Best budget patio?

I just bought a new house (first time home buyer at age 53!). Unfortunately the budget didn't all for any type of patio. What is my best option for a patio? I need it to be cheap, doable by myself, and have it loot great. I want it all for nothing!! Thanks!
  6 answers
  • Judy Ferrell Judy Ferrell on Apr 27, 2017

    Do it in stages. Put down a border for the size of patio you want. Then put sand in the middle, this will allow for you to put something else in the middle at a later date but will keep the sand contained. As for the border, you can find something cheap at a resale shop like a Habitat for Humanity resale and reuse.

  • Love Judy's idea! I would also check garage sales, moving sales, to see what turns up for you. I am on "Nextdoor" a neighborhood network, and just in the past few weeks there was so much free stuff, I wished I needed something. Take your time, be patient, source materials carefully and you will have the yard of your dreams before you know it. 😊🔨🔧⛏

  • Rebecca Haskins Royer Rebecca Haskins Royer on Apr 28, 2017

    Thank you for you suggestions! I think I will start gathering materials, but I can't start until I get enough to at least get the beyond the sand stage. I have a dog and I'll have a doggie door. I can just imagine giving him a sand bed right outside the back door....

  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Apr 28, 2017

    Use stone patio pavers - about $1 a piece at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. - they are 12 x 12 and you can make the area any size you can afford.

  • Margaret Buettner Margaret Buettner on Apr 28, 2017

    Hi when my husband did ours years ago he used gravel our is a tiny white type gravel that gas fine particles & packs down later we cover part of it with used bricks & concrete

  • Dee Dee on Apr 28, 2017

    My neighbors just used broken up concrete pieces from sidewalks being removed. They laid the broken pieces in randomly where they fit best with the smooth side up. It is looking great. I assume they are going to let moss or grass grow in between the pieces, as they are leaving wider spaces, but they could just plan to fill those with fine gravel. Whatever, I am enjoying watching the progress and can just imagine a little table and chair set with an umbrella appearing soon.