How can I enlarge my back patio--on a budget?!
by
Pat
+10
We have a concrete slab behind our house (built in 1960's) that is not large enough, not clean looking, and not very useful. I would love to update it, but we are nearly 70 years old and do not have a large budget.
I would love to extend the length of it, change the concrete to pavers (can they be put over the top of the old concrete?), and maybe include some sitting areas. Pretty low-maintenance greenery or flowers would also be nice.
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What about making a flagstone patio ? The stones would be free if you live in country where you can look for them in woods by streams.
They sell 12 inch cement squares at Walmart and other retail stores. They don't cost much.
bark chips
I love the idea of cement squares and the one on flagstone! Thank you!!
I'm not so sure about the bark chips because of bugs that like to hide around our part of the world. Thanks for responding though!
Hubby and I took out all the horrible shrubs from the front of the house. On the sidewalk side of the house we put down pavers that were 99 cents at Menards. All we did was eyeball the area from the edge of the sidewalk to the house to make it flat, started laying the pavers and adjusted the soil underneath to keep it flat and went on to the next one until we filled in the area all the way to the front steps. When we knew it was all level and firm we took the pavers up by rows and put landscaping fabric underneath it and laid them back down. Our seating area is a year old and still is fantastic as the day we finished it. It took us three months to do it between budget, heat and rain, but that is ok. Hubby is nearly 73 and handicapped, but it wasn't really that hard if you take your time and just keep plugging away as you can.
Removable tiles?
http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/categories/departments/outdoor/21957/
http://www.homedepot.com/b/Lumber-Composites-Decking-Deck-Tiles/N-5yc1vZc224
We just added onto our back patio by laying large pavers on the edge of the existing patio and extending out. There's sand between the pavers . We have a metal fire pit on end . But there's enough room now for a small table and chairs and all my potted plants .
Hello Pat; I have a suggestion, which might be helpful to you Folks. Maybe you could hire an older teen to assist you in working on your Patio.
You will have some help, for heavy lifting, and bending. The teen will make a bit of $$. I have done this before, and its nice for everyone.
As far as your Patio, I would add large pavers around the edge of the existing patio.
Also, You can locate inexpensive chairs and tables at yard sales, thrift stores, flea markets.
If you have a K-Mart or Big Lots where you live, they normally have good sales on outdoor furniture around this time of year!!
I would decorate with inexpensive lights, small candles, and any plants that I you have.
I hope that this helps you!! Take Care!
Pat; Thank-You so much!!
Yes,!!It is a winning situation for all parties involved.
I hope you Folks get the Patio of your Dreams!! Take Care and Best of Luck!!