In this post, we’ll break down 20 backyard concrete patio ideas on a budget that are perfect for small patios in need of a makeover this spring!
If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I live for a good patio. Whether it’s out at a restaurant or in my own backyard, a great patio can make every summer night a better one.
We just bought our house a little over a year ago and though there’s a great backyard with plenty of space, the patio is entirely concrete, VERY small, and pretty beat up.
Any leftover home budget we have this spring is going to building our outdoor garden beds and fire pit, so I was determined to make the most of our little patio space without spending hardly anything.
On my mission to find backyard concrete patio ideas on a budget, I was so pleasantly surprised at all the great options out there. Some people truly are so creative with how they can transform a space!
I knew I couldn’t gatekeep these ideas and had to share them. After all, the more cozy patios in the world, the happier the population, right? (Very flawed math but you get the picture.)
Hopefully these ideas will serve to get you out of a design rut, inspire a new weekend project, or simply provide a little glimpse into how summer could look for you this year.
No matter the size of your patio or the size of your budget, I’m confident you’ll fall in love with one of these creative options.
20 Small Backyard Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
Related to Backyard Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget:
- Cabin Backyard Ideas for Better Summer Nights
- Rustic Front Porch Ideas for Spring and Summer
- Cottage Garden Inspo to Elevate Your Backyard Gardens
1. Hanging Plants as Centerpieces
Credit: @indie_home
When space is limited but you don’t want to sacrifice on decor, look to the ceiling!
Oftentimes we don’t utilize the space above eye level for our decor, but this space can make all the difference.
Instead of wasting table space with a large centerpiece, bring the eye upward and hang a plant over head instead.
2. Lay Turf on Top
Credit: @chaddustin
It’s no secret that cement isn’t the prettiest to look at. It also isn’t the most pet friendly option either because it can become quite hot in the summer.
Solve both of these issues and more by laying faux grass like a rug over your cement patio.
You’ll be surprised at how much this simple project will rejuvenate your backyard space!
3. Surround with Landscaping
Credit: @josh_landscape
When it comes to backyard cement patio ideas on a budget, one of the easiest and cheapest ways to beautify your backyard is with simple landscaping.
It doesn’t take much to mulch around a patio, and you can buy plant starters so you don’t have the hassle of growing from seed.
If you plant mostly perennials, this project will continue to produce great results for your backyard for years to come!
4. Fill the Space with a Sectional
Sometimes when you’re working with a small space, it can be scary to opt for large furniture items. Oftentimes though, this is your best option!
If you only purchase small furniture for your small patio, it can potentially look cluttered and therefore even smaller.
Opt for one large furniture piece like an outdoor sectional to fill the space and make it a cozy oasis.
5. Large Rattan Pendant Lights
Credit: @jaci.daily
I have a slight addiction to pendant lighting and I truly believe that it amplifies any room in your house, INCLUDING your outdoor space.
The proof is in the pudding with the photo above!
Choose large pendant lights in natural materials like wicker and rattan for that outdoor Earthy look and be shocked at how beautiful it makes your patio.
6. Rustic Picnic Table
Credit: @vintageperrino
Picnic tables are my secret weapon when it comes to backyard concrete patio ideas on a budget.
There’s something so nostalgic and inviting about them that makes any summer night cozier.
Seating that forces you to get close to the people around you is always a great way to make a party or hang out even better.
7. Overhead String Lights
Credit: @kenzireddick
Now obviously being able to hang string lights in a canopy like the photo above is dependent on what kind of space you’re working with.
If you really love the look of overhead hanging lights and don’t have good spots to hang them around your patio, though, you can create your own string light poles!
Just place wood beams in a planter, set them with concrete, then fill the planter with soil and plants for an adorable DIY alternative.
8. Large Patio Umbrella
Credit: @julesacree
I think most people would consider a table umbrella to be an object of purely function when it comes to outdoor dining, but I think they’re quite beautiful.
Choose an umbrella with a sophisticated pattern or maybe tassels to bring an added flair to your outdoor patio.
Bonus points if you can match the color of your umbrella to the furniture or decor surrounding it for a cohesive look.
9. Classic Minimalist Look
Credit: @withinwarmwalls
If you’re scrolling through this post, it’s probably because you have all kinds of ideas running around your mind about how to optimize your patio this spring (or you’re at a dead end).
I have good news for you though! Sometimes the absolute best thing for a small patio is to keep it simple.
