[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font_size=”52px” meta_font_size=”22px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”SEO METADESCRIPTION NEW” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
I am so excited to share with you one of the top requested DIY projects from the exterior of our home. \u00a0Actually, it happens to be my very favorite one too!<\/strong> \u00a0It seems like some of you are wanting to update your outdoor spaces this year, too. \u00a0This DIY patio on a budget is perfect to both expand your outdoor area and also to add curb appeal and charm to any home.<\/p>\n However, to fully appreciate why this DIY patio on a budget is my favorite, let\u2019s take a quick walk down memory lane to 2017\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Outside-Pic.jpg” title_text=”Outside Pic” admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The first thing that might make you cringe could be that bright color, right?\u00a0 No offense to those who love bright colors, of course. \u00a0I actually love them in small doses, but not all over the exterior of my house!\u00a0 You can see why we were ready to dump white allllllllll over the exterior of our home!<\/p>\n We also knew we really wanted to add an extension to the front porch.\u00a0 For the size of our home, it\u2019s a rather small concrete pad that acts as a porch.\u00a0 Especially coming from our former home that had a wrap-around porch, I was desperate to make this not only look inviting, but to be a space we could truly enjoy.<\/strong><\/p>\n We had to wait a year and a half to let the dust settle on the extensive, whole-house renovation on the interior. \u00a0However, as soon as we were able to consider options for the front porch and landscape, I literally couldn\u2019t wait!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Outside-Pic2.jpg” title_text=”Outside Pic2″ admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Living in South Florida, we deal with very strict building codes and permits<\/strong>.\u00a0 After some investigation, adding more concrete and building out the front porch was going to require extensive permits that would put us way over our budget.<\/p>\n With the help of a fresh eye from a local friend, we put together this design and got to work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”should I diy or hire someone?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I think it\u2019s important to insert here that in the home d\u00e9cor\/DIY world, we can get caught up in thinking we have to do everything ourselves.\u00a0 Let this be your gentle reminder that it is perfectly fine to hire someone to do the jobs that you either don\u2019t have time to do or don\u2019t know how to do<\/strong>!\u00a0 In our case, my husband and I both work full-time.\u00a0 It was actually more cost effective for us to do our jobs and pay someone to do part of this DIY patio on a budget<\/p>\n Pro Tip: Weigh the time involved and get help if you want or need it!<\/strong> \u00a0It could save you money in the long run!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”what is the best wood for a pergola?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We paid a local builder to build and install the pergola areas.\u00a0 Because they are free-standing, we could avoid a lot of headache with building codes.<\/strong><\/p>\n The columns are deeply buried in concrete and have already withstood a small hurricane and multiple tropical storms!\u00a0 We used cedar wood for the pergola so it will last us for many, many years to come, even with our extremely hot and humid climate.<\/p>\n On either side of the cement front porch, I really wanted spaces that felt like an extension of the interior<\/strong> and gave some extra curb appeal.<\/p>\n Our home has a little bit of a southern look in the style and way that it is built. \u00a0With the extra tall windows and a little creativity, we were able to add a ton of charm here.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”how do I give my house more curb appeal?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The projects that we have done to get the most significant update in curb appeal were to paint our driveway. \u00a0On THIS post<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, you can get all of the details about how we saved thousands of dollars by painting our driveway as a DIY<\/a><\/strong><\/span> rather than hiring a pro.<\/p>\n Secondly, we had the pergola built that extends our front porch and adds so much depth and character to our home. \u00a0If you are able to build on or add a real porch area, that is wonderful. \u00a0However, for us, it was much more cost effective to go with the pergola option<\/strong>. \u00a0Plus, I love the casual and inviting style!<\/p>\n Thirdly, we added this DIY patio with pavers and artificial grass. \u00a0I’ll share all the details of this DIY patio on a budget in this post! \u00a0Keep reading!