As the weather warms up, one of the best places to entertain is in your own backyard. Whether you want to dine outdoors, hangout with friends or family, or simply kick-back and relax, having the perfect patio setup makes outdoor living even better.
Most patios tend to use poured concrete for their outdoor flooring or opt for wooden decking to create a raised deck. It is expensive to hire a contractor to build either of these outdoor projects, and while they can certainly be taken on a DIY project, creating your own outdoor flooring is often costly and very time-consuming to do yourself.
If you want to create your own outdoor oasis on a budget, here are three ideas for DIY flooring options for your outdoor patio.
Pebbles
Pebbles are a popular option when it comes to budget-friendly patio flooring alternatives. Pebbles often give off a relaxed, beach-like feel to your outdoor patio, creating a casual flooring for your outdoor entertaining space. Add a hammock or cozy outdoor chairs for guests to enjoy your casual patio space.
When using pebbles as your flooring, be sure to lay down a weed barrier first. Then lay down your bags of pebbles where you want the outdoor entertainment and space to be. It's best to aim for at least 3 inches of pebbles. Keep in mind that even though there is a weed barrier down, you may have to pull or spray for weeds periodically.
Tip!
If you have little ones, small pebbles can pose a choking hazard if little ones are left unattended on the patio.
Pavers
Pavers are the best way to get the look of concrete on your patio without having to pour a large concrete patio yourself. Pavers create a firm patio surface that is quite similar to concrete but is much easier to lay and install yourself. Try laying them in a variety of designs to create a fun pattern in your outdoor flooring that showcases your style and overall vibe. You can purchase ready-made stone pavers or use a concrete mold to create your own!
Pavers can become uneven as they shift and settle into the ground. Prevent this by leveling and compacting your soil very well prior to laying the pavers. You will also need to put something in the gaps between the pavers. Gravel is an option, as well as growing moss or grass or laying a sand such as polymeric jointing sand.
Moss
For a natural and earthy look for your outdoor patio flooring, consider growing a moss patio by letting the moss take over. Moss patios do best in environments where moss grows naturally – usually shaded spots. Remove any existing grass or plants and keep the moss shaded and moist to encourage growth. You can also create a “moss milkshake” by combining moss, water, and buttermilk in a blender, and spread it where your outdoor patio will be to encourage moss to grow.
Growing a moss lawn is budget-friendly and can be shaped to fit your outdoor space, letting you customize the size and shape of your patio. Moss is very soft and a low-maintenance alternative to traditional flooring.
Moss is a soft surface and make walking across your outdoor space enjoyable but when adding patio furniture (like patio tables or cozy chairs) they could sink into the moss. Moss can also take years to grow into a lush flooring.
If you want to create a backyard patio on a budget, think outside the box. There are many ways to DIY the patio flooring of your dreams without having to hire a contractor.
Morgan McBride is DIY lover and home decor enthusiast living in Charleston, South Carolina. She has been blogging at CharlestonCrafted.com alongside her husband since 2012, where they empower their readers to craft their home into their dream home through the power of DIY.
