As the balmy days of summer give way to perfectly crisp fall evenings, homeowners across the country are planning to spend more time outside. Is your patio ready for company?
If yours is in need of a major overhaul, don’t stress. Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite patio remodel ideas that won’t blow your budget.
Read on to discover how to transform your backyard space into a peaceful haven — at a price point you can handle.
Selecting the Perfect Patio Material
When it’s time to make over your patio, you’ll have plenty of options to consider. Let’s look at some of the best cheap patio materials on the market.
Concrete
Poured concrete is one of the strongest and longest-lasting products for a budget patio makeover. One of the best parts about this material is that it won’t shift once it’s in place, unlike brick pavers or natural stone.
You can add many colors, dyes, and stamps to concrete to enhance its visual appeal.
Pavers
Pavers are individual pieces of stone that work together to form a patio. You can seal them side-by-side or allow a small strip of grass to grow between each one to create a natural border.
Concrete and brick are popular paver materials. Higher-end materials, like our HFLOR Luxury Vinyl Tiles, also make excellent outdoor flooring solutions.
Gravel
Gravel is one of the most cost-effective patio designs around. Less expensive than concrete or paving stones, it’s easy to install and requires minimal upkeep. The biggest drawback is that the surface can be unstable, which can make it difficult to walk on.
Flagstone
Flagstone is a gorgeous natural stone that’s used in many hardscape designs. It has a classic, Old World appearance and will hold up for decades if properly maintained. It’s also resistant to heat and won’t warp or shift over time.
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone has small, individual pieces that make it look similar to gravel. However, while gravel typically has a rounder and more uniform appearance, crushed stone is usually a little bigger and has rougher edges.
Designing for Urban and Cozy Outdoor Spaces
You can have a warm and welcoming patio no matter where you live. An urban patio in the middle of a big city makes a beautiful spot to take in the view and unwind after a long day.
If you live in a condo or apartment, consider creating a small rooftop patio or building an oasis right outside your door with an intimate courtyard layout. Remember to choose furniture that will fit comfortably in the space and won’t block your view.
Creative and Functional Patio Layouts
When you combine form and function, you can create a one-of-a-kind patio design that will turn heads and have all of your neighbors begging to come visit.
If you need privacy, you can add an outdoor green wall, install a sophisticated panel, or plant a tall hedge.
Remember: You don’t need an oversized conversation set to entertain. A small bistro table and two side chairs are a great way to invite conversation and make the space feel more homey.
Cultural and Regional Inspirations
As you plan your patio remodel on a budget, try to glean inspiration from your surroundings. Think about the cultural and regional aspects of where you live and look for ways to incorporate those elements into your design.
For example, if you live near the beach, then you can go with a nautical theme! Think simple thatch umbrellas, a small tiki bar, and a cozy hammock with a few colorful throw pillows.
If you want to evoke a Southwestern feel, then decorate with potted plants like succulents and cacti. Make sure the selections you choose will grow well in your climate. You can even give your patio Italian vibes by adding a trellis or pergola with gorgeous greenery.
Adding Style With Accents and Details
Great patio design is all about the details. While the big-ticket items like furniture and plants may take center stage, small touches bring everything together.
Some of the easiest and most affordable ways to maximize your space include:
- Colorful, patterned pillows and cushions
- Tabletop plants and small decor
- String lights
- Artwork or metalwork hanging on nearby walls
- Ottomans for quick seating and footrests
- A statement outdoor rug
These are only a few of the ways you can make the most of this outdoor room! Get creative and look for ways to bring your personality to the forefront.
Patios for Relaxation and Entertainment
There’s nothing like retreating to your patio at the end of a long day. If you want this space to become the ultimate outdoor chill spot, consider adding the following pieces:
- Ultra-comfortable seating
- Tall privacy plants
- Fountains and water features
- Umbrella or awning for shade
- Firepit
These pieces won’t only beckon you to sit and stay awhile. They’ll also encourage your loved ones to cozy up and get comfy.
Creating a Kid-Friendly Yet Stylish Patio
You don’t have to forfeit style for practicality when you have little ones underfoot! There are plenty of ways to achieve an affordable patio renovation that appeals to grown-ups and kids alike.
Some of our favorite features include:
- A small dedicated play space
- Access to backyard playground
- Sandbox
- Kid-friendly landscaping
When installing your ground cover, look for a material that will be soft for their tiny toes. Then, ensure there aren’t any sharp rocks or roots that could be a trip hazard.
Integrating Nature with Outdoor Features
One of the best parts about enjoying your new patio will be basking in the beauty of nature! Some pieces you can add to enhance this experience include:
- Planters and flower boxes
- Hanging plants
- Wind chimes
- Fountains
- Herb gardens
You can also use natural materials to give your conversation spot a cozy, earthy feel.
Outdoor Living Spaces for Comfort
Your patio should feel like an extension of your living room. While a conversation set and comfy rug are the anchoring pieces you need, don’t forget to add a few plush accessories such as:
- Throw blankets
- Soft pillows
- Warm lighting
- Side tables
- Footstools
These small pieces work together to create a relaxed area that’s comfortable and convenient. If you have room to spare, you can even add a small kitchen to make your patio even more liveable.
Incorporating Permanent Seating and Dining Areas
When brainstorming low-cost patio solutions, consider the number of people you anticipate using the space. Then, plan to include enough seating and dining chairs to accommodate them.
If you’re working within a small space, you can combine these two spaces into one multi-functional area. Cushioned benches make excellent seats at a long dining table, but can easily transform into intimate conversation nooks when dinner is put away.
Combining Play and Functionality in Patio Design
Don’t be afraid to let your personality show through in your patio design! Feel free to incorporate things you love, including space for games like cornhole and outdoor chess.
Worried all of those little toys will clutter up your chill zone? A storage ottoman is a great way to tuck the pieces away when not in use.
Highlighting Fire Features and Cozy Nooks
If your dream evening involves curling up by the fire, then think of ways to bring a little heat into your patio layout!
If space allows, a small fire pit is a great conversation centerpiece and an instant crowd-pleaser. Highlight this focal point with colorful shrubs, gravel, or built-in seating.
Just remember to review these guidelines to make sure everyone stays safe while enjoying their s’mores!
Modern and Practical Patio Solutions
If your home is designed in a contemporary fashion, then you may want to add a few modern elements to your low-budget patio design. Some of the items to add include:
- Low-profile seating and furniture
- Neutral or black-and-white fabrics
- Clean lines and sleek profiles
This aesthetic is all about classic simplicity. The best part is that these basics can also be incredibly practical. For example, when you keep the color scheme neutral, you don’t have to worry about switching out your throw pillows and cushions for each season!
Outdoor Elegance with Garden Features
A garden feature can turn your backyard patio into a natural escape. Even something as simple as a few rows of herbs in a standalone box can add just the right amount of freshness to the space.
If you have more room, then add a few rows of flowers or vegetable plants. You can also incorporate garden statues, fountains, and rock art to enhance the look.
Patio Lighting for Ambiance
Don’t forget to add lighting to your patio! Be sure to illuminate in strategic areas, using fixtures like:
- Up/downlights
- Spotlights
- Garden lights
- Step lights
- Overhead string lights
Dimmer switches can keep the lighting warm and cozy as night falls.
Try These Patio Remodel Ideas
A stunning patio doesn’t have to be overly expensive. With these patio remodel ideas, you’ll be well on your way toward creating a backyard haven that your family members love.
At LX Hausys, we specialize in high-quality products to transform every space you love, including this one. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.
