Sprucing up Your Patio for Summer

You need to think about your patio area in terms of being an extension to your home, effectively another room where you can relax, enjoy some time out and also sit down to eat with friends and family. Look at your patio with fresh eyes this spring and think about ways in which you can brighten up this valuable space, so that you can spend many enjoyable hours here when the summer weather comes. Here are just a few ways in which you can spruce up your patio and help to make it a pleasant and welcoming addition to your home.

Step 1 – Repairs and Maintenance

Patios can be made out of a number of different materials from concrete and paving slabs through to wooden decking, and the first thing you need to do is look over this area carefully and check for any sections that may need repairing. For decking areas look carefully to make sure all of the screws and fixtures are firmly fixed in place, and that any handrails or fencing features are still solid after the winter weather. Also check to see if any nails or screws are going rusty and replace them before they can stain the surrounding area, and make sure you replace any split or rotten planks as not only do they look bad but they could also be a trip hazard. Moss and lichen can grow on decking and make it slippery, so you may want to consider washing down this area with a specialist deck cleaner and treating the wood again if necessary to make sure it lasts another winter.

For concrete patios check for cracks or areas of erosion (you may be able to repair these with some fresh concrete), and also check that any retaining walls are still solid and safe and show no signs of crumbling. Older concrete patios can be resurrected with the help of a power washer, which can clean away all kinds of staining, but if the basic foundations are beyond saving and the concrete is just too old then think about budgeting to have this area rebuilt again. This will also give you a chance to try out a more modern design. If you have paving slabs check that they are still firmly in place and replace any that are cracked or very uneven.

Step 2 – Planting

Even if you do not have a very big patio area you can still brighten up even the drabbest areas with some cheerful pots filled with colorful plants, and in many cases you can buy these ready-to-go from the garden centre. Make a note of the sunny and shady areas of your patio and then make sure you buy plants that will thrive in the appropriate conditions. You could also add herbs such as rosemary, mint and thyme in pots for an added touch of color and fragrance.

Step 3 – lighting

There are a number of different outdoor lighting options for patio areas, and these can be used to provide pleasant, ambient settings to enjoy late summer evenings and will also help to prevent anyone tripping over in the dark. Recessed lights can be placed along the patio borders to define the area, and outdoor lanterns provide an attractive, mobile light source that can be moved around to suit different needs.

Step 4 – Furniture

You will need some comfortable places to sit and relax in your patio area, so take some time to look at the various patio furniture designs on offer, and try to choose something which fits in with the style of your home. Classic wooden patio tables and chairs look great in most settings, but it may not be a good idea to leave them out over the winter as they can become damaged and worn, so if you do not have any storage space then modern plastic patio furniture can be a much more suitable option. This kind of furniture is weather resistant and can be left outside and also comes in a range of styles that are comfortable and long lasting.

When you are looking for patio lighting, furniture and other accessories it can be a good idea to check out online stores as many offer great deals and promotions on all kinds of garden and home products. The Home Depot stocks a great range of patio essentials, and is currently offering free shipping, which makes it the ideal place to start shopping for a new look for your patio area.