21 Outdoor Patio Ideas Perfect for Enjoying the Warm Weather (2024)

FAQs

How can I make my patio look nice? ›

Keep it simple with a small gravel patio, or make the most of a large space by upgrading a porch with pavers. If you're decorating on a budget, small accents can make a big difference — like using sheer curtains to enclose a tiny patio, layering in gorgeous greenery or incorporating throw pillows.

Whether you are swapping out your old slabs or paving over a grass lawn, porcelain pavers are the ultimate low maintenance patio solution. Not only are they extremely hard-wearing, but porcelain paving is also non-porous, meaning accidental spills and wayward stains cannot penetrate the surface of the slab.

Gravel is, on average, the cheapest material for a patio and requires the least time to install. It can match well with a less landscaped, wilder garden or backyard, and offers great drainage. However, it is not very comfortable underfoot and can be hard to keep level.

Concrete aggregates are great options for patios. These consist of gravel, crushed natural stone, and rocks. The materials are compacted down so they stay in place and provide a firm, beautiful-looking surface to walk on, place furniture, and enjoy.

Concrete is a simple, inexpensive material for building your patio. The price ranges from $6-$13 per square foot. Poured concrete is easy to shape, thus making it possible to create different shapes and designs to make it more unique.

Gravel is the cheapest option when looking to create a patio on a budget. Otherwise, pebbles or reclaimed materials are also good options. If you're set on laying paving slabs, concrete is one of the cheapest materials, and when installed and maintained correctly, it can hold up well and last for years.

Gravel is an affordable, easy patio solution. We recommend the more durable crushed granite or limestone over pea gravel or river rock. With basic tools, you'll be able to create a smooth area for sitting and dining that will last for years. To install, you'll first mark the patio area and dig out grass and plants.

Put Down an Outdoor Rug

An outdoor rug makes a patio design feel like an extension of your home because it creates the feeling of a floor. An outdoor rug visually pulls a space together and defines its boundaries. When decorating your patio, pick an outdoor rug in hues that coordinate with your patio furniture.

How do you make an inviting patio? ›

You want your outdoor space to be as welcoming as possible, and this means creating a relaxing vibe. Including plenty of plush seating and lounge areas is a must. For example, you could create a sitting area punctuated by a coffee table, throw pillows and blankets, and shading for both daytime and nighttime use.

Be sure to illuminate access to the house with porch lights and task lighting for outdoor kitchens and grill spaces. For dining and conversation areas, candlelight, wall mount down lighting, and chandeliers create an inviting and relaxed mood. Steps and walkways should also be illuminated for safety and added ambiance.

Gravel is the most affordable patio material, followed by wood and pavers. Natural stone patios cost the most, especially if you use high-end materials like granite, travertine, and bluestone. You'll get your money's worth with either gravel or stone.

Gravel is the cheapest option when looking to create a patio on a budget. Otherwise, pebbles or reclaimed materials are also good options. If you're set on laying paving slabs, concrete is one of the cheapest materials, and when installed and maintained correctly, it can hold up well and last for years.

Asphalt shingles are generally the cheapest option as they are not only one of the cheapest roofing shingles but also one of the cheapest types of roof to install. Metal roofing can also be an affordable alternative as well.