A couple of well-designed chairs, a place to rest your feet, and a modest fireplace is all you need to make your warm patio nights better.
10. Stand Up Propane Heater
Credit: @mrs.grenz
You’ve probably seen this large stand up propane heaters at a local restaurant or bar around fall and winter.
What you may not have know, though, is that they’re surprisingly affordable!
A large heater with a large reach is a great budget-friendly decor choice because not only do they look quite sleek and cool, but they extend the use of your patio for many months.
11. A Statement Hanging Chair
Credit: @decoratingmadeasy
When space is limited, the best way to make the most of what you do have is to pick bold decor items.
This hanging egg chair is so fun and will attract the attention of any and all visitors you may have to your patio.
Black is a great color if your concrete patio is shaded like the one above, if not consider how the sun will affect the color over time and go for something lighter.
12. Large Tropical Potted Plants
Credit: @danasellscolumbiarealestate
If you’re like me, your plant obsession actually began with indoor plants (which is so backwards when you think about it).
But don’t forget about the outdoor potted plants!
Especially if you live in a more tropical climate, plants like Monsteras and Scheffleras will THRIVE outdoors and surprise you with new leaves and blooms every week.
13. Breeze Block Walls
Credit: @thecanigliagroup
A great way to add beauty AND privacy to your backyard concrete patio ideas on a budget is with a breeze block wall.
Concrete breeze blocks are super affordable, plus the actual building of the wall goes by very quickly and with minimal effort.
This is a great weekend project that will pay off for YEARS in your backyard patio space.
14. A Colorful Area Rug
Credit: @rosedoorhome
When people shop for their outdoor home decor, for some reason I see so many people only buy neutrals or Earthy colors.
Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean your colors have to be Earthy colors!
Have some fun and brighten up your small space with a colorful outdoor rug. This is possibly the easiest and quickest way to transform a concrete patio.
15. Layered Fabrics and Textures
Credit: @myslice_of_heaven
Small spaces can really benefit from a lot of layering textures as you can see in the backyard pictured above.
Be thoughtful in your decor shopping to find throw pillows, blankets, rugs, and ottomans that come in all different sizes, shapes, and textures to bring visual interest to your small area.
Don’t be afraid of cluttering, sometimes with small patios less is not more, but more is actually best!
16. Cozy Day Bed Couch
Credit: @mrsrollman
How absolutely gorgeous is this all white day bed? Especially when paired with other white accents throughout the space!
I love how dreamy this vintage metal day bed looks loaded with throw pillows and cozy blankets.
It’s not hard to imagine yourself sipping a glass of sauv blanc wearing a soft robe with yacht rock playing in the background on a patio like this.
17. All Natural Materials
Credit: @sixat21
My pro tip for people who love a layered or “maximalist” look in their space, but are afraid of being able to coordinate patterns and textures well, is to shop all natural materials.
It’s pretty challenging to find natural materials that don’t look great on each other.
Look for materials like rattan, wicker, jute, stone, wood, and hemp when shopping for beautiful boho backyard concrete patio ideas on a budget.
18. Surround Yourself with Planters
Credit: @number_4_on_the_park
I know what you’re thinking. “If my concrete patio is already small, why would I want to make it smaller by adding planters?”
My answer to this is, because it will do wonders to bring warmth, life, and vitality to your otherwise all concrete and industrial patio!
Worry less about square footage and more about making your patio a space that is actually inviting and encourages you to spend time outdoors.
19. Install a Man Made Pond
Credit: @decorkateky
Of all the backyard concrete patio ideas on a budget I’ve listed so far, this is probably the most labor intensive option.
The payoff is totally worth it, though. From boring concrete patio to stunning outdoor oasis!
The pond itself doesn’t have to be large or complicated, but you’d be surprised at how a little body of water can make your backyard feel completely new and alive.
20. Use a Stencil for Painted Tiles
Credit: @jennasuedesign
Painting cement flooring with stencils is such an incredibly genius hack that I’m surprised I don’t see more often.
What a simple and cheap way to make cement look beautiful and elegant!
All you need for this project is one stencil, a little bit of paint, some knee pads, and an afternoon to completely transform your concrete patio into a desirable backyard haven.
Related to Backyard Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget:
- Cabin Backyard Ideas for Better Summer Nights
- Rustic Front Porch Ideas for Spring and Summer
- Cottage Garden Inspo to Elevate Your Backyard Gardens
