What are the most budget-friendly patio flooring options for a small backyard?

Affordable options include gravel, pavers, wood chips, and stepping stones. These materials offer a range of styles and can be installed DIY to save on labor costs.

How much can I expect to spend on a DIY patio flooring project for a small backyard?

With careful planning and material selection, you can create a functional and attractive patio for under $500. Gravel and wood chips are generally the cheapest, while pavers and stepping stones may be slightly more expensive.

Are DIY patio flooring options durable enough for long-term use?

The durability of DIY patio flooring depends on the material and installation quality. Pavers and gravel, when properly installed with a solid base, can last for many years, while wood chips may require periodic replacement.

What level of DIY skill is required to install these budget-friendly patio options?

Gravel and wood chips are very easy to install, requiring minimal skill. Pavers and stepping stones require more preparation and precision in leveling but are still manageable for most DIYers.

What are the long-term maintenance requirements for these patio flooring options?

Gravel patios need occasional raking to keep them level and weed control. Pavers may require occasional re-leveling. Wood chips will decompose and need to be replenished periodically. Consider interlocking patio tiles that are easy to clean and maintain.

Cheap Patio Floors

By Home Sidekick Team May 25, 2025 6 min read 1123 words

patioflooringDIYbudgetbackyardgravelpaverswood chipsstepping stones

Cheap Patio Floors: Creating an Outdoor Oasis on a Budget

Creating a beautiful and functional patio doesn't have to break the bank. With a little creativity and some smart material choices, you can transform your outdoor space into a relaxing and inviting retreat without spending a fortune. This guide explores several cheap patio flooring ideas, offering practical tips and actionable advice to help you achieve your dream backyard on a budget.

Gravel: The Economical and Versatile Choice

Gravel is one of the most affordable and easily installed patio flooring options. Its versatility allows for various design styles, from rustic to modern, and it provides excellent drainage. Different types of gravel, such as pea gravel, crushed stone, and limestone, offer unique textures and aesthetics.

Types of Gravel

Pea Gravel: Small, rounded stones that provide a smooth and comfortable walking surface. Ideal for a casual and relaxed outdoor area.
Crushed Stone: Angular shape offers better stability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
Limestone: Durable and compacts well, providing a stable surface with a clean and classic look.

Installing a Gravel Patio

Plan and Prepare: Choose a location, considering drainage, sunlight, and proximity to the house. Mark the area with marking paint.
Excavate: Dig down at least 5 inches (13 cm) to accommodate a sub-base and gravel layer. Ensure the base is flat and compacted.2
Sub-base (optional): For added stability, add a 4-inch layer of MOT Type 1 crushed limestone and compact it. This is especially recommended for areas with heavy foot traffic or outdoor furniture. 2
Weed Prevention: Add a layer of weed prevention membrane to prevent weeds from growing through the gravel and improve drainage.2
Add Gravel: Pour gravel over the landscape fabric, starting with a 2-3 inch layer.5 Use a rake to smooth high spots and fill low spots.
Edging: Install edging around the perimeter to keep the gravel in place.19 Options include metal, plastic, or wood.

Maintenance Tips for Gravel Patios

Rake the gravel regularly to keep it smooth and even.27
Remove weeds promptly by hand or with boiling water.27
Add a fresh layer of gravel every few years to maintain its appearance.27
Use a leaf blower to remove leaves and debris. 5

Pavers: Affordable Elegance

Pavers offer a more refined look than gravel while still being relatively budget-friendly. Concrete pavers are a popular choice due to their versatility, durability, and wide range of styles and colors. Brick pavers provide a classic, timeless aesthetic.

