10 Garden Patio Ideas On A Budget

Does your garden need to be spruced up, or your patio replaced? Short on money? Not to worry, these patio tips are perfect.

If you love spending time outdoors and have a limited budget, a garden patio can be an excellent addition to your home. A patio is a versatile space that can be used for relaxing, entertaining, or even dining. In this blog post, we will share ten garden patio ideas that won't break the bank.

1. Add Feature Sections within your Patio

If you are planning to create a paved patio, but need just a bit more than a full pack, there are many products we can offer you a part pack with, such as Natural Paving, Talasey, Marshalls and Stonemarket, although it's occasionally better value to buy more than you need with some other products. If you would rather not buy the extra, then why not make your pack of paving spread further by leaving out a few slabs here and there and then filling the gap with a feature. You could use pebbles or decorative gravel, small alpine plants, tiles on edge, clay bricks, shells or even a water feature to make a unique finish to your patio, freeing up some extra slabs to make them go further.

2. Use Natural Elements

Incorporating natural elements like rocks, plants, and wood into your patio design can create a peaceful and calming atmosphere. Look for affordable options in your local area or even in your own garden. For example, using cut up sections from the trunk of a chopped down tree as a central feature within a planting bed makes an interesting feature. Stood on end, these have a sculptural appeal. Or why not group a selection of rocks or boulders together and use as a feature planted with ornamental grasses. Another option is to add a large bowl and fill with water, adding small water plants to make an attractive centre piece. 

3. DIY Pallet Furniture

Pallets can be a cheap and easy way to create outdoor furniture rather than buying a purpose-built garden furniture set and can create a sturdy, stylish, functional feature within your garden. Create practical pallet sofas, chairs and even a coffee table and finish off with comfy cushions in colours to suit your garden and home colour scheme. Read our handy article on great features you can make with pallets. 

4. Stepping Stones

Stepping stones are a cheaper alternative to a full patio as fewer slabs or stones are required. Not only is this cost effective, it can be used to create a practical seating area and a pretty design feature. Stepping stones or simply buying fewer paving slabs and setting them within a larger area of gravel means you can create a unique and interesting patio feature. Gravel is a low-cost and easy-to-install option for your patio surface. It's also a great way to create a rustic look in your outdoor space. 

5. Add a Pergola

A pergola can add both shade and beauty to your patio. You can build one using affordable materials like pressure-treated timber or even recycled wood, but be sure to secure it to the ground to prevent it falling in windy weather. Alternatively, there are many budget priced pergola options available that create the feeling of an outdoor room within your garden. 

6. Hang Solar String Lights

String lights add a cosy and romantic atmosphere to any outdoor space. They can easily be picked up at a hardware, DIY store or online and are usually economically priced. Another option is to use jam jars with solar lights inside. Use brown string tied around the top and then looped over to create a handle and these give the appearance of storm lanterns with their rustic style and ambient glow.  

7. Create a Vertical Garden

Vertical gardens are perfect for small outdoor spaces. You can create one using repurposed pallets, hanging baskets, or even old gutters or pipes. Why not use old socks as hanging baskets - fill with soil and add a few holes for plug plants and then hang on nails or hooks. They will provide a sea of colour when they start flowering. 

8. Add Outdoor Rugs & Cushions

Outdoor rugs are a simple and affordable way to add colour and texture to your patio. Choose a rug that can withstand outdoor conditions, and you're good to go! Alternatively, choose a section of outdoor artifical grass as a rug instead. Add some scatter cushions to complement your planting and your garden will look designer quality and just like an extension of your home. 

9. Incorporate Plant Pots

Plants are a must-have for any garden patio. You can create a beautiful and budget-friendly patio by using affordable plants grown from seed which are always good value. Plant then in large ornamental planters to make a spectacular feature and a splash of colour for each season. Using pots of different heights add a contrasting dimenion to the garden. 

10. Paving Slabs

If you do opt for a traditional slab patio, it is vital that you consider which stones may be best suited for you. In order to be as cost effective as possible, choose the paving slabs that offer the best value for money. As a guide, with natural stone, you will find the best value with the premixed slab sizes whereas with porcelain paving, the best value size is 600x600mm. If you follow our guide explaining how to lay paving slabs, you will save the costs associated with installation as well. 

Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune to create a beautiful and functional garden patio. With some creativity and a little bit of investment, you can transform your outdoor space into a relaxing and inviting retreat.