Renovating Your Patio by David Domoney
25 February 2019
Renovating a patio can breathe new life into your outdoor space and really freshen up an area that has begun to look unloved. If you’re tired of having a dated design and want to upgrade to something more vogue, this blog will help you take those first few steps to a pumped-up patio for gardening glory.
Choosing the right route
Whatever the reason for the renovation, there are several different ways to go about doing it. For a full-on makeover, it’s best to take out the old paving altogether to make room for a brand-new design. Although this option is the longest out of the three methods, nothing transforms a space as well as starting with a clean slate. The second option would be to replace any broken or unsalvageable paving and deep clean the remaining ones to refurbish the patio while allowing it to retain its former character. Another option that is often overlooked is the simple addition of new features, such as stone edging, garden furniture and other focal points that can be added to instantly revolutionise the appearance of a patio.
Complete overhaul
Sometimes, the best way to enhance an outdoor space is to start from scratch. This allows you to be as creative as you like, with a massive range of options at your fingertips. Before starting, it will be necessary to plan what you want and where you want it. If you’re stuck for inspiration, take a look at these patio designs and let your mind run wild!
For modern designs that have a clean finish, choose Porcelain paving, as these provide a smooth, contemporary style that won’t fade with age and are perfect for garden gatherings. Those looking for something more rustic, natural slate and granite stone paving will certainly tick boxes when it comes to making the right choice. Laying down cobbles also goes amazingly well with older houses and can add an element of archetypal majesty to any outdoor space. Similarly, concrete slabs are a cheaper option that would not look out of place as the paving of a medieval castle, perfect when accompanied by a couple of mischievous gargoyle statues!
It’s always a good idea to consult the professionals before taking on a large job like this, and some helpful advice or tips can really make the difference in moments of uncertainty. You can use the Find a Landscaper tool to help you get your project underway.
See the Pavestone Patio Installation Guide for more information.
Refurbish
Looking out into the garden, we think back to warm summers and BBQs spent on the patio. If the outdoor space you see before you is worn out, then you may want to consider a refurbishment, giving it the spruce it needs to host summer social events once again. Begin by taking stock of what needs to be done. You may have a few cracked slabs that need replacing or cobbles that have become weathered. Check the Pavestone website to match the correct slabs with the damaged ones you have in the garden.
For dirty or discoloured paving, the task could be as easy as washing it down and removing any moss or algae that have begun to spring up. Stone slabs without weather protection may have become discoloured due to oxidisation, where stone develops patches of rust. Fortunately, there are products to fix both of these problems, with some that can remove discolouration and others to strip away any green life that has formed. Before applying these, you should give the patio a deep clean, preferably using a pressure washer, which will remove any impurities. Otherwise, get down and dirty and scrub your slabs clean. Luckily, Pavestone’s porcelain paving is algae and frost resistant and the easiest to keep clean, so busy bees should opt for this style.
Once the dirt and grime has been removed, repair and refresh the grouting in between slabs to give your patio that sleek finish. There are different grouts and jointing compounds for stone, concrete and porcelain paving and it is important that you choose the right one for your patio.
Fancy Features
Picture this: the patio has everything in place, it’s neat, looks good and feels right—but there’s still something missing. The final option for renovating your patio could be as easy as adding a few garden features and these can be as large or as small as they need to be. For that wow factor, add in some focal points, like small stone spheres dotted around plant pots, or even a large one as a magnificent centrepiece.
Stone edging can round off a patio perfectly and will give it an enclosed and tidy border to finish. Think about adding garden furniture to make it a more welcoming spot to take in the great outdoors.
Don’t forget to include the natural world in your renovation plan and look to include plants and flowers as a finishing touch. Transform bare walls into vertical gardens with trellises and climbers to create a sea of green decoration. Not only will these look amazing, but they are also great for local wildlife, with bees flocking to colourful flowers and birds visiting to sample the selection of berries on your woody shrubs.