<\/p>\n There are many projects you can do to improve the curb appeal of your home. \u00a0We are still working on our list, but have found that focusing on one big project at a time allows us to balance our time and budget. \u00a0At the same time, there are a lot of small things you can do in the meantime.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”how do I update the exterior of my house on a budget?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”BLOG TITLE” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”How-to step 1 and 2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We enlisted the help of a college guy to help with some of the grunt work and make this project move along a little faster!\u00a0<\/strong> The most difficult part of the project was clearing the space and making it perfectly level.<\/p>\n Once that was done, it was sprayed well with weed killer and the paver part was begun.\u00a0 We chose to lay them on a diagonal<\/strong> to give a little more interest to the space.<\/p>\n Living close to Jupiter Island, I was inspired by this kind of design that can be found in those southern-style mansions!\u00a0 (Not that we live in a mansion, but any stretch of the imagination. \u00a0However, curb appeal can add so much impact to even a tiny home!)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_4489_jpg-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_4489_jpg” admin_label=”How to Pic 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”How-to 3 and 4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Next, we spread a layer of fill material over the existing dirt and sand.\u00a0 \u00a0A short black plastic border helped keeps things in order.<\/p>\n Fourthly, we rented a small compactor to form the loose gravel & soils into a firm bed.<\/p>\n ProTip:\u00a0 A hand tool will do the trick, but will cost you in time (and blisters!)<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/em> If you can make it work, rent the mechanical compactor!\u00a0 This is for sure the most time consuming step–but the most important!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_4487_jpg-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_4487_jpg” url=”https:\/\/amzn.to\/3vaY6lQ” url_new_window=”on” admin_label=”How to Pic 2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”How-to 5 and 6″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Finally, it was time to lay the pavers. \u00a0It is important to measure carefully! \u00a0A wet saw was used to cut the pavers to the correct dimensions. \u00a0We chose to space the pavers 4 inches apart.<\/p>\n We choose to use artificial turf<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 between the pavers so that no matter the season, this space would always look fresh<\/strong> and manicured.<\/p>\n This turf grass<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0was reasonably priced and has held up incredibly well for almost 3 years now.\u00a0 It hasn\u2019t faded or become worn, even though this pergola area gets all the weather elements.<\/p>\n Next, we cut the turf strips to exactly 4 inches.\u00a0 Using stakes<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, we secured the turf every 12-18 inches, being certain to give it extra security around the border.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_4507_jpg-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_4507_jpg” url=”https:\/\/rstyle.me\/+jjbXXFxehOukAFmet8pm5Q” url_new_window=”on” admin_label=”How to Pic 3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_4492_jpg-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_4492_jpg” url=”https:\/\/rstyle.me\/+jjbXXFxehOukAFmet8pm5Q” url_new_window=”on” admin_label=”How to Pic 4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”how to hang a porch swing?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We finished out this porch and pergola space with a pair of vintage swings that we picked up at a flea market for $30.\u00a0 Yes, thirty dollars for the PAIR!<\/strong>\u00a0 Talk about budget friendly!\u00a0 We will eventually need to replace these, but they have served us well so far.\u00a0 Our kids like to go outside and read and I love to see them using this space!<\/p>\n Pro Tip: \u00a0The porch swings should ideally be hung at about 17 inches off the ground.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n UPDATE:<\/strong><\/em> Our flea market found porch swings lasted for about 5 years before finally breaking down from the harsh Florida sun, humidity, and overall use.<\/p>\n We added THESE gorgeous porch swings<\/a><\/span> that are very heavy duty and will last for many years to come. \u00a0Our kids love the flip down cup holders<\/a><\/span> too! \u00a0They were very easy to assemble and install.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n This paver and turf idea would work great for any outdoor space where you want a hard, concrete space with a softer look<\/strong>.\u00a0 It would be great under a gazebo, beside a pool, surrounding a garden shed, or use it as a base to create an outdoor living area!