The Top 54 Patio Ideas on a Budget – Landscaping and Outdoor Design

Can you create a backyard dream space on a budget?

It can be difficult to visualize a luxury patio if you’re on a tight budget. It can seem harder if you are facing a space constraint. However, achieving your design ideas and dream space in your backyard is far from impossible.

There are many ways to save on costs when completing a makeover of your outdoor living space, regardless of its size. One of the least expensive ways to spruce up your backyard and transform it into a great-looking patio space is with DIY projects. A helpful, cost-saving tip is to use your landscaping and garden as the primary focus for outdoor decor or backyard design.

Also, be mindful of the materials and furnishings you use. You don’t need to spend a lot of money; many low-cost alternatives to expensive products are equally durable.

Check out these various styles and patio design ideas to complete your home improvement project on a shoestring budget.

1. Small Inexpensive Patio Ideas

Whenever space is small, you’ll want to focus on maximizing the area that you do have to its entirety. Once you embrace this thought, you can then work within any size, including a small patio area.

Your usable space includes the sides, ground, and even above. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “How can that even work in a backyard?” I’ll explain!

While you may not have the traditional four walls of an indoor space, most patios sit directly next to the home. This means you’re given at least one side to work to your advantage. Use this space to hang potted plants on the side of your home, which is a great, inexpensive outdoor decoration. Faux plant walls are another way to add some low-maintenance patio decor that isn’t too costly.

You may even be lucky enough to have your backyard patio lined up against a fence. If so, consider dressing up the fence with a fresh coat of paint. This can be a big upgrade for a pretty reasonable price. This freshly painted fence can also function as an additional wall for more decor.

For the base under your feet, concrete is an inexpensive material that is also very durable. You can top it with an affordable outdoor rug for a low-priced pop of color.

You may have to get a little more creative with how you utilize the area above your backyard patio. Hanging string lights provide outdoor light and look elegant. However, they’re inexpensive and don’t require much space. Another option for using the space above is with a sheltered porch, but this tends to be expensive. Low-cost alternatives include pergolas and umbrellas.

2. Cheap Patio Ideas

Expensive items are the main drawback when planning out your patio ideas on a budget. Outdoor furniture tends to be one of the largest expenses. Cheap doesn’t guarantee that it’ll last, and constant replacements will add up fast. It’s all about finding the right balance between cost and longevity.

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is a great motto to adopt to stay within budget while planning out your patio design. You can find discarded high-quality furniture pieces at garage sales, flea markets, and even on the side of the road. With a little bit of love and time spent sanding or a splash of paint, you’ll give these items a new life.

If you are looking to purchase new outdoor chairs and other furniture, consider those made of aluminum. This material is lightweight, water-resistant, and very common throughout the patio furniture realm. Pair your aluminum furniture with comfortable seat cushions. Keep in mind that you’ll need to take proper care of any cushions or pillows to ensure they last.

Plastic is another cheap, durable material that is commonly used for patio furniture. You can find styles that mimic the design of wicker or rattan, but for a fraction of the price. Another common seat style for outdoor living is the Adirondack chair. These are very comfortable, as they have extra-wide armrests. While these are popular with a variety of vibrant colors, you can also add pillows to dress them up further.

3. DIY Patio Ideas

With the wide range of DIY backyard patio ideas available, you can find the perfect fit for you and your outdoor space.

A popular DIY project is creating a covered patio. Enclosing your patio space extends its usability, provides privacy, and enhances the aesthetic.

4. Easy Patio Ideas

Attaching cloth fabric to a pergola or wooden frame is an easy project you can complete yourself. Polyester is a low-cost material that is best for creating a canopy. It is both durable and water-resistant. You’ll begin by measuring the amount of material needed to cover the patio. Then proceed to attach to the outer frame securely.

DIY curtains are another option for more privacy. Olefin is the best fabric choice for this project, as it’s soft, lightweight, and won’t fade from the sun. Attach the curtains to the sides of a pergola with grommets.

If your patio is already closed off with a wall or fence, consider a DIY wall paneling project to add some texture. Thatch, bamboo, or lap wood can make for an eye-catching accent wall. You’ll want to do your research on safety and the necessary materials for your desired look.

5. Tiny Patio Ideas

Even with a small patio, you can stay on a budget and make a big impact.

You’ll want to consider the size of your furniture to avoid overcrowding in your small space. It’s best to opt for stackable or easy-to-fold chairs when you have a small patio. It’s even better if you can find dual-purpose pieces.