Types of Pavers

Concrete Pavers: Cost-effective, durable, and available in various shapes, sizes, and colors. 15
Brick Pavers: Classic and durable, offering a traditional and charming look. 1
Natural Stone Pavers: Offer unique textures and a high-end appearance but can be more expensive. 15

Installing Paver Patio

Prepare the Area: Excavate the area to a depth that accounts for the paver base, sand bedding, and paver thickness. A slight slope (1/4 inch per foot) is essential for drainage.25
Add Paver Base: Spread a 4-inch layer of paver base material (crushed gravel) and compact it thoroughly. Wetting the base slightly can make it more solid. 6
Add Paver Sand: Pour and level a 1-inch layer of paver sand over the base. Use PVC pipes to screed the sand for a uniform depth.
Lay Pavers: Start at a corner and lay the pavers one by one, fitting them together snugly. Avoid dragging the pavers across the sand.
Install Paver Edging: Install plastic or metal edging along the perimeter to restrain the pavers.17
Finish the Patio: Spread paver sand over the entire area and sweep it into the gaps between the pavers. Compact the surface with a plate compactor.

Paver Costs

DIY: $12 to $17 per square foot.11
Professional Installation: $20 to $27 per square foot. 11
Concrete Pavers: $2 to $8 per square foot. 15

Wood Chips: A Natural and Budget-Friendly Option

Wood chips can be an attractive and environmentally friendly option for a patio, offering a natural, rustic look. They are a byproduct of the timber industry, making them readily available and often free or low-cost.

Pros and Cons of Wood Chip Patios

Pros

Cost-Effective: Wood chips are typically cheaper than gravel or pavers. 3
Eco-Friendly: A renewable resource that blends well with the environment. 3 Reusing wood chips reduces waste in landfills. 40
Good for Soil: As they decompose, wood chips feed the soil. 40
Weed Suppression: Wood chips can suppress annual weeds. 13
Moisture Retention: They help conserve soil moisture.13

Cons

Less Durable: Wood chips break down over time and require regular replenishment. 3, 21
High-Maintenance: Regular maintenance is needed, including replenishing the chips and leveling the surface.3
Pest Harborage: Wood chips can harbor insects like slugs, earwigs, and ants.13
Potential for Rot: In clay soils or areas with poor drainage, wood chips can retain too much moisture, leading to rot. 13

Installing a Wood Chip Patio

Prepare the Base: Dig out the area, ensuring good drainage. Use double the amount of aggregates on top of the sand layer to enhance drainage.21
Weed Control: Lay down newspaper or cardboard followed by landscaping fabric to prevent weeds.44
Edging: Place logs, large stones, or bricks around the perimeter to contain the wood chips. 21
Apply Wood Chips: Spread a thick layer of wood chips (4-6 inches or 10-15 centimeters) on top of the fabric. 44

Stepping Stones: A Simple and Elegant Pathway

Stepping stones offer a simple and cost-effective way to create a patio or pathway. They can be arranged in various patterns and combined with other materials like gravel or wood chips for a unique look. Using fewer stones within gravel will also make it a cost effective project.7

Installation Tips

Plan the Layout: Decide on the placement of the stepping stones, considering the natural flow of movement.
Prepare the Ground: Remove sod and level the ground where each stone will be placed.
Set the Stones: Place the stepping stones, ensuring they are stable and level.
Fill the Gaps: Fill the spaces between the stones with gravel, pebbles, or ground cover plants.

Other Affordable Patio Flooring Ideas

Reclaimed Materials: Use reclaimed bricks, flagstones, or tiles for a unique and cost-effective patio. 10
Interlocking Plastic Tiles: Budget-friendly and easy to install, these tiles can cover uneven surfaces and come in various designs. 4
Outdoor Carpet: Affordable and easy to install, outdoor carpet comes in various forms and is water-resistant, and UV stable. 42
DIY Concrete Pavers: Create your own pavers using concrete molds for a personalized and cost-effective option. 8

Climate Considerations

When selecting patio flooring, consider your local climate to ensure durability and longevity. Here are some climate-specific recommendations:33

Hot, Dry Regions: Use heat-resistant materials like decomposed granite or pea gravel. 33
Mixed Climates: Opt for moisture-resistant options like composite decking or slip-resistant concrete pavers.
The Home Sidekick Team consists of professional contractors, DIY enthusiasts, and home improvement experts who share their knowledge to help homeowners maintain and upgrade their homes.