Dreaming of an outdoor oasis but deterred by the potential damage to your wallet? We hear you. With some clever planning and resourceful material choices, you can fashion stylish backyard floors and patio spaces without paying premium prices.
Read on to discover Surprisingly affordable and easy-to-install outdoor flooring solutions for patios, gardens, side yards and more.
Choosing Budget-Friendly Materials: Key Considerations
When evaluating inexpensive outdoor flooring options, durability should be a top priority. The materials must withstand exposure to sun, rain, snow and daily wear-and-tear from feet and furniture. Proper drainage is also crucial to prevent flooding or water damage over time.
Additionally, match your flooring selection to the intended function of the space. Entertaining areas demand handsome looks plus slip-resistance and comfort underfoot. Private retreats can focus more on atmosphere than high traffic practicalities. And opt for DIY-friendly materials to save on professional installation fees.
Top Strategies for Major Savings on Backyard Floors
- Repurpose on-hand items like old pallets, lumber scraps and shipping containers into one-of-a-kind surfaces
- Choose permeable paving materials to reduce drainage issues
- Create custom concrete pavers using affordable molds and mix
- Use simple gravel pathways where appropriate
- Consider recycled plastic lumber, rubber tiles or plain concrete
- Incorporate organic pine needles, gravel, moss and mulch
Clever and Cheap DIY Outdoor Flooring Solutions
Concrete
Basic concrete offers an affordable blank canvas for endless custom looks. Jazz it up with stencils, stamps, staining, etching, painting and more. The variations are limited only by your imagination.
Rubber Pavers
Interlocking rubber pavers provide a friendlier surface than concrete, with traction for safe footing. Softer underfoot than solid pavement, they also facilitate drainage. Great for play areas, pool surrounds and more.
Composite Deck Tiles
Composite deck tiles deliver the charm of a full deck without the hefty price tag or complex build. These interlocking squares install in a snap over level ground or existing hardscape. An accessible DIY option suitable for novice handyfolk and renters too.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Affordable | – Can shift if unsecured |
| – Easy installation | – Needs occasional refastening |
| – Attractive wood-grain texture | – Limited customization |
| – Resists moisture/rotting | – Not as durable as solid decking |
Artificial Grass
Forget watering, fertilizing and mowing. Artificial turf provides the perks of lush lawn looks without the work or expenses. Dog-friendly options boast antimicrobial protection and drainage too. Just hose down occasional spills and stains.
Gravel
Gravel offers a dynamic neutral backdrop to spotlight architectural features and foliage. Use pea gravel for paths through garden beds or expanded metal edging to corral larger stones for lounging zones. Layer gravel over pavers for extra stability.
Opting for cost-effective materials doesn’t mean sacrificing style or functionality. Get inspired by these stylish backyards with affordable flooring:
Chic outdoor living doesn’t require shelling out thousands of dollars. Use these insider tips to install elegant backyard floors on a realistic budget. Which option excites your imagination and fits your outdoor space?
