How to Save Money on a Concrete Patio

By Joe Schalling | January 16, 2023

A concrete patio is an attractive outdoor space that can increase your home’s beauty and value. It’s quite versatile and can be built into any available space. Concrete patios come in a wide range of styles and costs. You can choose to design a simple outdoor area or build a luxury patio with walkways and expensive amenities.

If you’re on a tight budget, it can seem hard to design a high-end concrete patio. Luckily, there are many ways to save on costs when completing your dream outdoor living space. You don’t need to spend a lot of money because there are affordable alternatives you can consider. Continue reading to learn more.

How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost to Build?

Before anything else, let’s first discuss how much you can expect to spend on your new patio. The costs of designing and building a concrete patio are not set in stone. The location, patio’s size and shape, and design will affect your concrete patio budget. On average, a concrete patio costs between $1,000 to $4,500. You can reduce costs by choosing simple designs and materials. This way, achieving your dream backyard space is far from impossible. Here are the other cost-saving tips for your concrete patio:

Use Appropriate Concrete Mix

Concrete is a mixture of water, sand, aggregate stone, and cement. These ingredients must be mixed in accurate proportions to produce concrete. The recommended concrete mix for a patio is at least 3500 psi. It’s strong enough for a patio, but you may still use high-strength concrete as high as 5000 psi.

Finding the perfect concrete ratio is important to ensure durability. It should be neither too runny nor too dry. A perfectly poured concrete will help you save on concrete repair costs.

Install Outdoor Lighting

A cost-effective yet attractive way to design your concrete patio is through outdoor lighting. You might be surprised how different your outdoor space looks day and night. Choosing the right lighting will transform your concrete patio into a cozy space come sunset.

If your concrete patio is near a tree, you may decorate the trunks with string lights. You can hang these in the branches and around the concrete patio itself. We recommend using warm white LEDs to create a welcoming glow while being energy efficient. LEDs are 75% more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, which helps in cutting your energy bills.

Choose Affordable Outdoor Furnishings

Rattan makes a great choice if you’re looking for affordable outdoor furniture. It’s a great material because it’s extremely durable and easy to maintain. Most importantly, rattan is weather-resistant and non-corrosive, which makes it suitable for your concrete patio area. It’s guaranteed to withstand extreme weather conditions.

In terms of maintenance, rattan furniture only requires minimal upkeep. Just wipe down the surface with warm soapy water to remove dirt and dust. Don’t worry if you spill anything because rattan outdoor furniture is typically stain-resistant.

Since it’s available in different colors and textures, you can find rattan furniture that matches your concrete patio. Before picking out your outdoor furniture, make sure your concrete patio is big enough for a table and seating.

Make the Patio Your Own

The main purpose of a concrete patio is to create a living space for your family and friends. Think of it like an extension of your home. You can start with a clean slate and use your imagination to make it homey. Here’s how you can spruce up your concrete patio without breaking the bank:

Add a beautiful outdoor rug
Install a retaining wall and a fire pit
Choose low-maintenance plants
Hire an expert who can stamp concrete
Invest in one to two pieces of statement furniture

Key Takeaway

Follow these budget-friendly concrete patio ideas to enhance your outdoor space. Concrete patios are considered an investment, but they don’t have to be too expensive to install.

At Midstate Concrete, we can help you achieve your dream outdoor space without costing a large amount of money. Our concrete contractors in Harrisburg, PA are ready to provide you with the perfect service. You can turn to us for concrete patio paving, driveway sealing, sidewalk and walkway installation, concrete leveling, and mudjacking.

Posted in blog