How to prepare your patio for the summer
Whether you have a small apartment patio or an expansive backyard, the summer months are a great time to use your outdoor space. The idea of relaxing in the sun should sound appealing, but if your patio is in need of some TLC, it might not be comfortable enough for long-term use. To ensure that you have a functional and comfortable outdoor space this summer—and every other season—we’ve put together a list of tips on how to prepare your patio.
Clean It
Cleaning your patio is an important step, and it's something that should be done often. A pressure washer helps you get rid of any dirt, grime or stains on the surface of your patio. You want to use a soft brush to scrub any stubborn spots before turning on the pressure washer so they don't get blasted away by water pressure.
Once everything has been cleaned off with water from a hose or power washer, rinse off any remaining residue with another quick spray from either device and let it dry naturally. We don’t recommend using towels to dry the patio.
Make Sure It’s Safe
When you're preparing your patio for the summer, it's important to make sure that it's safe. There are a few things that you should check before you start using it again after winter.
Make sure there aren't any tripping hazards like loose bricks or pebbles on the ground.
Make sure there are no gaps in your railing, so that people don't fall off and hurt themselves.
Check for holes or cracks in your concrete surface. If there are any, either fill them with cement or call an expert.
Check all edges around pipes and other objects so they don't cut anyone who bumps into them accidentally while walking around outside near them. If necessary use something soft like rope to cover sharp edges instead.
Add Plants
Once you've cleaned and swept, it's time to add some plants:
Decorative plants: If you want your patio to look more like a garden, add some decorative plants. Do this by planting herbs in pots on the floor of the patio or by planting trees and shrubs against walls or fences surrounding the area.
Flowers: Plant some annual or perennial flowers in pots or beds outside, near or on your patio. Be sure not to overcrowd them. Otherwise, they won't get enough sun or water needed for healthy growth. Flowers are a great way to liven up your outdoor space and bring some color.
Install a Patio Umbrella
A patio umbrella is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also functional. To find the best place to put it, select a location that gets the most sun. You want your patio umbrella to be as functional as possible, so place it in the spot protecting the most space from the direct heat of the sun.
Consider Outdoor Lighting
If you're going to be entertaining outdoors, consider adding outdoor lighting. The right lights add ambiance and make your patio look great at night. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right lighting for your patio:
Choose bulbs with the right color temperature. This helps ensure that you or any guests you have don't get blinded by harsh white light as they walk up from their cars or across the lawn.
Make sure the wattage of each bulb is appropriate for its location.
Consider how many bulbs you need and where they should go!
There are many options for decorative outdoor lighting, too. Not only is outdoor lighting functional, but it is also aesthetically pleasing. Find the right style of light that fits the vibe you are going for on your patio.
Create a Fire Pit
If you're going to create a fire pit, make sure that it's safe and legal. A good place to start is by checking with your local fire department or municipal government. They tell you where in your city or town it's permissible to have a fire pit, as well as how big and what kind of material they need to be made from (e.g., metal or stone).
Once you've determined where and how big the fire pit should be on your patio, next comes choosing one! There are many options available! Metal ones look sleek; stone ones are beautiful; concrete ones provide practicality with style. Whatever option works best for you depends on both personal preference and budget. Remember that quality materials last longer than cheap ones so don't skimp on cost when possible!
Arrange Furniture and Accessories
Now that your patio is ready for use, it's time to arrange furniture and accessories.
Use the space in a way that makes you most comfortable. For example, if you're going to be spending most of your time sitting on a lounger or chair, then put it where you'll have an unobstructed view of the yard. If there are kids around who need supervision while playing outside, place the chairs near them to watch over them easily.
Put accent pieces around the perimeter of your patio so that they define different areas within one large room. Think about using plants as dividers between seating areas! Use small tables for drinks or large ones for food. Finally, a rug placed underfoot makes a great addition because it keeps dirt from being tracked into the house after dark!
With these tips, you have your patio prepared in no time. With these tips, make your space look great and provide high levels of functionality. If there's one thing we all agree on, it's that spending time outdoors is important.