7 Inexpensive Ways to Cover Your Concrete Patio

A plain concrete patio isn’t much to look at, but it’s the perfect foundation for an inviting outdoor space. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy retreat, an entertainment hub, or a lush garden escape, the right cover can transform dull gray slabs into something special—without breaking the bank.

If you’re worried about cost, don’t be. There are plenty of affordable ways to upgrade your patio’s look, feel, and durability. From simple outdoor rugs to stylish pavers, this guide covers seven budget-friendly options that can enhance your space while even hiding minor imperfections. Let’s dive in and find the best fit for your patio.

The seven most popular affordable ways to cover your patio are: 

1. Rugs
2. Tiles
3. Pavers
4. Wood
5. Artificial turf
6. Paint
7. Raised garden beds 

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Each one has pros and cons to consider, in addition to thinking about how it fits your design plans and preferences. We’ll go over each option, so you can start envisioning how your concrete patio will look after its makeover. 

#1: Rugs

A colorful rug can instantly brighten up your patio and make it feel cozier while hiding its imperfections. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a nice carpet, either. 

A 5’x7’ outdoor rug starts at around $30, while an 8’x10’ rug typically costs $60 or more. Prices vary based on material—polypropylene is the most affordable, while seagrass and bamboo come at a premium. Smaller rugs are even cheaper if you’d rather mix and match the carpet. 

Size is not the only thing influencing the price. The material also matters. Polypropylene costs the least, while seagrass is the most expensive. You have several other options in between, such as sisal and bamboo. 

Rug Materials for Concrete Patios 

Rugs only take a few minutes to properly position and smooth out, so they’re a great choice if you don’t have much time for a DIY project. However, you do have to account for the time it takes to clean them.

If you want your outdoor carpet to stay nice, regularly shake off the dirt or vacuum the surface each week. You may also need to clean the rug with a pressure washer each season to prevent permanent stains. 

Plan to remove the rugs during the rainy season as well. The dense material can trap moisture against the patio, resulting in mold and mildew growth, stains, and concrete damage. If you get a lot of sunshine, budget for new rugs every few years, as UV exposure causes fading. 

#2: Tiles

Tiles can instantly transform plain concrete into a visually stunning and incredibly durable surface. Upgrading to a tile surface can be surprisingly cost-effective if you can handle the installation.

As long as you already have tile installation tools, you just need to buy the tiles, thin-set mortar, grout, and sealer. Tiles are the most expensive part of the project and their price depends on the material. See our instructional material on how to install a tile floor for a more detailed guide.

Porcelain and travertine tile represent opposites on the tile price spectrum. Porcelain is the cheapest tile option at $2 to $10 per square foot. At the other end is travertine, which costs $7 to $20 for each square foot. Your other options include slate, terracotta, and rubber. At the lowest price, a 300-square-foot backyard patio will cost you a little over $650 if you do it yourself. 

Concrete Patio Tile Materials 

Tiles come in natural tones and textures, bold colors and patterns, and everything in between. With such a wide selection available, you’re bound to find a tile design that appeals to you. 

If you fall in love with the higher-cost tiles, like travertine, be prepared for sticker shock. Hiring a contractor can add even more to the final price if you’re not comfortable handling the project. 

Installing tile is a difficult project, after all. So, it’s better to leave it to the pros if you cannot confidently cut, lay, and grout tile. 

#3: Pavers

Pavers upgrade the look and durability of your concrete patio without outshining the other design elements. The pavers cost more upfront, but their immense versatility, durability, and low maintenance needs may save you money in the long run. 

Pavers are DIY-friendly, so you can skip hiring a contractor and save money. Just set a sturdy base, lay the pavers evenly, and fill the gaps with sand to keep them in place. If you only buy materials, you’ll only have to pay for pavers, mortar, and sand. 

Depending on the material, the pavers range from $5 to $50 per square foot. Concrete pavers are the least expensive at $5 to $20 per square foot. Natural stone is the highest at $10 to $50 per square foot. If you go with the budget-friendly option, a 300-square-foot patio costs about $1,650 to upgrade with pavers. 

Pavers for Concrete Patios 

Concrete, brick, and natural stone pavers all have a timeless appearance that works for many unique patio designs. You can change up the look of your patio on the fly, allowing you to update annually or even decorate for the seasons. 

The process of installing the pavers won’t deliver instant gratification, however. Although it’s an approachable DIY project, that doesn’t mean it’ll go quickly. You must take your time with each step to minimize shifting and settling. 

If you rush through, the carefully laid surface could look uneven sooner than you might like. The polymeric sand between the pavers might quickly allow weeds to grow if it’s not packed down sufficiently. 

#4: Wood

If you’ve always loved the look and feel of a wooden deck, you don’t have to tear out the concrete to make it happen. Your existing patio provides a stable base for the wood, allowing you to get even faster results. 

You have two choices when upgrading your concrete patio with wood. You can either build the entire structure yourself or use interlocking deck tiles. Unless you go with tropical hardwoods, interlocking tiles are easier to install but are usually more expensive at $5 to $15 per square foot.

