As the weather warms up, one of the best places to entertain is in your own backyard. Whether you want to dine outdoors, hangout with friends or family, or simply kick-back and relax, having the perfect patio setup makes outdoor living even better.

Most patios tend to use poured concrete for their outdoor flooring or opt for wooden decking to create a raised deck. It is expensive to hire a contractor to build either of these outdoor projects, and while they can certainly be taken on a DIY project, creating your own outdoor flooring is often costly and very time-consuming to do yourself.

If you want to create your own outdoor oasis on a budget, here are three ideas for DIY flooring options for your outdoor patio.

DIY Outdoor Flooring Alternatives

Pebbles

Pebbles are a popular option when it comes to budget-friendly patio flooring alternatives. Pebbles often give off a relaxed, beach-like feel to your outdoor patio, creating a casual flooring for your outdoor entertaining space. Add a hammock or cozy outdoor chairs for guests to enjoy your casual patio space.

When using pebbles as your flooring, be sure to lay down a weed barrier first. Then lay down your bags of pebbles where you want the outdoor entertainment and space to be. It’s best to aim for at least 3 inches of pebbles. Keep in mind that even though there is a weed barrier down, you may have to pull or spray for weeds periodically.