Backyard Cheap Patio Paver Ideas

The cheapest way to install a paver patio is to use concrete pavers. Cheap concrete or stone pavers cost between $2 and $5 per square foot. With other supplies you can DIY install a cheap paver patio for between $4.60 to $7.50 per square foot or $552 to $900 for a 10×12 standard patio (120sq/ft). Read on for more budget paver patio ideas.

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April 6, 2023 Author: Jamie

Who says creating a gorgeous backyard patio on a budget has to look cheap? No one, of course, especially if you use patio pavers. While installing a concrete patio is the most cost-effective route, for just a little bit more, you can create a unique look and make your yard look more elegant at the same time. You may also save considerably on installation costs, as for many DIYers, pavers are easier to install than concrete slabs. Consider these cheap patio paver ideas that will give you a backyard oasis in no time.

If you want to keep paver patio costs down doing the work yourself will always be the cheapest option. Nevertheless, we have plenty of low-cost patio paver ideas that won’t break the bank even if you hire in professionals. If you want to find out how much it would cost for a local contractor to carry out the work on your patio project, RenoCompare can help match you with trusted professionals in your local area. Read on, find a cheap idea you like and, when you’re ready, click here for free, no-obligation quotes, and find out how much you could save on quality hardscaping services.

WHAT ARE PATIO PAVERS?

Pavers are relatively simple to understand. Essentially, they are flat paving stones used to create outdoor surfaces like walkways, pool decks, driveways and patios. You’ll find three main types of pavers: concrete, brick, and natural stone. Pavers can be quite inexpensive when made from concrete, while those cut from natural stone can quickly become pricey when you have a large job.

Related Reading: Cheap Concrete Patio IdeasDriveway Paver Ideas

The good news is you’ll have plenty of cheap patio paver options when you consider pre-made concrete pavers, as these come in a range of sizes, colors, shapes and surface texture options, with many made to look like natural stone. Each paver type has unique pros and cons, lets consider them now.

CONCRETE PAVERS

Pavers made of concrete are rugged, cost-effective and incredibly versatile. They are manufactured from concrete containing sand, aggregate, and water, along with additives, including color and specific performance characteristics that make them weather-resistant. Concrete pavers can be stamped and made to look like natural stone.

  • Available in various colors, shapes and styles with interlocking patterns
  • Must be sealed to retain color
  • Strong and durable
  • Interlocking pavers with small gaps between them allow water to drain easily

Gray square and rectangular concrete pavers with brown wood chairs and table

BRICK PAVERS

These pavers made of clay are a classic choice. Used as a paving material for thousands of years, they can provide a distinct look for your patio. Brick patio pavers are cast in forms and heated. Natural colors occur by mixing various types of clay. They also have excellent durability and fantastic color retention.

  • Can be dyed to look like brick
  • Wide variety of colors and textures
  • Strong and stain-resistant
  • Sealants can help prevent fading

Brown brick pavers in herringbone pattern

NATURAL STONE PAVERS

These will be the most expensive choice, but if you opt for locally quarried stone, you can create a cheap paver patio by incorporating other elements. Some people consider pea gravel and crushed stone as stone paving materials, but these materials come in small pieces, not slabs, that are more stable underfoot. Flagstone pavers are some of the least expensive, coming in at about $15 to $21 per square foot, but you can also find some less expensive travertine pavers ranging from $11 to $25 per square foot. Prices include professional installation.

  • More expensive than most bricks and concrete
  • Travertine easily retains its natural color, seldom needs cleaning and can withstand weather
  • Ideal for patios near pools due to absorbency

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pavers

Many homeowners choose concrete patios for its durability, but did you realize that pavers are up to four times more durable than concrete slabs? They’ll last an average of 30 to 50 years for concrete ones, while brick ones frequently last 100 years and more. Stone pavers have an indefinite life. When one paver cracks, all you need to do is replace the piece instead of the entire patio.

HOW TO CHOOSE BACKYARD LOW BUDGET PAVERS?

While your budget plays a huge role in determining what type of pavers you choose, the aesthetic you want to achieve and your home’s exterior architecture will also play considerable roles. Color, shape, and size will determine your look and the pattern in which you want to lay them. Using natural stepping stones may be an option if you want a more natural, freeform aesthetic.

Other advantages include:

  • More visually appealing
  • Will add value to your home
  • Adapt well to climate and seasonal changes

At the same time, you’ll experience more upfront costs. Over time, most paver patios require occasional cleaning and should receive sealing to avoid staining. Loosening and weed growth can occur in the joints depending on your base. To deter weed seeds, include joint sand in your installation.

PATIO PAVER IDEAS ON A BUDGET

Now that you know what pavers can do for you and how to select them let’s look at what inexpensive patio paver ideas may work in your home landscape. You may be surprised at the creative choice that you have.

Concrete patio pavers have advanced to the point where no one except you will know that your expensive-looking patio is made from inexpensive pavers.

