Paving + Decking
Perk Up Your Patio
As soon as the sun starts shining each year, it's time to get your patio in shape. Our simple but effective tips are guaranteed to get it looking as good as new - you'll be desperate to get out there with a good book and a glass of red!
De-clutter
If your patio is home to bikes, tools, toys and broken plant pots - be ruthless! Store away only those things you know you're going to use, recycle anything useful and put the rest in the bin.
Weeds away!
Weeds are an eyesore. Whether tiny stragglers or big bushes, they look tatty and will make your patio uninviting. Scraping them out by the root with a kitchen knife is simple yet deadly. Strimming with a garden strimmer is only a temporary fix as the weeds will soon resurface. Weed killer can be used, but apply sparingly and not on a windy day when it could blow on to other plants.
Clean and serene
A thorough clean with a stiff broom will make a world of difference. Lukewarm, soapy water is all you need if the dirt is fairly minimal. If your patio hasn't been cleaned for years, or if there's moss or algae present, you'll need to use a proprietary patio cleaner, preferably an eco-friendly one such as Elco Drive, Paving and Patio Cleaner (£5.79). For stockist information call (0115) 932 3320.
Hose clean any excess dirt, apply according to instructions and gently scrub to remove stubborn dirt. Hose down and give a final sweep with a broom to leave your patio looking instantly cleaner. Don't using high-pressure hoses on slabs to avoid damage to the pointing.
And finally...
Now that your patio is looking lovely, make sure the surroundings are too! Adjacent flower beds should be watered and flowers regularly dead-headed. Make sure that French doors or windows overlooking the patio are clean and shiny. Finally, only keep your best plant pots out on display. Plastic just won't cut it!
Feeling inspired to indulge your patio further? Read Hot Patio Heaters for a review of the best patio heaters. For advice and inspiration on improving the great outdoors see Your Own Space, Stylish Outdoor Living and Repairing Paths, Drives and Steps.
For more information before you start, see the Marshalls website which is packed with tips and advice on revamping your garden. And don't forget to try the Patio Calculator if you're thinking about creating a patio or extending the one you've got!
Enjoy your patio!
If your patio is home to bikes, tools, toys and broken plant pots - be ruthless! Store away only those things you know you're going to use, recycle anything useful and put the rest in the bin.
Weeds away!
Weeds are an eyesore. Whether tiny stragglers or big bushes, they look tatty and will make your patio uninviting. Scraping them out by the root with a kitchen knife is simple yet deadly. Strimming with a garden strimmer is only a temporary fix as the weeds will soon resurface. Weed killer can be used, but apply sparingly and not on a windy day when it could blow on to other plants.
Clean and serene
A thorough clean with a stiff broom will make a world of difference. Lukewarm, soapy water is all you need if the dirt is fairly minimal. If your patio hasn't been cleaned for years, or if there's moss or algae present, you'll need to use a proprietary patio cleaner, preferably an eco-friendly one such as Elco Drive, Paving and Patio Cleaner (£5.79). For stockist information call (0115) 932 3320.
Hose clean any excess dirt, apply according to instructions and gently scrub to remove stubborn dirt. Hose down and give a final sweep with a broom to leave your patio looking instantly cleaner. Don't using high-pressure hoses on slabs to avoid damage to the pointing.
And finally...
Now that your patio is looking lovely, make sure the surroundings are too! Adjacent flower beds should be watered and flowers regularly dead-headed. Make sure that French doors or windows overlooking the patio are clean and shiny. Finally, only keep your best plant pots out on display. Plastic just won't cut it!
Feeling inspired to indulge your patio further? Read Hot Patio Heaters for a review of the best patio heaters. For advice and inspiration on improving the great outdoors see Your Own Space, Stylish Outdoor Living and Repairing Paths, Drives and Steps.
For more information before you start, see the Marshalls website which is packed with tips and advice on revamping your garden. And don't forget to try the Patio Calculator if you're thinking about creating a patio or extending the one you've got!
Enjoy your patio!
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