Updating your patio with wood costs between $3 and $20 per square foot, depending on your chosen material. Pressure-treated pine typically costs the least, while you’ll pay a premium for exotic hardwoods like Brazilian walnut. A budget-friendly build will cost $900 for a 300-square-foot deck in materials. 

Wood Coverings for Patios 

Covering your patio with wood creates a warm, natural look that beautifully elevates the space. The wood doesn’t get too hot in the sunlight or cold during the winter, and it always feels comfortable underfoot. 

Unless you have deck-building skills, the installation can feel quite challenging. To make it more approachable, you’ll need to hire a professional or go with interlocking deck tiles. Both of which will increase the price. 

Wood doesn’t last as long as natural stone, concrete, and other more robust materials. Insect damage and weathering can markedly decrease its lifespan from 30 years to 10 or less. 

#5: Artificial Turf

Artificial turf can transform a drab gray concrete area into a lush outdoor space. This covering can be relatively inexpensive, but durability increases with the price. 

Overall, you’ll pay $4 to $15 per square foot for the turf itself, depending on the material. Polypropylene costs the most, while nylon has the highest price. You will also need to pay up to $1 per square foot for the hex support panel. It’s possible to glue the turf down instead, but that will permanently damage to the concrete. 

As long as you bring your patience, installing the turf is a breeze. You’ll avoid paying a contractor, allowing you to cover your 300-square-foot patio for just $1,500. 

Artificial Turf Concrete Covering 

Artificial turf instantly turns hard concrete into a comfortable walking surface. The pop of greenery also softens the patio’s appearance, helping it blend into your garden oasis much better. 

Artificial turf offers a lush, green look year-round, but it has a slightly synthetic appearance. If aesthetics are a concern, opt for high-quality polyethylene or nylon turf for a more realistic finish. You just have to cover the somewhat steep initial price, and it’ll keep your patio looking how you want it for up to 20 years. 

Although the artificial grass feels soft underfoot, avoid walking over it barefoot on hot days. The plastic fibers retain the heat rather well, so they can get hot fast. A pergola or other cover over your patio can prevent that and keep rainfall from getting trapped against the concrete. 

#6: Paint 

If you want a custom look, paint is an affordable and versatile option. Choose from a variety of outdoor paint colors, and use stamps or stencils to add unique designs.

Whether you’re creative or not, painting your patio is a simple, budget-friendly DIY project. The hardest part is cleaning and prepping the surface. So, you don’t have to hire a professional if you want to keep more money in your pocket. 

Paint prices vary depending on the formula you choose. Water-based acrylic paint starts at $20 per gallon, while epoxy can go up to $70 per gallon. As long as you already have a pressure washer, cleaning and prepping supplies add about $150. At the lowest price, painting a 300-square-foot patio with a single color costs less than $200 for two gallons of paint and supplies. 

Concrete Patio Paint Covering 

When you paint concrete patios, it lets your personality shine and makes your home design all your own. You can use concrete stamps and stencils for even more flair. The easy application process feels satisfying, especially as you step back to admire the final results.

When properly applied, the paint adds a protective layer to old concrete slabs. You won’t have to worry about staining or weathering damaging your patio. The paint itself can chip and flake over the years, however. 

Good surface prep prevents that from happening too soon, but it will start to wear away eventually. Luckily, all you have to do at that point is clean, prep, and reapply the paint to restore your patio design. 

#7: Raised Garden Beds

Want to add color and life to your patio? Raised garden beds are a great way to grow flowers, fruits, or veggies. Whether you go budget-friendly with plastic or upscale with natural stone, these beds can transform your outdoor space.

Plastic raised beds are the most budget-friendly option at $30 to $100 each. You’ll pay the most for natural stone raised beds, which cost anywhere from $100 to $500 apiece. The price of each raised bed goes up with its size. A 2’x2’ plastic raised bed is $30, while a 6’x5’ natural stone bed costs $400 or more. 

Don’t forget that you’ll need dirt to fill all the beds you install, adding $100 or more to the price. You’ll spend less than $500 covering your 300-square-foot patio with 10 2’x2’ plastic raised beds.

Raised Garden Beds for Concrete Patios 

Raised garden beds can completely cover your patio to create a high-yield garden or just serve as notable corner accents. Either way, the increase in greenery will create a truly tranquil place to relax alone or with friends and family. 

You don’t have to break the bank to install raised beds, especially since it’s a DIY-friendly project. You could have everything up and running in one afternoon, although the work doesn’t end there. 

To keep each bed producing at its limits, you’ll need to come out to water, feed, and weed the beds regularly. Keep in mind that overwatering the beds could damage the concrete floor underneath, so only use enough to dampen the soil, not soak through the bottom. 

So, Which Inexpensive Way to Cover Your Patio is Right For You?

When choosing inexpensive ways to cover concrete patio surfaces, your budget, aesthetic preferences, and plans for the space will all come into play. You cannot choose wrong, so sit back and envision how you want your patio space to look and feel. 

Then, think about your budget and the durability of the materials. You have rugs, paint, and raised beds at the lowest end of the price range. The rest of the options may cost more, but they’re also more durable and will provide lasting results. So, it all balances out in the end.