Easy And Cheap Patio Paver Ideas For Small Spaces

Outdoor patios provide a perfect place to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy the fresh air. However, traditional poured concrete or wood deck patios can be expensive. Patio pavers offer a beautiful, durable, and cheap solution for outdoor spaces. With so many paver shapes, colors, and designs, it's easy to create a stylish patio on any budget.

We'll review affordable materials, smart layouts, and easy installation tips. With a bit of planning, even tiny yards can include a fabulous paver paradise.

Benefits of Patio Pavers

Patio pavers provide a number of advantages over poured concrete slabs or wooden decks:

• Durability - Pavers resist cracking and last for decades.
• Affordability - Pavers cost less than poured concrete or wood.
• Style - The variety of paver shapes, colors and textures allow for endless design options.
• Customization - Pavers can be laid in creative patterns to suit your taste.
• Permeability - Gaps between pavers allow water drainage.
• Low Maintenance - Pavers don't need frequent staining or sealing.
• Easy Repair - It's simple to replace a damaged paver, unlike fixing cracks in concrete.

Whether you want an elegant patio or a fun, colorful space, pavers offer the versatility to fit your vision and budget.

Planning Your Small Patio

Careful planning ensures your DIY patio pavement project goes smoothly. First, accurately measure your patio area in square feet. This allows proper calculation of how many pavers you need. Next, sketch a layout diagram experimenting with different paver designs. Simple patterns like stacks or runners keep costs down in small areas. When designing patio shapes also consider traffic flow and furniture placement.

Pick paver types, colors, sizes and shapes that suit your yard. Consider both style and budget. Pavers come in concrete, brick, natural stone, and cobblestones. Mixing shapes like squares with rectangles adds visual interest. Contrasting colors create eye-catching designs. Plan for cut pavers along edges by ordering 10% extra.

Low Cost Patio Paver Materials

Concrete pavers offer an affordable option perfect for small patio projects. These solid pavement slabs withstand weather and resist cracking. Concrete costs around $2-$5 per square foot. Pros include easy installation, durability, and style options. Cons are they lack the elegant look of natural stone. However, concrete pavers still provide charm and functionality.

Brick pavers beautifully complement homes with a traditional vibe. Salvaged bricks from demolition projects reduce costs. Or buy new bricks for $3-$10 per square foot. Lay bricks in patterns like herringbone for rich texture. Use multiple shades for a timeworn aesthetic. Combine bricks with pebbles or grass for a patio with rustic character.

Natural stone pavers add undeniable elegance, but some types cost a premium. Affordable stone options include flagstone, slate, and travertine. Check stone yards for remnants at low prices. Or use irregular cut stones for a casual style. Lay stone pavers over a gravel base for a garden path patio vibe.

Choosing the Right Patio Pavers

Consider the look you want and how the pavers will be used to select the best options:

• Concrete pavers - Best for contemporary styles and high traffic
• Brick pavers - Offer classic charm and diverse patterns
• Natural stone - Elegant option for an upscale aesthetic
• Tumbled stone - Provides an aged, organic appearance
• Porcelain - Resists fading with a glossy finish
• Peastone - Combines nicely with greenery for garden patios

Also consider paver shapes - square and rectangular are most common. Unique options like hexagons, circles, diamonds, offer visual punch.

DIY Installation Tips

Proper base preparation prevents sinking or shifting pavers. Dig out area to 6 inch depth. Fill with 4 inches of packed gravel like paver base or crushed stone. Compact soil before adding 2 inch layer of coarse sand. Spread level with screed board. Deep roots below can push up pavers. Dig them out before installing base layers.

Edging keeps pavers neatly in place. Use landscape ties, bricks, or concrete as borders. Bury edges at least half their depth. Plastic paver edging quickly installs for clean lines. For a more natural look, use stones or pebbles as borders instead.

Time to lay the patio pavers! Place them in your planned pattern, keeping 1/4 to 1/2 inch gaps. Use spacers between pavers for even spacing. Sweep polymeric sand over top and into cracks. Mist lightly, wetting the sand so it hardens into a seal. Avoid stepping on pavers for 1-2 days while it sets.

Tips for Installing Patio Pavers

Follow these best practices for a long-lasting patio:

• Dig 6-12 inches for frost protection
• Add drainage slope of 1/8 inch per foot
• Use 4 inch gravel and 2 inch sand base
• Compact soil before adding base layers
• Bury edging halfway into ground
• Arrange pavers tightly without gaps
• Fill joints completely with polymeric sand
• Seal surface after installation

Taking time to properly prepare the base and edges prevents shifting, settling, and weeds. Compact materials at each stage and use graded aggregate for drainage.

Finishing Touches

Sealing concrete or natural stone pavers protects them from stains, frost damage, and weed growth. Use silicone or acrylic sealers, applying with a paint roller. Reapply sealers annually or as needed.

Outdoor lighting transforms patios into comfortable nighttime hangouts. Solar path lights easily illuminate pathways and steps. Use waterproof fixtures for patios, placed strategically to prevent glare. String lights overhanging the area create magical ambiance.

Plants, planters and pots soften hard paver surfaces. Arrange planters and pots beside seating areas. Space containers throughout the patio or along edges. Opt for cacti, succulents, herbs, and other plants needing minimal watering.

Place patio furniture like chairs, tables, and loungers in functional zones. An outdoor area rug adds softness underfoot and defines the space. Decor items like throw pillows, candles, and greenery make the patio more homey.

Caring for Your Pavers

With proper care, patio pavers maintain their beauty for decades. Here are some key maintenance tips:

• Sweep regularly with a stiff broom to prevent debris, dirt and leaf buildup.
• Clean stains right away to prevent setting. Use mild soap and water.
• Apply sealer every 1-2 years to protect pavers.
• Weed control is important. Pull weeds when they first sprout.
• Inspect for damage. Replace individual cracked or broken pavers as needed.
• Re-apply polymeric sand to fill joints if washout occurs.
• Avoid pressure washing, which can erode pavers over time.

With occasional sweeping, sealing, and weed removal, patio pavers stay looking fresh. Proper installation and care results in a long-lasting, low maintenance backyard paradise.

Small patios can make a big impact using affordable pavers. With smart planning and DIY installation, you can create a beautiful paver paradise on any budget. Follow the tips above and enjoy your new outdoor oasis. Pavers offer style, functionality and easy maintenance perfect for small spaces and tight budgets.