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_5567-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_5567″ admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Coffee Tables with links” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We had the outdoor coffee table custom built with the same wood as the pergola.\u00a0 I love how it ties it all together and is the perfect spot to rest your feet, a drink, a book, or all of the above!<\/p>\n Since this space gets all the weather elements, it was important to have a table built with wood that will stand the test of time (and weather).<\/p>\n There are lots of cute outdoor coffee tables available, especially in the spring, but a custom option worked great for us.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Pillows with links” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Now that you’ve done all that work to create a gorgeous patio, how can you decorate it and still stay on a budget?<\/p>\n Outdoor throw pillows for the win!<\/p>\n Firstly, I invested in high-quality outdoor pillows<\/strong><\/span><\/a> for this space as well.\u00a0 I knew regular outdoor pillows would fade and fall apart within a year or two.\u00a0These pillows<\/strong><\/span><\/a> are easy to clean up and look as good as new in no time!\u00a0 Even in several years, they haven\u2019t faded, which says a lot in the Florida sun!<\/p>\n Next, I love the look of the black and white stripe<\/strong> and how versatile they are for every season.\u00a0 It\u2019s easy to add some punches of different seasonal colors and d\u00e9cor to this space, or leave it simple and clean with just the black and white!<\/p>\n You can shop my storefront here for more favorite outdoor pillows!<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Other Touches – rocking chairs, planters, and wreaths” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n White rocking chairs<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, some outdoor planter baskets<\/a><\/strong><\/span> from Walmart, and new wreaths<\/strong><\/span><\/a> from Target spruced up this space. Now, when I pull in the driveway, it feels like a good place to come home to.<\/p>\n UPDATE: This year, I added these gorgeous faux cedar trees.<\/a><\/span> \u00a0They have a UV protectant and are weather resistant. \u00a0I highly recommend them for an easy way to refresh your porch!<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Lastly, I added these beautiful faux flowers in white<\/strong><\/span>.<\/a> \u00a0Like the topiaries, they are designed to withstand the elements and have a UV protectant.<\/a><\/strong><\/span> \u00a0I love how they are so easy to maintain and perfect for those spots that are hard to remember to water. \u00a0Or in my case, just get so much sun that fresh ones don’t last without constant irrigation!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Follow storefront” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I am continually adding new things to my outdoor design and decor storefront<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0You’ll find everything from furniture to accessories, to clever ideas for easy curb appeal. \u00a0Whenever I see something new that I love, I add it there for more inspiration for you (and me too!).<\/p>\nThe “before” story of our DIY patio<\/em><\/h3>\n
\nShould I DIY or hire someone?<\/em><\/h3>\n
\nWhat is the best wood for a pergola?<\/em><\/h3>\n
How do I give my house more curb appeal?<\/em><\/h3>\n
How do I update the exterior of my house on a budget?<\/em><\/h3>\n
Try these 16 favorite, budget-friendly project ideas under $100!<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
How to Install Pavers for a DIY Patio On a Budget<\/strong><\/h2>\n
DIY\u00a0Patio on a Budget Step One: Clear the space and level the ground<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n
DIY\u00a0Patio on a Budget Step Two: Treat with weed killer<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n
DIY\u00a0Patio on a Budget Step Three: Spread filler material<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n
DIY\u00a0Patio on a Budget Step Four: Create a firm bed<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n
DIY\u00a0Patio on a Budget Step Five: Measure and lay pavers<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n
DIY\u00a0Patio on a Budget Step Six: Cut the artificial turf and install<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n
UPDATE: After 5 years, this turf grass has not faded and still looks beautiful!<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n
How to hang a porch swing?<\/em><\/h3>\n
Add comfort to your DIY\u00a0patio on a budget!<\/i><\/h3>\n
Here are 5 favorite outdoor coffee tables to add comfort and style to your patio:<\/em><\/h3>\n
\n
How can I make my patio look nice on a budget?<\/em><\/h3>\n
Other easy patio\/porch decor I love:<\/i><\/h3>\n
Follow my storefront for updated ideas to decorate outdoors on a budget!<\/strong><\/h3>\n