Skip Home Depot: There's A Cheaper Place To Buy Pavers For Your Garden

Pavers are great for everything from building garden beds to constructing patios. As amazing as these shapely stones can look in your yard, though, they're not always cheap. At Home Depot, a single 16-inch by 8-inch pavestone can cost nearly $2. Depending on your project size, this can add up quickly. Luckily, there's a more affordable way to source these — just check out Facebook Marketplace. Here, sellers look to offload leftover stones from large projects while avoiding disposal costs. Some people are even willing to give them away for free.

Facebook Marketplace allows people to buy and sell everything from patio pavers and budget-friendly garden trellises to cars. While some items can be shipped, paving blocks are generally local-pickup items, which means you'll want to search for listings within a reasonable driving distance. A quick search for walkway stones in your area will likely reveal a multitude of results, with some selling for a fraction of what they cost at Home Depot or other stores. Some may even be listed for free. The trade-off is that Marketplace shopping can require patience: you may have to wait for someone to list what you're looking for.

If you're flexible about the look of your project, though, you might be able to score the supplies to create the backyard of your dreams for a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere. If you find a good deal, buying a few extras can also be worthwhile, since having matching replacements on hand can make future repairs easier. You may also find a deal so good you decide to grab some additional stones for a fun project with leftover pavers.

Our first bit of advice — don't jump to grab the first pavers you find. A low price only saves you money if the pavers actually work for your project. Instead, research exactly what you'll need for your project, and make sure you're getting the right style, size, and quantity. Whether you're using pavers to create a budget-friendly raised garden bed or an elegant patio, picking the first ones you see could leave you with useless rocks that don't meet your needs. And you don't have to take a buyer's word for whether the listed price is a good deal. Compare theirs with other sellers and big box stores. Since some Marketplace sellers are motivated to clear out bulky materials, politely negotiating the price is often worth a try.

Facebook Marketplace is amazing, but take precautions to stay safe and avoid scams. Keep all discussions and negotiations on Facebook Messenger, and don't switch to text or another messaging app. If you agree on a deal, consider bringing a friend or family member along with you to pick up the pavers, and be sure to meet in a safe place with good lighting. Inspect the items for cracks and flaws before finalizing the deal. For large loads, it's also a good idea to make sure you have a vehicle (and enough help) that can handle the weight.