This easy DIY backyard patio is a perfect weekend project for your yard! If you’re on a budget or looking for a simple change, adding a brick paver patio can be a total backyard game changer.
Get ready gang, because this project crosses over from the realm of “DIY” into the realm of “home improvement!” I love putting together larger projects now that we have a home where we can really make things our own. So these DIY backyard patio ideas on a budget are easy and wallet-friendly way to freshen up the backyard.
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Our Best Outdoor DIY Ideas
Our yard has transformed since we created this patio! Want to see what else we built? Here ya go!
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DIY BAckyard Patio Ideas On a Budget
I think my biggest problem is that I just want to do it all at once! But if there’s one thing I’m learning as a homeowner, it’s that you have to knock things out one at a time or you’ll make yourself crazy.
A simple DIY brick paver patio like this one was a great place to start for our yard.
We had an unused corner of our yard, inside a wide brick mow strip, that was begging for an update. We knew we didn’t have the budget for a full yard makeover, but this brick paver patio idea solved a few problems:
- It created a conversational space where before there was just a dirt patch.
- The supplies were totally affordable and within our budget.
- We were able to create a use for the space without removing the mow strip.
Choosing Brick Pavers for a Patio
We decided on the brick pavers for our DIY backyard patio not just because they’re budget friendly, but because they would be easier than laying single bricks. They cover a little more area and there are fewer opportunities for misalignment.
However, if you happen to have bricks available, you can use single bricks to make an easy backyard patio as well!
Just be sure that you take plenty of time in the grading process, and use a level as you’re laying your bricks.
How to Make An Easy DIY Patio
Materials
- Shovel
- Hoe
- Rake
- Level
- Additional sand or dirt (if needed)
- Brick pavers
- River rock
- Plants that are appropriate for your climate zone
Additional Items
Make Time: 12 Hours
- Start by working the ground where you want to place your brick pavers. The ground will need to be somewhat soft, so if you’ve got compacted dirt be sure to shovel and hoe to break it up. You’ll be glad you did later! Also, clear away any weeds or debris.
- If you want the brick pavers to be sunken, remove a layer of dirt so that your ground will allow for the height of the pavers.
- Next, start to grade your ground and make it level. Use the rake to move dirt around so that you have a smooth, level surface for your brick pavers.
- Start placing your pavers. Use a level to be sure each paver is flat, and even with the neighboring pavers. Start in one corner, ensuring that your cornerstone is squared off and oriented in the direction you’d like.
- Continue placing brick pavers until your patio area is completed.
- If you’d like, sprinkle sand or dirt over your pavers and sweep it into the cracks in between to secure the bricks in place. Once you sweep your sand, you can sprinkle the area with a little water to help everything settle. Adjust any pavers if needed.
- Plant some vegetation around the edges of the pavers. We live in the Central Valley of California, so we chose mandevilla and bougainvillea in the hopes of getting them to grow along the fence. Otherwise we planted tropicana and some grasses, with potted succulents to break things up.
- To soften the edges of your brick paver patio, place river rock along the sides. You can use this to create curves or paths along the sides of your patio. Fill in the rocks around the pots and plants, being sure to leave space for things to grow or adjust.
- Add your final touches and a seating area! See our materials list for links to the furniture and pieces we used.
I am SO PUMPED to have this little DIY backyard patio completed! It’s a great beginner home improvement project, and it packs a big punch on a small budget.
Did this DIY Backyard Patio Last?
Updated March 2020: We have since repurposed half of this patio to create a sandbox for our kiddos, but the other half remains intact and working perfectly!
It was an easy DIY patio and has definitely stood the test of time. I’m still totally pleased with the space we created.
Later on I created this painted patio umbrella and added it for some shade. We also host lots of backyard movie nights and this space is still perfect for conversations and hanging out.
Leave any questions in the comments section! xoxo
DIY Backyard Patio with Brick Pavers
Yield: Brick Paver Patio
Prep Time: 5 hours
Active Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 10 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Estimated Cost: $200
Make an easy backyard patio with this simple DIY tutorial! Brick pavers are the perfect material to create a DIY backyard patio for entertaining and more.
