diy backyard patio
I think my biggest problem is that I just want to do it all at once! But if there’s one thing I’m learning as a homeowner, it’s that you have to knock things out one at a time or you’ll make yourself crazy.
We had an unused corner of our yard, inside a wide brick mow strip, that was begging for an update. We knew we didn’t have the budget for a full yard makeover, but this brick paver patio idea solved a few problems:
We decided on the brick pavers for our DIY backyard patio not just because they’re budget friendly, but because they would be easier than laying single bricks. They cover a little more area and there are fewer opportunities for misalignment.
Amazing Diy Backyard Patio Ideas On A Budget
Just be sure that you take plenty of time in the grading process, and use a level as you’re laying your bricks.
I am SO PUMPED to have this little DIY backyard patio completed! It’s a great beginner home improvement project, and it packs a big punch on a small budget.
Updated March 2020: We have since repurposed half of this patio to create a sandbox for our kiddos, but the other half remains intact and working perfectly!
Our $160 Budget Patio Makeover
My existing patios. That’s right, my fire pit patio had the horrid green edging and my stamped concrete patio had no edge at all. The edging goes all the way to the end of the fence and we put a shade bed on the other side of the existing patio.
To get the curve around the tree’s roots, we wedged a few small rocks together. So far I’ve had no problem with grass getting in or pebbles getting out. My dad did an incredible job fitting the edging together perfectly!
When you have the gravel on site (in this case, in my driveway), smooth a weed cover over the prepared patio site. Typically this is landscape fabric, but we actually used a giant painting tarp that cost about $15. I researched first to make sure that it can in fact go under a gravel patio. It absolutely can! We poked holes in it for drainage so that the ground beneath the patio wouldn’t harden under the patio.
Reader Project: Diy Backyard Oasis — The Family Handyman
A wheelbarrow is your friend here. The delivery truck dumped the pea gravel onto my driveway in a giant heap. My dad and I then shoveled the pea gravel into a wheelbarrow, wheeled it to the patio area, dumped it, and spread it out. Since my patio was oriented against a fence, we dumped the gravel close to the fence, working our way back to the front of the patio. Lay about three-fourths of the gravel, then stop to work on the edging.
Lay the stones out the way you want them. We did quite a bit of stone swapping to get the edge just right. Use two spikes and a string to get a straight line for your edging. This is more critical than you would think! Then move the stones out of the way and use the pick axe to dig a shallow trench wide enough to nestle the stones into the ground. Set the stones into the trench one by one, taking care to make sure they are level with each other and are straight. They should fit snugly together so as to not let any gravel slip through.
Once you’ve got your stone set in the trenches, you’re ready to finish the patio! Simply wheel the gravel to the stone edge, dumping the gravel over the side and into the patio. Smooth the gravel so that it is evenly distributed.
Patio Ideas For Your Backyard Living Space
That’s it! Just look at how much living space was gained in my yard. Can you believe this cost so little?! We could have gotten the patio project done in one day but my gravel was delivered pretty late in the day and we only had daylight until about 5 pm, since this project took place in November. If you started in the morning, I think you could definitely do this in one day. Certainly a weekend.
HUGE thank you for my dad for building this patio with me! I furnished the patio with a new hammock and a gorgeous six person teak dining set from Lowe’s. I added some potted plants, a concrete bench I’ve had for a decade nestled in the rounded area in front of the tree, and I (okay, dad) strung solar lights between the trees. The dining set matches the new teak chaise, love seat, and coffee table that I got for my stamped concrete patio last fall, which I think really ties the whole yard together. Here are some more photos of my refurbished backyard!We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing
Post a Comment for "diy backyard patio"