[Surprising] The Cheapest Way To Build a Patio

I know I don’t have to sell you on the virtues of patios. Very few things enhance an outdoor space as well, and luckily there are dozens of ways for constructing a patio with many budgets in mind!

A patio can be constructed cheaply without breaking your bank. What are some affordable options available today – especially if we’re talking about creating one from scratch instead of building off existing items around our homes or yards?

Maybe this article will help shed light on how it’s done…

Cheapest Way To Build a Patio

The cheapest way to construct a patio is by filling in the space with gravel or decomposed granite and laying pavers/interlocking tiles.

If done yourself, it can be under $1 per sq ft; hiring someone will double this cost because they have their own materials costs included in their price point.

But there’s more than cost when you’re picking out your patio build approach. Let’s take a look at some of the other factors and what they mean for design decisions, shall we?

I’ll be explaining how to choose from three different styles: Traditionalist Paver Patio Designs using brick pavers in various patterns such as travertine or cobblestone;

Contemporary Steel Roofed Decking PATIO with green space underneath that can also double up as an extension onto one side if need-be while still providing extra seating outside during those warm months!

Read More: [HOW MUCH] Does A Paver Patio Increase Home Value?

Hiring vs. DIY

Creating a DIY patio might be an option for some people, but when deciding whether to hire professionals or try and do it themselves make sure that you consider the value of your time, necessary tools, knowledge expertise, needed materials, cost safety insurance guarantee if there’s waste involved.

With reputable contractors, most will have insurance which means they can fix any shoddy workmanship issues while others offer reimbursement in case something goes wrong too!

People always ask me why I don’t just hire someone to build my patio. The truth is, there are some really easy ways for you to do it yourself!

So if this sounds like something that would interest and inspire you then read on…

The idea of a DIY project can be daunting but when we break down what exactly goes into the process from start-to-finish not only will building our own patio feel possible but also surprisingly satisfying too.

Read More: What Gravel To Use For Patio Base [Best Options]

Project Size

“The cost to install a paver patio is going up,” said Patio Designer Jimmie Johnson. “It has been about five years since we’ve done one but it’s back in style again.”

There are many factors that contribute towards this increase, with labor being at the top of most people’s lists.

The bigger your patio size gets though – even if they’re not doubling anything else- quadrupling concrete patios versus doublings its price almost always means more work because there’s so much material involved.

Don’t worry about the cost. There are plenty of ways to make things cheaper and still get what you want!

A cheap patio doesn’t mean a tiny one; in fact, it could be just the opposite when considering all your options for space.

One way is by thinking outside the box: look at how much bigger we made our last project (with help from lava rocks) versus this time around but keep only needing half as many paving stones or sandbags–you’ll find there really aren’t any limits on creativity here so long as they work within reason…

Material Cost

There are a variety of materials to choose from when it comes time for building your patio.

Not all will be created equally, and some may have greater costs than others depending on their materiality- which can make a big difference in price!

Keep this information handy as you begin planning out what type suits best with the budget that has been set aside.

After all, you don’t want any surprises during construction or afterward either way do you?

Concrete Patio

Concrete is an affordable material, with the cost per square foot hovering around $4 to 6 dollars.

However, installing a patio makes it more expensive- at around 15 cents higher than normal concrete prices – because there are added factors like grading for example which can add up quickly when you’re looking into this type of project (sub bases will run about 10%).
A standard poured concrete patio will cost around $2 937.

If you’re looking to spruce up your backyard without spending a lot of money, then concrete patios are what will work for most people.

However, these projects can still get expensive and might not appeal aesthetically if they don’t have much color or design detail in them already from the start – luckily there’s always staining!

Stamped Concrete Patio

Every component of a simple poured concrete patio is included in a stamped concrete patio, but the coloring and stamping process adds to the cost. The cost of stamping varies from $8 to $20 per square foot (source).

This means that stamped concrete patios will cost between $13 and $35 per square foot.

Stamped concrete patios can often imitate the regal appearance of tile at a fraction of the cost, as shown in the image above. Many stamped concrete patios look even better after sealing and staining than their tiled counterparts.

But what if there was a way to combine the two? Let’s continue reading.

Paver Patio

Paver patios are often less than $2.40 per square foot, making them a cost-effective option.

However, the pavers themselves can be as expensive as you want them to be, and depending on the size of the patio, additional labor may be required.

As a result, paver patio installation costs range from $10 to $17 per square foot.

A paver patio is usually less expensive than stamped concrete or tile, and it can also look fantastic.

Read More: Patio Paver Calculator + Cost

Furthermore, with proper maintenance, paver patios are durable and tend to last a long time.

Tile Patio

Tiled patios, like stamped concrete, require the same foundational construction steps as a concrete patio. They also end up costing more, just like stamped concrete. You’ll have to tile over the concrete, so it makes sense.

You’ll pay an extra $0.50 – $10 per square foot for materials, and up to $20 per square foot for labor on top of the base price of $4.25 – $6.25 per square foot.

A tile patio installation can cost anywhere from $4.75 (if you do it yourself) to $36 per square foot.

Although stamped concrete can come close, there is usually no substitute for tile. However, for many people, the additional cost isn’t worth it or feasible (myself included).

Gravel Patio

Gravel and decomposed granite, as stated at the outset of this article, are the most cost-effective materials for constructing your patio.

You could spend less than $0.50 per square foot if you built the patio yourself and didn’t use pavers to accent the space.

Now, there are some caveats to this (of course).

Gravel is a terrible surface for placing outdoor furniture on. If you want patio furniture in your backyard, you’ll have to accept the gravel and replace it with pavers. Naturally, the price will rise as a result.

Pea gravel can also be easily kicked and dug into. If you have children or pets, you’re in for a disaster!

Ways To Save Money Building A Patio

Being smart with your money is a key component in building a patio. There are many ways that homeowners can save money while still creating the garden space they desire.

Here are some great ideas for keeping a lid on your costs when it comes to designing and building a patio.

Create A Budget

It is important to have a budget in place before embarking on any construction project. Having a set amount of money will help you to stay within the confines of your budget throughout the entire process.

This will ensure that there are no surprises along the way and that you do not end up overspending. It is a good idea to create a shopping list or spreadsheet with all materials included before heading out to buy supplies.

Design Your Space

While some homeowners may wish to spend their entire budget on the best patio surface materials, this may not be feasible for everyone.

This is why it is important to stay within your price range when choosing materials. For example, concrete can usually be stained or painted to make it look like many other high-end patios.

By using dark colors on your patio, you can make it seem like you used expensive patio or stone surfaces.

Patio Structure

If you are building a patio then there are many different shapes and sizes that can be used.

It is important to consider the size of your garden when designing the space. The bigger the patio, the more it will cost to build one with an attractive structure.

Builders often use pressure-treated wood or composite decking for patios because it is durable and will last a long time without deteriorating. It also makes for an aesthetically pleasing space that comes with a large price tag.

Compare Prices

Doing comparison shopping is a great way to conserve extra money that can be put toward other projects.

You may also want to consider buying your materials at different locations in order to get the best deals possible. Some large home improvement stores offer good prices on patio building supplies, particularly when purchasing large quantities of them.

Conclusion

Filling in the space with gravel or decomposed granite and laying pavers/interlocking tiles is the cheapest way to build a patio.

We live in a world where many people are too busy to take the time required for building their own patio. If you want to have an outdoor space that is all your own, then it’s worth the investment of your money and time.

Building a patio will not only give you some much-needed fresh air but also create memories with friends and family through years of fun summertime activities like barbeques or games on sunny days.