[ThatsMyStory]

Hey everyone! I need help and quickly too!!..my inlaws are coming in for memorial day weekend and I really want to build a patio area...something small (10x10), using small stones like gravel or marble..any suggestions, anything will be appreciated..oh and I haven't got alot of money..only about $300

[AmyBergquist]

We've used these guys for stone/pavers and they've been great... Cedar Mountain Stone and Mulch

Lots to choose from, hopefully something within your budget.

They'll deliver it to your house (for a fee) and you can do the back breaking labor.

[JayCT]

Let me make a suggestion, do NOT use small stones. I have a patio of small stones and it is a nightmare to maintain. I did not install it, it was there when we bought the house. The stones hold the leaves and when you go to pick the leaves up, the stones come with it. Plus it is difficult to keep the weed from growing in the stones. I would stongly suggest using blocks or stone or even concrete for a patio. Home Depot and Lowes have a number of inexpensive blocks you could use. That is what I am planning on doing. Good luck, Jay

[AmyBergquist]

I have a natural solution to fix the weeds, as we have small stones over part of our yard. Vinegar. Just go to BJs and buy one of the massive jugs for $3 and dump it all over the stones. The smell goes away in about a day and it burns the weeds to oblivion.

[ThatsMyStory]

WOW!...THANKS GUYS.great remedy Amy...Jay, we are going to use landscaping mat/fabric to reduce the weed growth...thank you so much....keep the suggestions coming!

[JayCT]

Thanks for the suggestion Amy. I still would not recommend those small stones. Like I said cleaning up leaves off of them is difficult. I curse the people we bought the house from for using them. Also they look nice when they are new but after a few years they look nasty IMHO. Jay

[ronson]

Ive had small stomnes in my last two homes, stay away! But I have small children and let me tell you the fun of finding those all over the yard. Also the comments on the weeds are dead on and forget trying to shovel snow off of it.

You can do stamped concrete if you want to give it a textured look.

[wanderintonc]

My folks did a small patio with those cement squares-like big tiles-from Home Depot. They put sand as a base so weeds would not grow. I don't know the cost but it was not lots. It was lots of labor, carrying all the squares to the yard-but it's held up three years now.

[ThatsMyStory]

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions. Sincerely appreciated!