Hey everyone! I'm thinking about laying a patio in my garden, but I'm totally shocked by the quotes I've received—almost $7,000! I've calculated the materials myself, and I could manage it for just over $1,000 if I did it on my own. I'm just aiming for basic slabs to create a long rectangular sitting area with two planters on the sides and a gap in the middle for grass access. Given that the high cost seems mainly due to labor, is there any way I can get this done cheaper? I'm more than willing to clear out the old turf and existing patio myself!
3 Answers
Honestly, your best bet is to DIY. Just be prepared for how physically demanding it can be. If it takes a pro one day, it could take you a few weekends. If you just want a simple setup, focus on getting the ground as flat as possible and go from there. It might not look as perfect, but it will give you a space to enjoy! Just don’t be too hard on yourself if it’s not flawless.
If you want a decent finish, it will take time and effort to get things level and safe. I laid my patio by making the ground as even as I could, then placed the slabs checking each one for wobbles and adjusting by lifting and adding rocks or dirt underneath. It’s not professional-grade but it works! Just be cautious if you expect older folks to walk on it, lol. What materials did you plan on using?
I'm not sure yet! Did you follow any tutorials or just wing it?
While it might seem daunting, doing it yourself is definitely possible and can save you a ton! Just remember, leveling the base is key—it’s hard work but totally doable. You might want to rent a skip for debris and a whacker plate for compacting the ground. I was quoted around $4,500 for mine, but I did it myself for about $800 and you wouldn't even know it wasn’t done by a pro. Take your time, do some research, and you'll be impressed with what you can pull off! Let me know if you need some tips or resources to get started.
Any specific resources you recommend for learning how to lay a patio? I'm a bit lost.
What if I mess up the drainage? Is that easy to figure out?