How to Make an Inexpensive Patio

Determine the desired perimeters of the patio. Measuring 9 inches past where you want the edges of the patio, mark the outline for excavation with stakes and string or with spray paint.

Dig out the marked area 9 inches deep using a shovel. Use a rake to break up large clumps of dirt and to help smooth and level the ground at the bottom of the excavated area.

Compact (tamp down) the bottom of the excavated area using a hand tamper.

Cover the bottom with weed barrier landscaping fabric, using scissors to cut the fabric to fit.

Fill the excavated area with 5 inches of gravel. Rake the gravel to disperse it evenly. Compact the gravel with the hand tamper.

Add a 1 1/2-inch layer of sand on top of the gravel. Smooth the sand by scraping a horizontal 2-by-4 board over the surface. Place a level on top of the board to check the evenness. Compact the sand with the hand tamper.

Spray the gravel and sand with water using a garden hose with a sprayer attachment. This will allow the gravel and sand to settle.

Lay pavers on top of the sand, starting in a corner that is against the house. Lightly tamp each paver into the sand using a rubber mallet. As you go, periodically place a 2-by-4 board with a level on top to ensure that the surface is even. Add or remove a little sand under a paver when necessary. Work in rows running parallel to the house.

Dig a slightly deeper trench around the perimeter of the patio using a hand shovel once all of the pavers are installed. Line the bottom the trench with gravel and sand. Insert upright pavers into the trench so their top edges are even with the rest of the patio. The upright, slightly deeper pavers will create a border and will keep the patio pavers contained.

Tamp soil behind the edge pavers to secure them in the ground.

Sprinkle sand into all the cracks between individual pavers to firm the joints.

Spray the patio with the garden hose to clean off any excess sand and to allow the sand in the joints to settle.