The Surprising Place To Get Budget-Friendly Pavers For A Fraction Of The Cost

One of the biggest decisions when planning a paver landscape project is choosing the right type of pavers. For most homeowners, this means finding ones that have the best balance when it comes to cost, durability, and stylistic appeal. Making this decision can be even harder, though, when you're on a tight budget, as adding new pavers can often come with a sizable price tag. While your first thought might be to head over to the Home Depot or Lowe's to comparison-shop or look for seasonal deals or special sales, sometimes an even better discount can be found elsewhere, at a place you wouldn't expect. Like Habitat for Humanity, for example.

Yes, Habitat for Humanity. The global nonprofit organization known for its philanthropic home-building efforts actually has hundreds of Habitat for Humanity ReStores, which are donation centers that double as home improvement stores. Selection will vary (as it's based entirely on donations) but bricks and blocks are the type of building and landscape material you can find at a local ReStore. Launched in 1992, there are over 1,200 Habitat for Humanity ReStores across the United States and Canada today.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept both new and used building materials, including concrete stones, bricks, and pavers (all great candidates for a DIY paver project that could instantly elevate your yard); the stores then restore and resell these materials to the public. This also includes materials like unused lumber, flooring, and fencing.

Similar to thrift store inventory, ReStore donated items are sold at a fraction of what you would typically spend at retail; prices are often unpredictable, and supply will vary by location. For example, when it comes time to check out a ReStore near you, you may luck out and have it timed with a recent demolition or some other influx of new arrivals — or you may find nothing that works.

ReStores take "gently used" donations, so you don't have to worry about sifting through unusable pieces. The pavers that you find may come in various styles and sizes, though, which means making repeat visits may improve your chances of finding matching ones for your design. If you can't, perhaps you can consider employing a mix-and-match theme with paver patterns that will add interest and texture to your patio or pathway. You could also look for matches at a major home improvement store; your overall cost will still likely be less with the savings from your ReStore finds.

This all said, calling a local ReStore first can save you a trip if the store doesn't have any pavers, bricks, blocks, etc., in stock. It may even help to ask about any expected donations from renovations or demolitions so you can get a head start. (Check out these ideas for your patio pavement.)