas When You’re on a Tight Budget

Whether you take on the task yourself or hire professionals, installing a paver patio is no easy feat. From leveling the paver base to placing the stones, it’s a long, often expensive process that can cost thousands. That said, there are cheaper and easier ways to approach this backyard do-it-yourself project, especially when it comes to the type of pavers you’re using. Here are several simple paver patio ideas that won’t break the bank (plus some that are worth skipping).

Related: 10 Cheap Ways To Block Your Neighbor's View

Using pea gravel is the fastest and most budget-friendly way to pave your backyard. You’ll still need to excavate the area, rake the soil, and tamp the patio base, but you won’t have to deal with pouring concrete. Pea gravel is also the most low-maintenance patio material, as it drains easily and won’t crack. A single bag of pea gravel covers up to 2.75 square feet and costs just $5, making it the cheapest option.

Video Tutorial

Related: 20 Products That Can Turn Your Backyard Into a Relaxing Oasis

Combine stepping stones and pea gravel for a cheap hybrid approach to patio paving. Since you won’t have to fill your entire patio with paving stones, you’ll save both time and money. Adding gravel will also mean that you won’t have to worry as much about drainage when it rains. A single square-foot stepping stone costs just over a dollar.

Video Tutorial

Related: Where to Buy Plants Online

When it comes to paving stones, concrete pavers are among the cheapest, costing around $3 for a square foot of coverage. Since they’re relatively inexpensive, we recommend buying a few extra pavers so you can replace damaged or worn bricks over time.

Video Tutorial

Related: DIY Disasters: 20 Repairs to Leave to the Pros

Since plastic paver molds abound in stores, you may be tempted to turn patio paving into a full DIY project. But our research found that most home improvement specialists recommended against making your own concrete pavers. The issue, DIYers say, is that the savings just aren’t worth your time. “Time is money and the mold option takes a lot longer than the paver option,” a Redditor writes on r/DIY.

Video Tutorial

For more home and garden tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.

If you’re trying to cut costs, steer clear of clay brick and natural stone pavers, some of which can sell for as much as $21 per square foot. For those set on a more natural look, go for flagstone pavers, which sell for as low as $6 per square foot — cheaper than granite, travertine, and even some brick options. You can also save on pavers by trawling Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and similar websites for used and reclaimed pavers. One Redditor paved their backyard with brick for under $200 thanks to a Craigslist find.