Materials
- Sand or dirt
- Brick pavers
- River rock
- Plants and vegetation
- Adirondack chairs
- Log hoop
- Fire pit
- Flower planters and pots
Instructions
- Start by working the ground where you want to place your brick pavers. The ground will need to be somewhat soft, so if you've got compacted dirt be sure to shovel and hoe to break it up. You'll be glad you did later! Also, clear away any weeds or debris.
- If you want the brick pavers to be sunken, remove a layer of dirt so that your ground will allow for the height of the pavers.
- Next, start to grade your ground and make it level. Use the rake to move dirt around so that you have a smooth, level surface for your brick pavers.
- Start placing your pavers. Use a level to be sure each paver is flat, and even with the neighboring pavers. Start in one corner, ensuring that your cornerstone is squared off and oriented in the direction you'd like.
- Continue placing brick pavers until your patio area is completed.
- If you'd like, sprinkle sand or dirt over your pavers and sweep it into the cracks in between to secure the bricks in place. Once you sweep your sand, you can sprinkle the area with a little water to help everything settle. Adjust any pavers if needed.
- Plant some vegetation (according to your climate zone) around the edges of the pavers. We live in the Central Valley of California, so we chose mandevilla and bougainvillea in the hopes of getting them to grow along the fence. Otherwise we planted tropicana and some grasses, with potted succulents to break things up.
- To soften the edges of your brick paver patio, place river rock along the sides. You can use this to create curves or paths along the sides of your patio. Fill in the rocks around the pots and plants, being sure to leave space for things to grow or adjust.
- Add your final touches and a seating area! See our materials list for links to the furniture and pieces we used.
Product for this post graciously provided by AllModern.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert and enthusiast assistant. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide assistance on various topics. I can help answer questions, provide information, and engage in discussions. If you have any specific questions or topics you'd like to explore, feel free to ask!
Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in this article.
DIY Backyard Patio
A DIY backyard patio is a project that involves creating a patio in your yard using your own skills and resources. It can be a cost-effective way to enhance your outdoor space and create a comfortable area for relaxation and entertainment.
Brick Paver Patio
A brick paver patio is a type of patio made using brick pavers, which are rectangular-shaped bricks specifically designed for creating outdoor surfaces. Brick pavers are often chosen for their durability, affordability, and ease of installation. They can be arranged in various patterns to create a visually appealing patio.
Budget-Friendly
The DIY backyard patio ideas mentioned in the article are budget-friendly, meaning they are designed to be affordable and cost-effective. This can be particularly useful for individuals who want to improve their outdoor space without spending a significant amount of money.
Grading and Leveling
Grading and leveling refer to the process of preparing the ground where the brick pavers will be placed. This involves removing any weeds or debris, breaking up compacted dirt, and creating a smooth and level surface. Grading and leveling are important steps to ensure the stability and longevity of the patio.
Placing Brick Pavers
Placing brick pavers involves arranging the bricks in the desired pattern to create the patio. It is important to use a level to ensure that each paver is flat and even with the neighboring pavers. Starting in one corner and working your way across the patio area can help maintain alignment and ensure a consistent layout.
Securing the Bricks
To secure the brick pavers in place, sand or dirt can be sprinkled over the pavers and swept into the cracks in between. This helps to stabilize the bricks and prevent shifting. Sprinkling water over the area can further aid in settling the sand or dirt. Adjustments can be made as needed to ensure the bricks are properly aligned.
Adding Vegetation and Final Touches
To enhance the appearance of the patio, vegetation can be planted around the edges of the pavers. The choice of plants should be appropriate for the climate zone. River rock can be used to soften the edges of the patio and create curves or paths. Additional elements such as seating areas, fire pits, and flower pots can be added to complete the patio.
I hope this information helps you understand the concepts mentioned in the article. If you have any further questions or need more details, feel free to ask!
