Upgrade Your Backyard with an Easy DIY Patio (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest patio DIY? ›

Bricks and concrete pavers are the easiest patio materials to use because they have a uniform shape and create a relatively flat surface. That's helpful if you want to roll a grill across it, put down a mat to do Pilates or wear high heels while hosting a dinner party.

What is the most budget-friendly DIY patio material? Packed gravel is the lowest-cost option. Gravel is inexpensive, and installation involves digging, tamping, spreading, and adding borders. It's a fast way to add usable backyard space.

DIY guru, Jo Behari, says: A patio is relatively simple to lay and the materials are available at hardware stores. First, dig out any turf or plants down to about 10-15cm to form the foundations. Then put down a layer of 'hardcore', which is broken bits of rubble and brick.

A pergola, water feature, hot tub, or an outdoor kitchen are all big-ticket items that have the ability to really upgrade your outdoor living space. Yes, these focal points can transform your space into an area you will want to be in, but so do smaller design touches like an outdoor rug, hanging plants, and a hammock.

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.

Concrete and gravel are the least expensive hardscape materials, often used to build affordable retaining walls, patios, driveways, and other outdoor structures.

Loose Gravel

It's cheap and works well as a semi-permeable surface that doesn't require expensive maintenance. Borders can be used to help keep the gravel in place, or you can just rake it and add more when needed.

Building a patio is typically far less costly than building a deck, costing around half as much on average for labor and materials. On top of that, many deck materials require regular power washing and sealing to maintain their beauty and structural integrity, which adds more maintenance costs over its life span.

As with any DIY project, it's important to have a clear understanding of the time and materials associated with laying your own paver patio. Common outdoor patio materials are listed below, but in general the project can take around a week and goes much more smoothly with at least one other person.

How much should you spend on a patio? ›

Foundations are a key element in ensuring the solidity of your patio, balcony or terrace.

That said, it's estimated that well-designed patios not only add 8-10% home value, but also earn an ROI of over 80%. A better option for most homeowners, however, would be to refinish or repair an existing patio, as repair estimates average around $1,400. This can provide an ROI of nearly 500%.

Concrete aggregates are great options for patios. These consist of gravel, crushed natural stone, and rocks. The materials are compacted down so they stay in place and provide a firm, beautiful-looking surface to walk on, place furniture, and enjoy.

Stake Out/Remove Sod − Lay out project. Excavate the area to approximately 6 in larger on each side than the finished project size. Patios and Walkways: Excavate 9 in deep for 6 in of compacted base. Driveways excavate 14-16 in deep for 10-12 in of compacted base.

On average, patios cost about $3,200 to build and around $10 – $20 per square foot to install. Then, the materials cost close to $1.50 – $30 per square foot. As shown, it's cheaper and easier to build a patio. The cheapest material to build a patio with is concrete.

Lots of questions come up regarding how to lay pavers on dirt, however, it is not recommended to lay pavers directly on dirt or any unprepared ground. In order for pavers to look and perform their best in a permanent situation, the ground needs to be levelled, excavated and hard compacted.

You can put it on top of the ground, but it may cause a tripping hazard. Also you will need some kind of border to hold it in place. Yes you can if you level the sand/ blocks.