A Quick Makeover for the Ultimate Patio
Plan and prepare
Start with a short inspection. Look for loose or cracked slabs, blocked drainage channels and settled areas where water pools. Make a simple shopping list: patio cleaner or a mild detergent, a stiff broom, a pressure washer (use low pressure on older stone), jointing sand or a suitable resin joint product, a good quality compost for pots and a few hardy plants. Take note of the patio’s exposure — coastal Devon gardens will need rust‑resistant fixings and tougher plant choices.
Clean and repair
Cleaning alone often transforms the space. Sweep thoroughly, then remove weeds from joints by hand or with a narrow tool. For moss and algae use a patio cleaner or a pet friendly alternative and rinse thoroughly; a pressure washer works well but keep the nozzle at a distance to avoid damaging sandstone or older flags. WE can do this for you if you don't have a pressure washer. Replace any broken slabs — for a quick fix, lift the slab, clear old mortar, add a compacted sand and cement base and rebed the slab level. Refill and compact joints with kiln‑dried sand or a resin jointing compound to reduce future weed growth.
Refresh with planting and furniture
Pots and raised beds are the fastest way to add colour and structure. Choose plants that thrive in our climate: lavender and rosemary for scent and pollinators, hydrangeas for summer colour, and evergreen box or yew for structure. Mix in drought‑tolerant perennials such as hardy geraniums and grasses for low maintenance. Position comfortable seating, a small table and an outdoor rug to create distinct zones — a dining spot, a reading nook — even on modest patios.
Lighting and finishing touches
Good lighting extends your use of the patio into the evening. Solar bollards work well for borders; warm LED string lights and downward‑facing wall lights create atmosphere without glare. Add practical details such as a weatherproof storage box for cushions, non‑slip mats near doors and you could also consider a firepit for cooler evenings. For seaside properties consider using stainless steel furniture fixings and preservative‑treated timber to resist salt air.
Low‑maintenance surfacing options
If you want a longer‑term upgrade, porcelain paving and compacted resin bound gravel are hardwearing and low maintenance. Composite decking is another option for level changes. Choose materials with good slip resistance and check they suit your garden’s drainage.
When to call a professional
If you find major drainage problems, significant subsidence or need a complete re‑lay, it’s worth hiring a local landscaping contractor (like us!) who knows Devon soil types and weather. For routine makeovers, many tasks can be completed within a few days — and the result will be a patio you’ll love to use all year round.
