Patio Floor

• Build a patio out of flat pieces of slate or rock, but spread them out so you do not need to buy as many. In between the pieces put small gravel, sand or even a plush lawn covering.
  
  Create a brick patio by placing the brick in groups of decorative squares that are far apart from each other. Make a checkerboard pattern by alternating a 5-foot-by-5-foot brick surface with the same size area in lush lawn. This will not only be decorative, but it will cost you half the price of a full bricked patio.
  
  Use the same technique with stamped concrete slabs. Mix and pour small square areas of concrete and alternate every other square with thick green grass. Keep the grass trimmed low for a neat and tidy patio area.
  
  

Patio Sides

• Section the patio off by using the least expensive fencing you can find. Use a post and rail fence for a rustic look to your patio. This will give you a 4-foot high fence to finish the patio area off.
  
  Use railroad ties for a border if you just want the patio area defined. To add extra seating, build a bench around the area of the patio using inexpensive planks and posts. This idea does double duty by sectioning off your patio from the rest of the yard and providing you with an abundance of seating for your guests.
  
  Construct a wall out of cinderblock that is bar height around the perimeter of your patio. Attach planks around the top to create a long tabletop area. Use inexpensive wood that is stained in your choice of colors. This provides more than enough room for your guests to place their drinks and food on while they mingle. Place a few inexpensive high top patio chairs along the table area to give the look of an outside bar.
  
  

Patio Items

• Use a portable gas grill for your patio and save the expense of building one in. If it is charcoal you like, build an inexpensive grill from cinder blocks.
  
  Put a fire pit in--one that burns wood. This is simple and very cheap to build. Dig a hole and place cinderblocks, medium-sized rocks or bricks around the edge to define the area. Check with your local fire department for any building stipulations or permits to burn you may need.
  
  Assemble your own furniture out of pieces of wood. Long picnic tables and benches have simple square lines and can be built for a fraction of what it would cost to buy them.