The Cheapest Way To Do A Patio
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If you’re thinking of making some improvements to your garden you might be considering creating a patio area. This post is going to look at the cheapest way to do a patio so you can still create one even while sticking to a very tight budget.
A patio is a great addition to any garden. It can provide a focal point, an area for seating or shelter and it’s low maintenance too. Both patios and decking can add value to your house if you choose to sell in the future.
Whether you’re looking to patio your entire garden or just a small part, if you’re on a budget you’ll want to look at the cheapest options first and work your way up from there until you find what’s right for you.
The Cheapest Way To Do a Patio
The cheapest way to do a patio is using concrete. While it may not have quite the same pretty look as natural stone, it is by far the most budget-friendly option and can look really nice if done well.
Using a contractor to install your concrete is recommended but even with this added cost, it’s still the cheapest material for a patio.
You’ll also want to look at the size and whether you’ll want any extras like a path pouring at the same time.
A properly installed concrete patio should last for at least twenty-five years, however, as concrete is porous, there can sometimes be issues with water getting in and causing cracks if there is a hard frost.
This can be remedied by using a sealant, which will need to be topped up every few years to ensure it keeps working.
Before opting for concrete, do think about how to level your garden space is as if it is particularly uneven and will need a lot of work before the concrete can be poured, decking may be a better and slightly cheaper option.
However, decking can need more maintenance in the long term so this is worth taking into consideration too.
“Where possible, it’s always a good idea to leave some natural lawn or garden space,” comments Ruban Selvanayagam of Somerset auctioneer Property Solvers.
Alternative Cheap Patio Options
The next cheapest option for a patio is to use gravel. Gravel is fairly simple to install yourself so you’ll likely save on labour costs with this option too. It’s also very low maintenance in the long term as long as you lay landscaping fabric before installing to prevent weeds growing through.
Gravel comes in different shapes and sizes. Small, smoother stones are generally nice to walk but can be difficult to keep in place and are hard to place furniture on. Chunkier, sharper-edged gravel is better for staying but and keeping furniture in place, but very uncomfortable to walk on.
Paving slabs are another option. Typically large, plain slabs are the cheapest to buy and the uniform shape and size make them easy to install in your garden.
Maintenance is minimal as they only require occasional weeding around the edges and a clean maybe once a year with a pressure washer. Broken slabs can be removed and replaced and they can last up to fifty years if properly cared for.
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