1.) Patios are gorgeous no matter which materials you use to build them. If you really like the look of stone, there are a couple of things you can do. You can actually get the same look at feel of stone without the high price tag that usually comes along with it. All you need to do is get broken paving stone pieces. Place them together like a mosaic on your patio area. You can then spray paint them different colors that are neutral and natural like stone.

2.) If you want to save money on your paving stones try buying them after summer. This is because they are in high demand during the summer and when it is over the prices usually drop. Most garden and patio supplies go on sale after the summer ends and fall and winter begin. So if you want to save money while designing your patio and garden, waiting until the weather cools is a sure way to get your supplies at a discount.

3.) If you're going to have a patio poured, look for times when cement companies are not as busy as normal. Their workload is also higher during the spring and summer so waiting until fall or winter works best. You may not be considering your patio during the winter, but with a little planning ahead you can get fantastic discounts from the cement companies. Or, learn how to build a patio yourself using bagged concrete.

4.) Consider learning with lower grade concrete. This is much cheaper than some of the higher grades, and can be every bit as beautiful. You can save even more money by building the patio on your own or just with a few close friends or family members.