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5 DIY Patio Upgrade Ideas for Your Backyard

by Lori Madden 12/12/2021

A backyard patio can be much more than a simple concrete slab. Patios are a place to gather, relax and enjoy your outdoor space in a variety of ways. If your backyard doesn’t have a patio or if you’re looking to update the one you have, here are some fresh ideas for DIY patio projects to try.

Pavers

Pavers are one of the most DIY-friendly materials you can use for patios. Not only are they simple to install yourself, they come in a vast array of colors, textures and styles to match the look you want. You can mimic the look of a trendy brick pathway, elegant flagstone or intricate designs with materials that will withstand the weather and heavy use.

Outdoor Rugs

One of the most budget-friendly ways to upgrade an existing patio is with an outdoor rug. Finding the perfect rug for your space can completely change the look and feel while also providing protection from sun-baked pavement in the hotter months. Whether you opt for a rug with bright colors or a more muted palette, you’ll notice the difference right away. You can also use the rug as a starting point for an entire patio makeover including furniture, accent pieces and more.

Pea Gravel

Building a gravel patio is an unexpected and simple way to add functionality to your backyard on a budget. By constructing a simple frame out of lumber, you can fill the space with a layer of gravel and have an instant and inexpensive patio. Gravel comes in different colors and levels of grain so you can customize the look and feel.

Island Patios

For a bold take on the backyard patio, try moving away from the walls and create an island in the middle or outer edge of the yard. Your island patio can be round, rectangular or a custom shape. Connecting it to the backyard entrance with a simple DIY pathway or stepping stones will keep it connected, while adding a pergola or trellises can add privacy and mystique.

Add Color & Pattern

If you’re working with pavers or stone, you have the unique opportunity to add a bit of artistic flair into your patio design. Consider scattering decorative tiles or stones throughout in order to make a casual and eclectic mosaic for your backyard. Some ideas include pebble stepping stones, painted or carved paving stones or even completely custom works of art you make yourself. As long as the materials are hardy enough to withstand the elements and traffic in your yard, you have a plethora of options for adding some art into your patio.

Backyard patios come in all shapes, sizes and styles to fit your needs and creative ideas. If you’re considering either a brand new or updated patio, try these ideas and enjoy how they can transform your entire outdoor space.

About the Author
Author

Lori Madden

As a Florida native growing up in Sarasota, I have seen my hometown grow from a sleepy coastal town to a highly sought-after destination along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. After working in Chicago for 5 years, I returned to Sarasota and saw it through a new lens and really began to appreciate what makes Sarasota so desirable, including temperatures that allow for year round outdoor activities including tennis (a personal favorite), golf, boating, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, or just relaxing and/or shelling on our pristine sandy shores, including Dr. Beach’s #1 beach in the United States for 2017, Siesta Key! Sarasota’s cultural amenities are many and diverse, appealing to a wide range of arts lovers. Downtown Sarasota has become a destination in itself, drawing many new developments for those who want to be within walking distance of Main Street's offerings and the picturesque bayfront and marina. Foodies will find an eclectic mix of locally owned and operated restaurants offering something for everyone, and there are now Farmers Markets every day of the week in various locations throughout Sarasota, but the Saturday morning Farmers Market in downtown Sarasota draws the biggest crowds. Since 1988, my passion has been selling real estate, representing both buyers and sellers. I have been recognized by my clients and customers for an uncompromising work ethic and dedication to helping them achieve their real estate goals. Relying on my experience as a real estate paralegal and being highly organized, I am able to help make the transition between contract and closing a smooth one for my clients. With an eye for interior and landscape design, I've been known to pitch in and help Sellers minimize and/or reorganize their belongings in order to stage their home to maximize its sale potential. I specialize in out of state buyers looking for their piece of paradise along the Gulf Coast and make it a priority to keep them up to date on our quickly changing local real estate market. I welcome the opportunity to share with you all Sarasota and her surrounding islands have to offer!