If your outdoor space resides on a balcony, consider using the railings to your advantage. They are perfect for stringing lights around or mounting flower boxes and potted plants. This same approach can also work for deck railings.

Depending on the shape of your space, a concrete slab may not always be feasible. Instead, a concrete paver may be a versatile option to consider for your patio base. They are low in cost, easy to install, and can be custom to fit into any size space.

Regardless of the size, you will want to play up the greenery and backyard landscaping. Potted plants look great and are also easy to move around if you need to make more space. You can even have a vegetable or herb garden within a small backyard.

6. Budget-Friendly Patio

Full matching sets of outdoor patio furniture can be pricey, but they’re not necessary for a great-looking space. Piecing together a mix of items can result in a cohesive and budget-friendly design.

Take up the offer when presented with hand-me-down patio furniture. You’ll be surprised at the amount of money you can save by doing so. Also, check out your local thrift shop for some amazing deals. You might need to touch it up with a can of spray paint, but it’s easy and will save you a ton of money.

Another budget patio idea is a gravel patio. It’s one of the most inexpensive patio materials. Installation is simple and easy to do by yourself to further save on costs. You’ll want to spend time prepping its base and enclosure. After that, be sure to keep at least 4 inches of depth for the gravel. It doesn’t require much further upkeep.

7. Backyard Patio on a Budget Ideas

The patio doesn’t always have to be directly off your main home. Consider tucking it far back within the yard and pairing it with a pergola. You can then surround it with your natural landscaping and garden.

Lay pavers in a portion of the yard to provide a durable patio base. Concrete will be the most inexpensive and sturdy choice, and there are many patterns and styles to choose from. You can even mix varying styles, such as pavers and gravel, to further save costs and add visual interest.

Complete your backyard patio with an outdoor fireplace. An easy, cost-saving option is a DIY fire pit. It’s a very simple project to complete and only requires a few materials. First, you’ll want to dig out the desired size and line the space with large stones. Then, simply fill the base with sand or gravel, and it’s complete. Keep in mind that it’s recommended for a fire pit to be at least 10 feet from your home and away from trees.

8. Deck Patio Ideas on a Budget

Decks can be costly. Yes, there are many resources available for DIY versions. But, let’s face it: That project can be daunting.

The amount of material needed is a big factor in price. Lower sitting decks are going to be more affordable, as it requires less supporting wood. Size is also important. You don’t have to have a large deck for it to look nice. A deck can work for any size of space, including a small balcony.

9. Low Budget Garden Patio Ideas

There are many ways to transform your backyard patio into a low-budget garden. You’ll first want to consider the care and climate needed when deciding what plants to include. It’ll be a waste of money for anything that can’t survive in your environment.

Climbing plants, such as vine or ivy, are amazing options that look great against a trellis or a pergola. You can also hang flower baskets from the top beams of your porch structure.

Box gardens are easy and cheap to construct. They can range in size to fit within any space. You can choose to fill them with a variety of low-cost vegetable seeds, herbs, or flowers.

For landscaping, you’ll want to consider continuously blooming shrubs like hydrangeas. Not only are they beautiful, but they’ll also save costs in the years to follow with their recurring blooms.

10. Outdoor Patio on a Budget

Your goal for an outdoor patio should be for it to function as an outdoor living room as well as your home’s second living room.

You’ll want to be sure to select a strong foundation. Paver patios, gravel, and concrete are inexpensive and long-lasting bases. You can even choose to place an outdoor rug over an even surface for visual interest.

The chairs and other outdoor furniture don’t have to match. You can save costs by piecing together odds and ends. If you think things may clash, you can always limit your colors.

You won’t want to forget other backyard design ideas and outdoor decor items, such as a patio umbrella or a fire pit. An outdoor kitchen or grill station could also be useful for outdoor living. These inexpensive touches will complete your backyard oasis.

Patio Ideas on a Budget FAQs

What are budget-friendly ways to provide shade on a patio?

The most inexpensive way to gain some shade is with a patio umbrella. Pergolas or porch-style structures can also be great, budget-friendly shelter options. Or, you can even create a cloth covering with a DIY canopy project.

What is the cheapest material to use for a patio?

The best options for selecting low-cost patio materials include gravel, concrete, and pavers. All three materials are durable and long-lasting. You can consider completing the installation yourself to save even more.