Choosing the right ground cover for a patio can make a big difference in how the space looks and feels. An attractive, low-maintenance ground cover can transform a drab slab of concrete into an inviting outdoor living area. However, ground cover plants and materials can vary widely in price. For those working with a tight budget, cost will be a key factor in selecting patio ground cover.
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What are the cheapest patio ground cover options?
Fortunately, there are several low-cost ground cover options that can work well for patios. Here are some of the most budget-friendly choices:
- Pebbles/gravel – Small pebbles or gravel make a classic, clean-looking ground cover for patios. Pea gravel starts around $15-25 per ton.
- Mulch – Wood mulch is an organic choice that starts around $1-5 per bag, depending on type. It will need to be refreshed regularly.
- Sand – Washed construction sand can create a beachy vibe. Sand costs about $20-50 per ton.
- Rubber mulch nuggets – Made from recycled tires, this durable option costs around $40-100 per cubic yard.
- Concrete – Plain concrete is very affordable at around $2-5 per square foot. Acid staining can add color for $1-2 more per square foot.
- Paint – For a very simple DIY option, use exterior latex porch and floor paint over the existing concrete. This costs about $30-60 per gallon.
Out of these budget patio ground cover ideas, pea gravel, regular gravel, mulch, and sand will usually be the cheapest, often coming in at under $1 per square foot. But costs can vary based on your specific sources and location. Rubber mulch and concrete will cost more, but are still relatively affordable options.
What other factors affect cost?
When calculating the total cost to install a patio ground cover, there are a few other things to consider beyond just the base material price:
- Quantity needed – Measure the square footage of your patio to estimate how much material you’ll need for full coverage. The size of the area makes a big difference in overall cost.
- Excavation – For some materials like gravel or pavers, excavating and leveling the soil beneath is advised. This can cost $1-3 per square foot if hiring professional equipment.
- Weed barrier – Plastic sheeting or landscape fabric helps keep weeds down. This could add $0.10-0.30 per square foot.
- Edging – Materials like gravel stay in place better with an edging border. Plastic, metal, or masonry edging costs $5-15 per linear foot installed.
- Delivery fees – Bulk loose materials often have delivery charges added. This might be $50-150 extra.
- Labor – Professional installation can run $5-15 per square foot. DIY will cut costs.
As a rough estimate, basic materials for gravel or mulch might cost $1-3 per square foot. With additional expenses factored in, the total could reach $4-8 per square foot for a professionally installed patio ground cover.
What is the cheapest patio ground cover?
Taking all the different material and installation costs into consideration, here are some of the cheapest overall options for covering a patio:
| Ground Cover | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Pea gravel | $1-3 DIY / $4-7 installed |
| Mulch | $1-4 DIY / $3-6 installed |
| Sand | $1-4 DIY / $3-7 installed |
| Plain concrete | $2-5 DIY / $5-10 installed |
| Painted concrete | $3-7 DIY / $6-12 installed |
Gravel, mulch and sand are consistently the most budget-friendly patio ground cover materials. Opting for pea gravel or regular gravel tends to provide the lowest-cost option starting around just $1 per square foot. Wood mulch is also very affordable at $1-4 per square foot. Washed sand comes in a little higher but still under $5 per square foot typically.
For organic materials like mulch or gravel, DIY installation will be much cheaper than hiring a professional. The trade-off is that DIY takes more work and time. Purchasing the materials yourself and installing them can potentially cut the total cost in half compared to having the project installed for you.
What are the pros and cons of cheap patio ground covers?
There are some advantages and disadvantages to know about when using very affordable ground cover materials on a patio:
Benefits
- Low upfront cost – Saves significantly on the total project budget compared to pricier options like pavers or poured concrete.
- Easy DIY option – Materials like gravel and mulch are simple for homeowners to spread without professional help.
- Low maintenance – Inexpensive ground covers like gravel require little upkeep once installed.
- Good drainage – Allows water to percolate through readily, preventing puddles or slippery surfaces.
Drawbacks
- Can look low-end – Gravel and plain concrete have a basic, budget aesthetic.
- Weeds – Organic mulch and gravel will let weeds grow over time.
- Messy – Loose materials like pebbles can scatter easily beyond patio borders.
- Not wheelchair/stroller friendly – Gravel options are not ideal for accessibility.
- Prone to erosion – Mulch and sand may erode or shift with heavy rain if not edged properly.
The most inexpensive patio ground covers don’t have the same refined, permanent look and feel as stone, brick, or tile. But proper installation and edging can help maximize durability. Overall, budget options like pea gravel and mulch provide an attractive, low-maintenance patio surface at a fraction of the price of pricier alternatives.
How can you save money on patio ground cover installation?
If hiring a professional isn’t in your budget, here are some ways to reduce costs on a DIY patio ground cover installation:
- Shop sales and bulk pricing – Buying materials in bulk quantities can often save up to 30%. Time of year makes a difference too.
- Rent equipment – Rent a truck to haul gravel or a mini skid loader to move bulk product instead of hiring a crew.
- Use free or low-cost edging – Make borders from cut logs or stones on your property rather than buying edging.
- Enlist friends – Have a few friends over to help out with shoveling and spreading. Offer pizza and beer after!
- Limit excavation – For materials like mulch, avoid extensive digging and grading if the patio foundation is already fairly level.
- Minimize weed barrier – Skip the landscape fabric altogether or use cardboard or overlapping newspaper sheets instead.
Preparation work like weed barriers, edging, and excavation is where pro installation costs really add up. Trimming back on non-essential steps can make a DIY gravel or mulch patio cover much more affordable. And recruited help from family and friends cuts labor expenses in a big way.
What low-cost patio ground cover supplies do I need?
If installing a budget-friendly mulch, gravel, or sand patio cover yourself, here are some of the key supplies needed:
- Ground cover material – Determine how much gravel, mulch, sand, or other base material you need based on square footage.
- Shovels and rakes – Basic manual tools make spreading and leveling materials easy.
- Wheelbarrow – For moving material from the delivery pile to the patio efficiently.
- Push broom – Helps sweep material into place and smooth the surface.
- Landscape edging – Contain loose materials along the perimeter with plastic, metal, stone, etc.
- Weed barrier – Optional landscape fabric prevents weed growth underneath.
- Gloves – Protect hands from blisters and splinters during shoveling.
Having enough workspace and the right loading equipment makes getting bulk quantities of gravel, mulch, or other ground cover material easier. And basic hand tools paired with landscape edging contain the material neatly once spread out. Investing in a few key supplies makes installing an inexpensive DIY patio ground cover much simpler.
Conclusion
Creating an attractive patio ground cover doesn’t have to bust your budget. Affordable options like pea gravel, mulch, and sand provide a clean, neat look starting at just $1-4 per square foot. Opting to install the materials yourself rather than hiring a professional can further reduce costs. While inexpensive covers have some drawbacks like weeds or erosion, proper preparation and edging helps maximize durability. For cost-conscious homeowners, choosing an affordable material like gravel paired with a DIY installation is a great way to transform a patio on a budget.