For those that are looking to make better use of their outdoor space during the summer months, a patio can be a welcomed addition. Patios are paved surfaces that are placed directly on the ground. They can be attached to your house or placed anywhere in your yard.
Patios are a great place to relax with a book after a long day of work, as well as the perfect place to host a party during the weekend.
With summer only a few short months away, here are seven tips that will help you get your patio ready for summer. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting in the warm sun and enjoying a drink.
Now is the time to repave
Depending on the material you use, most paved patios will last for years. But if your patio is starting to crack or if you’re looking for a change, the months leading up to summer are some of the best times to repave. This is because the weather is mild and your yard isn’t fully grown yet. Research the type of pavement options available, such as these patio slabs from Westminster Stone, and choose a style that meets your needs.
Get rid of the grime
Paved surfaces naturally get dirty and grimy over time. To get your patio ready for summer, you’re going to want to get rid of that dirt and leave it looking as good as new. Most paved surfaces can be easily cleaned with a pressure washer. Pressure washers help loosen stubborn dirt and grime. All pressure washers are different, so follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Remember to regularly sweep your patio to help keep it free from dirt.
Take care of garden
If you have plants around your patio, make sure that they are trimmed back and maintained. As much as possible, avoid having plants growing right up against your paving stones. This can eventually cause your paving stones to loosen. It can also prevent the plant from growing as healthy as possible. Try to leave a small border between your patio and your garden. If you’re looking to decorate your patio with greenery, you can also consider using potted plants.
Switch out accent pieces
Most people decorate their patio with accent pieces, such as statues, decorative ornaments, and other various knickknacks. You should regularly switch out accent pieces to make them seasonally appropriate. Not only does this keep your outdoor decorations in good condition, but it also allows you to create new looks on your patio each season. For example, during the summer months, you can put colorful umbrellas up. Not only do they add pops of color, but they also provide shade.
Check your furniture
Ideally, you will take your patio furniture inside whenever the weather starts to get cold. Snow and cold temperatures can eventually cause furniture to rot and rust. But even if you did take your furniture in over the winter months, you’re still going to want to inspect it for damage and replace furniture as necessary. It can be embarrassing for a guest to sit down on a piece of patio furniture, only for them to realize they sat in mold!
Light it up
If you’re using your patio at night, now is the time to start replacing your outdoor lights. There are several different ways to light a patio. Outdoor pendants, table lanterns, floor lights, fairy lights — there is plenty of room for creativity here. Something to consider is how far away from your house your patio is. If you have to walk down various pathways to get there, you might want to consider adding path lights to your outdoor space.
Look for damage
Finally, make sure to check your patio for any damage that might have happened over the winter months. This includes cracked paving stones. If you have metal features to your patio space (such as a railing), you’ll also want to check for rust. If any of your paving stones seem loose, you may need to fill the gaps between the stones with polymeric sand. Making any needed repairs now will leave your patio fresh and ready to go once summer rolls around.
Final thoughts
Getting your patio ready for summer requires some needed maintenance and updates to seasonal items! If your patio has been left unattended all winter, it is time to start cleaning it up and getting out the patio furniture. Before you know it, you’ll have the perfect sanctuary to retreat to on those hot summer nights.