Low cost patio ideas

JamesN

Hi everyone

Got a bit of a head scratcher with this. Looking to improve the look of my property by putting a patio in. The area in question doesn!!!8217;t get much light and the grass doesn!!!8217;t seem to do well. So to male the space more usable a patio seems like the ideal solution.

Need to cover about 20m2 and the cost is looking pretty steep. Will be doing all the labour myself so it!!!8217;s just materials.

The thing is we are looking to move in a year or so, so we will only get to enjoy it this year but hoping it makes the house more saleable.

The area is a rectangle about 3m wide, can take it up to about 7m at the most.

I!!!8217;m thinking slabs as it borders the patio doors but even that!!!8217;s quite pricey for the size. Would ideally want something modern looking. Hoping to come in at under £400.

Thanks in advance!

System

Look on local freecycle and Facebook groups usually folk giving away slabs for free...

[Deleted User]

or use a mixture of flagged area and stones, cuts the price down.

FreeBear

How many bodies do you need to bury ?

Preparation of the sub surface is key to getting a decent patio. Ideally, you'd need to dig down 8", put in a good layer of well compacted hardcore, and then bed the slabs down on a weak mortar mix. make sure the finished level is at least one brick below your damp proof course, and don't lay the slabs right up against the house. Leave 6" to 12" space and fill it with gravel.

Bimbly

Gravel?

Gravel with stepping stones?

Slate? Or even woodchip?

So you get rid of the turf, lay a weed proof membrane and put whatever you want on top. If you're not going to stay there long and don't want the expense, it seems this would be the way to go. Plus, a lot easier than laying a proper patio.

beedeedee

If it's really just for "show" and not heavily used, dig out a patch to about 6", put something round the edges (treated wood, bricks, blocks, wooden sleepers or lawn edging detc) and put weed suppressant fabric down, some gravel to cover (usually bulk from a builders merchant is cheaper) and strategically place a table and chairs, or plant pots. It'll look a treat for the time being.....

andrewf75

If you're going to do it yourself you should be able to do it for that budget. Slabs for free from facebook/gumtree/freecycle etc. £400 should be enough for type 1, sand and cement. You may need to hire a mixer and compactor as well.

JamesN

Thanks for the tips. Was keeping an eye on Facebook marketplace but will add free cycle to the list. We!!!8217;ve got two young kids so gravel will end up being moved all over the garden. I think the only option is going to be to source some cheap slabs. Trying to avoid concrete as I!!!8217;m just not a fan of the finish.

Would like to get a bit of use out of it for the summer but it!!!8217;s not essential.

Got some mates who work with merchants so equipment should be quite cheap.