Ideas..How do I lower the cost for a new patio??

[miztia]

I want to redo my patio. What I want would cost around $800, so I'd like to do it cheaper somehow.
I was thinking if I buy from home depot, I could get their CC and save 10% off my first purchase.
I have $50 in HD gift cards.
$40 in PC gift cards that I could buy HD gift cards with.
$50 in sears GC that I could buy a prepaid credit card from the store with.
$25 in SDM which I just saw they sell HD gift cards.
Of course I could ask the manager for a discount because there is a Lowes just down the road, and Im sure he'd rather I buy from them than Lowes.
Can you guys think of any other options to lower the cost? I have a 50-60 bucks in CT money, but I dont think I can trade that for anything for HD, and $25 HBC GC.
I want to redo the pavers. Right now there are 4 different types of stones and it looks like crap. There isnt enough on kijiji to do the whole thing the same, and I want it updated anyway. In the past Ive painted all the stones so it blends in better, but they have seen better days now and its time to redo.
Any suggestions/ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!!

[lekate]

If you could hold out until the end of the season or at least august, prices may go down. I don't really know much about patio renovations, sorry!

As far as CT money goes, you can maybe pick up patio furniture/chairs or new things there if that's also what you're looking for...

[Lynn49]

Weeellll...this is a way, but it's time-consuming...there are molds you could buy (or I've heard of people using pizza boxes!...which you fill with a concrete mix (I'd call a concrete supplier), and make a block! Not bad, likely, if you have perhaps a path to make, but perhspa too time-consuming for a full patio...

http://www.themoldstore.us/Default.aspx

http://www.moldcreations.com/Paver-c...-molds-s/3.htm

What about side-walk slabs? Are they expensive? I've seen nice patios done (in photos) with those, separated by small sections or diamond-shaped sections between the slabs...

I wish I could be more help....You mentioned that there are some on Kijiji? Would there be enough to perhaps do your patio in one, and edge-trim it with another?

[miztia]

Weeellll...this is a way, but it's time-consuming...there are molds you could buy (or I've heard of people using pizza boxes!...which you fill with a concrete mix (I'd call a concrete supplier), and make a block! Not bad, likely, if you have perhaps a path to make, but perhspa too time-consuming for a full patio...

http://www.themoldstore.us/Default.aspx

http://www.moldcreations.com/Paver-c...-molds-s/3.htm

What about side-walk slabs? Are they expensive? I've seen nice patios done (in photos) with those, separated by small sections or diamond-shaped sections between the slabs...

I wish I could be more help....You mentioned that there are some on Kijiji? Would there be enough to perhaps do your patio in one, and edge-trim it with another?

ive already made the molded blocks in previous years, and OMG its a lot of work. I made a mowing strip all around the garden and a small landing in front of the shed. It was to prevent having to weed whack my raised garden. It isnt something I'd ever do again though. LOL
Yes Ive looked on kijiji, actually that is where I got the original slabs year ago, but the area to be done is about 12x25ft, and nobody has that many up for grabs it seems.
I am considering reusing some of the ones I have to make a border to cut down on cost. They are reddish interlock, and then fill in with new slabs.
Could I paint/stain the interlock? I really want my patio to be a shiny black or dark brown, or would it look alright with a redish color border all around.