Hello Everyone:

We just purchased an 15 x 15 above ground pool. We also purchased a gazebo w/ outdoor furniture. Unfortunately, we didn't qualify for a home improvement loan and we're unable to cement our whole backyard. What's is the most inexpensive way to pave certain parts of the backyard. Currently, our backyard looks like a jungle. Mowing it down would be no problem. However, when all the above items are in place, I'd like to avoid the kids tracking dirt in and out of the pool & gazebo to the house. Someone suggested stepping stones in and around the gazebo and underneath the pool. Does anyone have anymore ideas that won't hurt our wallets too much. Thanks!!

you can also used broken chunks of concrete as pavers... if you know anyone taking out a concrete patio/driveway/sidewalk ask them if you can have their trash. I broke up an old patio and it's now a path that winds thru my yard. It didn't cost me a dime other than a LOT of lifting to get it all put into place... but you're gonna have to lift any kind of blocks you do... and at least these are free!

Simple patio bricks/pavers are cheap. There is an exact step by step article for laying patio bricks/stones in current issue of Garden Ideas magazine (spring 08). The entire process is clearly explained and includes 8 close up photos from start to finish. The process is the same regardless of what you're laying...brick, stone, etc. Very simple and straight forward.

Pre-cast concrete pavers are inexpensive and come in a variety of square and rectangular sizes. You can get them at the large retailers or your local building supply store.

Another inexpensive method however, not as attactive would to use sand or decomposed granite (DG) and cover it with an outdoor artificial turf or carpet.

If you are going to be in the house for many years, it would be best to invest in the concrete.

If you know someone that works with the cement
co. they have left over cement in the trucks at the end of the day and they also have to wash the trucks out so why not ask them to bring to your home.The only thing is you have to have the dirt ready to pour the cement & someone has to be home to level it.If you give the driver a little money $20.00 he will level it for you or he will help you.You will have to do a section at a time because he might not have much left at the end of the day.

Gravel looks good around above ground pool decks. Kill vegetation, put down landscaping cloth and cover with gravel. When budget allows, you can landscape with shrubs and plants around the pool. (Tip: Don't plant anything that attracts bees.)

jeanette..check your IM..I just sent you a message.