Time for a backyard makeover on a budget! Learn how to create a mulch patio in any size yard with this inexpensive landscaping project.
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, Keri Houchin earns a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
This post was originally published in 2011. We did this backyard makeover in a rental and have moved a few times since then. Scroll to the end of this post for links to all of the backyard landscaping projects we’ve done in our current home.
The first project we did was to make a patio. I’ve wanted to create a designated seating area for a while, but building a wooden deck is just too costly. Fortunately, my bloggy friend Sunny at Life in Rehab had a great idea.
Mulch patio FAQ
Can you use wood chips for a patio?
Yes. It won’t last as long as a gravel patio, concrete pavers, or a wood deck. It also won’t cost nearly as much. With any project, it’s important to consider your budget and how long the result will last.
This mulch patio cost us about $50 and lasted 2 years in a rental.
How long does a mulch patio in your backyard last?
Wood mulch is natural, so it will break down outside like any organic material over time. In general, mulch lasts 1 to 2 years.
Can you walk barefoot on a mulch patio?
I don’t recommend it. Mulch isn’t very soft and depending on the type you get, might have some pointy splinters.
Does wood mulch attract bugs?
There are bugs in your backyard and that’s a good thing. A thick layer of decaying material (eg. old much over 3 inches thick) might be home to more bugs. In general, a thin layer of fresh mulch on top of weed block fabric isn’t going to attract more bugs than anywhere else in your yard.
How to build a mulch patio
1. Spread weed block fabric.
First, we measured and laid out some weed block fabric.
2. Secure the fabric edges.
We then lined that with rocks. Most of them were actually dug out of the garden beds, but some came from a family member’s backyard too.
3. Add a thin layer of wood mulch.
Next, we spread several bags of mulch over the weed block. This took a bit of math. Let’s see… cubic feet to square feet?
4. Add patio furniture.
Finally, we will be adding some patio furniture. I’ve got big plans to repaint some old metal 50s chairs that my aunt is generously letting me have. For now, we have folding chairs though.
I also spent three days repainting the bench swing with leftover paint from other projects. This we got from Hubby’s grandmother when she moved into a retirement home. It was quite weathered from being outside, obviously. However, after much sanding and repainting, it turned out amazing! (See before, above, solid red)
We had a Memorial Day cookout in the backyard and I plan on spending many days this summer out there enjoying it! Overall, this whole thing cost me about $50.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
Love that swing! The different colors on it look great! I am visiting from Two Uses Tuesday today.
Thanks!
Would t you rather use cardboard, since plastic may hold bacteria
Hi Ro! We didn’t use plastic. In the blog post I talked about weed block fabric, which is a gardening product specifically made for gardens and landscaping. You might also find it called landscape fabric in garden centers.
I’ve been trying to redo the side of my home and the rear area of my backyard like this the weeds keep coming through and the rear area my neighbors grass and weed constantly grow through the fencing into my area. I Love the bench colors a vibrant and inviting. Good job👏🏽