USE COLOR AS A POWERFUL TOOL

Don’t underestimate your color choice, as it becomes a powerful decorating tool that can expand or contract an area and give an impression of light, depth, warmth or coolness. While neutrals are the most popular, even tans, browns, whites, and creams have varying hues that make them warm or cool. Knowing your aesthetic before installation is crucial in your selection of paver colors. Monochromatic schemes are the most popular, but you can even mix colors or paint the surfaces for daring designs.

Consider the following when selecting paver colors:

  • Do you want the area to look larger or smaller
  • Do you want to create a particular mood?
  • Do you want pavers to match the exterior of your house?

PAVER SHAPES

You can create engaging designs and patterns with paver shapes. Along with color and visual texture, paver shapes add charm, vitality and ambiance to your patio. Manufacturers offer a multitude of ready-made shapes that you can combine to create patterns ranging from simple to intricate. Size makes a difference too. Mix smaller pavers with larger ones to create visual interest. Squares and rectangles are the most popular, but you’ll also find:

  • Hexagons
  • Pentagons
  • Octagons
  • X-shapes
  • W-shapes
  • Fans
  • Keyholes
  • Parallelograms

Colorful concrete pavers with optical illusion

CREATE UNIQUE PATTERNS

The combination of paver color, shape and size allows you to create endless, unique patterns you won’t find anywhere else. Consider these pattern options or use the ideas to create your own design:

  • Stacked Bond – With this elegant pattern, you place identically-sized square or rectangular pavers in evenly spaced rows.
  • Running Bond – Similar to the above pattern, this design staggers pavers in subsequent rows to mimic subway tile.
  • Geometric – Use shapes like hexagons, chevrons, etc., to create interesting geometric designs that give a sense of movement to your patio.
  • Herringbone – Place rectangular pavers at a 90° angle to create a zigzag or fishbone effect.
  • Enclosed and Alternating Patterns – Use more than one pattern. For example, consider one type to create a border for your patio while using another for the centerpiece. This idea is perfect for combining pavers of different colors and shapes.

Round concrete paver patio in herringbone pattern

CREATE A POOL DECK

One of the best places for concrete pavers is a pool deck connected to your patio. Pavers do not become slick like concrete slabs, so they are safer. Natural stone pavers are perfect for pool decks because they absorb water. They are a good option because they are chlorine and salt-resistant and are comfortable on bare feet as the joints in between the pavers absorb heat. Concrete pavers are dense and non-porous, resisting mold and mildew growth, especially when sealed.

Patio Pavers around swimming pool

DRESS UP YOUR FIRE PIT

Stepping stone pavers are durable and provide an excellent base for firepits, as they won’t suffer any lasting damage from high heat. Pavers work well on a raised platform of either leveled earth or on a gravel base to protect any surrounding grass and vegetation.

Pretty herringbone pavers around firepit

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

What other simple hacks can you use to keep paver patio costs down?

USE PLASTIC MOLDS TO CREATE YOUR OWN PAVERS

This budget option is viable if you have the time and creativity. By buying a few molds, you can make your own concrete pavers for far less than the cost of pre-made concrete pavers in stores or those made by contractors. You can control the color and stamp them with an interesting pattern. Pavers made from plastic molds will fit together like a puzzle, giving your patio a uniform, modern look. You’ll need much patience for the project, as the pavers will require at least a week to set.

ADD ROCKS OR PEBBLES TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF PAVERS

Adding pea gravel, river pebbles or rocks to your patio can reduce the number of pavers needed. They are available in various colors and textures and work well to create borders around your main patio area while also filling in gaps to create minimalist designs.

USE AN IRREGULAR CONCRETE STEPPING STONES KIT

These irregular pavers look like natural flagstone or sandstone but are manufactured from concrete. They are usually quite large, about 20 inches in size, and are a good size for the human foot, making them a brilliant way to create a small seating area on a patio.

PLANT SOD IN BETWEEN THE STONES

If you’re worried about how to prevent weeds from growing in between the joints, here is a surefire way to stop this nuisance. User large pavers, place them further apart and install sod in between. This technique will reduce the number of pavers while also giving your patio a more natural aesthetic.

Table and chairs on concrete pavers with grass in between


REVIEWED AND FACT-CHECKED BY JAMIE SANDFORD

Jamie Sandford - Owner and Lead Editor at RenoCompareJamie Sandford is the Chief Editor at RenoCompare (find out more). Jamie has been involved in construction for over 30 years. Straight out of college, Jamie worked with construction crews for the television, film and theatre industries for over 12 years. In his thirties, he turned his attention to DIY decorating and construction, working on many house renovations and remodels. During this time he started to specialize in home flooring and in 2013 he launched the Home Flooring Pros website. Two years later he launched RenoCompare.

“I’ve seen interior design, remodeling, and construction from both sides of the street, contractors on one side and homeowners on the other. My aim is to close the gap between the professionals and the consumers and make it easier for both sides to work smoothly and effectively side by side. At RenoCompare we want to save you time and money by giving you the information you need as simply and as quickly as possible!”

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