Simple Cheap Outdoor Flooring Solutions

Outdoor living spaces are becoming more and more popular, allowing homeowners to enjoy the fresh air and natural sunlight right outside their homes. However, quality outdoor flooring can often come with a hefty price tag, leaving budget-conscious homeowners wondering if there are more affordable options. The good news is that there are plenty of cheap outdoor flooring solutions that offer durability, low maintenance, and style without breaking the bank.

Cheap outdoor floors provide an economical way to upgrade patios, porches, garden paths, pool decks, and other outdoor areas. With creative and practical options like painted concrete, pea gravel, rubber mulch, and wood planks, you can achieve the backyard oasis you desire on a limited budget.

Benefits of Inexpensive Outdoor Flooring

While inexpensive outdoor flooring solutions get a bad rap as being flimsy or unattractive, many modern options provide ample durability, easy installation, and even visual appeal. Here are some of the biggest benefits of choosing budget-friendly outdoor floors:

• Cost-Effective - The most obvious perk is the lower price point, allowing homeowners to floor larger outdoor areas without breaking the bank.
• Low Maintenance - Outdoor floors like rubber mulch and pea gravel require little upkeep compared to natural stone or wood.
• Easy Installation - DIY-friendly options like interlocking pavers, tiles, and decking planks can be installed without professional help.
• Durability - Materials like concrete, composite wood, and rubber can withstand heavy foot traffic, weather, and UV rays.
• Design Versatility - From modern styles to natural looks, inexpensive outdoor floors come in many colors, textures, and patterns.

Choosing budget-friendly outdoor flooring means you don't have to sacrifice quality or aesthetics. With smart choices, you can create a welcoming and stylish outdoor living space on a budget.

Concrete Pavers for Affordable Outdoor Flooring

Concrete may not seem like the most exciting flooring material, but modern concrete pavers offer design flexibility and rugged durability. As a budget-friendly outdoor flooring solution, concrete pavers check off all the boxes.

Types of Concrete Pavers

These are some of the most popular options for affordable outdoor concrete pavers:

• Interlocking - Pre-formed blocks fit together like puzzle pieces for easy DIY installation.
• Stamped - Molded and textured to mimic brick, stone, and other natural materials.
• Permeable - Allow rainwater drainage through small gaps between pavers.
• Slabs - Poured concrete formed into square or rectangular slabs.

Benefits of Concrete Pavers

Here are some of the biggest advantages of concrete paver floors:

• Very affordable compared to natural stone, brick, and wood.
• Extremely durable against heavy foot traffic, weather, and sun exposure.
• Interlocking pavers are easy for DIY installation.
• Low maintenance other than occasional sweeping or pressure washing.
• Come in varied colors, shapes, textures, and patterns.
• Permeable pavers allow rainwater drainage to prevent pooling.

With proper installation and maintenance, concrete pavers can provide 20+ years of reliable outdoor flooring on a budget.

How to Install Concrete Pavers

While best left to professionals, DIYers can install interlocking concrete pavers with proper planning and preparation:

1. Clear the installation area of all debris and vegetation.
2. Dig out 2-4 inches deep and fill with crushed stone for drainage.
3. Compact and level the sub-base until smooth and even.
4. Lay weed barrier fabric over the sub-base.
5. Spread 1 inch of sand over the surface and smooth flat.
6. Lay the pavers in the desired pattern, leaving small gaps between.
7. Sweep sand into the cracks until filled and compact again.

The base preparation is crucial for preventing sinking or shifting of the pavers. Performing the work correctly will lead to a smooth, well-draining outdoor concrete floor.

Pea Gravel for Simple Low Cost Outdoor Flooring

For homeowners seeking an ultra-affordable, low-maintenance outdoor flooring option, pea gravel can't be beaten. Often used for paths and patios, pea gravel offers unique aesthetic appeal paired with a budget price point.

What is Pea Gravel?

Pea gravel consists of small, rounded river rock that resembles the size and shape of peas. The gravel ranges from 1/8 to 1/4 inches in diameter and comes in an array of natural colors like tan, brown, gray, white, and mixed hues. Pea gravel is an ideal loose fill material for outdoor areas.

Benefits of a Pea Gravel Floor

• Extremely inexpensive material cost.
• Super easy for DIY installation.
• Minimal ongoing maintenance required.
• Allows rainwater drainage.
• Natural, visually appealing texture.
• Safe, low-impact walking surface.

For a basic outdoor path or patio on a tight budget, pea gravel can create a finished look with little investment.

Downsides of Pea Gravel

Pea gravel isn't without its drawbacks, however:

• Can feel unstable underfoot.
• Tracked into the house more easily than other materials.
• Weeds may sprout between gravel.
• Not recommended for rolling wheels.
• Loosely packed gravel may shift and spread.

Proper installation and edging can help minimize some of these downsides for an optimal pea gravel floor.

Installing a Pea Gravel Patio or Path

Installing a pea gravel floor couldn't be simpler. Just follow these basic steps:

1. Mark out the area and remove any grass or plants.
2. Dig out 2-4 inches deep and level the soil.
3. Add a 1-2 inch sub-base of crushed gravel and compact down.
4. Install landscape edging around the perimeter if desired.
5. Spread out pea gravel to a 1-2 inch depth.
6. Evenly rake the gravel flat and smooth any piles.

That's all it takes to create an affordable pea gravel patio, walkway, or pool deck area! Just rake occasionally and add more gravel as needed for upkeep.

Rubber Mulch for Budget-Friendly Outdoor Areas

Rubber mulch made from recycled tires offers a surprisingly attractive, durable, and affordable outdoor flooring solution. The soft, footing-friendly surface also provides safety and accessibility.