35 Paver Patio Ideas to Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space (2024)

FAQs

What adds more value pavers or concrete? ›

Investment Value: While the initial cost of pavers can be higher than concrete, they offer greater long-term value by enhancing property appeal and requiring less maintenance.

You can expect to get 20% to 30% of your investment back when you choose the right hardscaping project. For example, say you're going to add a $10,000 paver patio to your backyard. You can expect that patio to increase your home's value by $2,000 to $3,000 when it comes time to sell or refinance.

Build Wood Pallet Furniture

DIY wood pallet furniture is a cool, inexpensive alternative to typical outdoor furniture. You can attach pallets of wood together and paint it in your favorite color and add some cushions to create a sectional, chairs or even a coffee table.

PAVERS are the best option

Pavers are strong, inexpensive, and easy to install. Most pavers are also simple to repair. If you stain one of your pavers, all you have to do is take it up and flip it over.

A paver patio costs $10 to $17 per square foot installed. A 12x12 paver patio costs $1,400 to $2,500. A 20x20 paver patio costs $3,800 to $6,800. The cost of paver materials is $4 to $6 per square foot, while installation labor costs $6 to $11 per square foot.

As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.

The good news is that pavers are known for their durability and lifespan. Made of clay, concrete, natural stone, or even porcelain, pavers can last 20-25 years without any major repairs with proper care and maintenance. If they are properly cared for and sealed, concrete pavers can last upwards of 50 years.

Gravel. 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.

A small space can have a big impact - especially if you get creative with patterns or pops of color. Create focal points with a fabulous rug, statement fire pit, fun cushions on your patio furniture, a bright water feature, or a colorful mural on a fence.

How much should you spend on a backyard remodel? ›

“Backyard costs range significantly based on the scope of work,” he says. “But we also have clients who spend $10,000 and are able to completely change the look and feel of their space with new plants, refreshed hardscaping, and styling. Usually, though, we recommend that most homeowners budget $20,000 or more.”

Bricks or pavers in straight or gently curving patterns typically work well for an easy job. Flagstones, with their irregular shapes, are ideal for an informal patio with natural appeal.

Gravel, block paving, resin and wooden decking are other options if you're looking to install a patio without slabs at a budget-friendly price.

You don't need to embark on a major renovation to design a cute patio. We've included plenty of DIY ideas, like painting a concrete patio, arranging a living plant wall and building a fire pit. Keep it simple with a small gravel patio, or make the most of a large space by upgrading a porch with pavers.

Patios are cheaper to build, partially because the building materials are cheaper and because they're installed flush with the ground, requiring less materials and labor to create stairs, install joists, railings, and other components associated with decks.

In general, pavers can bring a return on investment of 109%, or a $3,563 increase in value.” However, this number could be more based on the cost and size of your patio, how many pavers were used, whether the driveway is included, and how much surface area is used.

Do pavers or concrete last longer? ›

1️⃣ Cost: Concrete pavers can be more expensive than some alternative materials, such as asphalt or gravel. This higher cost may impact the overall budget of a project. 2️⃣ Maintenance: While concrete pavers are generally durable, they may require periodic maintenance to maintain their appearance and functionality.

Longevity — Pavers wear very well and typically don't require any sealer or maintenance. So depending on the type of paver, the long term cost is much less than concrete. If an area settles, becomes stained or the paver itself fails, the affected area is re-leveled and replaced with no adverse effects.