Give your patio some get up and go
WHEN we moved into our house, we inherited a small, rectangular patch of concrete cobbles hidden in the far corner of the garden. In the property brochure this was imaginatively described as a ‘patio’, but the hard standing was the last place any of my family wanted to while away a summer’s day.
The stingy parcel of uneven stones was covered by a film of green algae, with moss and weeds sharing the space between gaps of crumbling mortar. Measuring little more than 7ft by 4ft, there was barely room for a pair of chairs to be arranged comfortably, let alone our tiny bistro-style table.
Fast-forward five years, and the underused eyesore has been replaced by sparkling new area that deserves to be called a patio; a generous swathe of sandstone paving framed with slightly darker setts, providing plenty of space for an outdoor sofa, two chairs and fairly large dining table.
Early spring is the perfect time to install a new patio or give an existing paved area a facelift. Any damage caused by building work will quickly recover as a largely dormant garden bursts into life, and being ready early will ensure that it gets plenty of use during the summer.
Apart from enhancing a garden, adding a patio makes good financial sense. According to Mark Haywood, president of the National Association of Estate Agents, an attractive seating area will add value to your property. ‘It will make it far more desirable to prospective buyers and help it sell more quickly,’ he says.
Only those with finely honed DIY skills should attempt to lay a patio. In my opinion, it’s best to call in the professionals. I found a local contractor to build mine through a recommendation from a neighbour.
Alternatively, visit the websites run by the British Association of Landscape Industries or the Association of Professional Landscapers. Both have a searchable directory of members.
It’s important to shop around before settling on a landscaper. Arrange for at least three to visit, asking them to bring references and a portfolio of previous work. Base your final decision on the quality of their workmanship and a gut feeling, rather than just on the cheapest quotation.
Once you’re ready to commit, the landscaper should work closely with you in order to put a design down on paper. They will ask you where you want the patio and what it will mainly be used for, and discuss its shape and style, along with suggesting different materials.
Avoid scrimping on space – allow enough room for everyone to sit down comfortably. Nobody likes to be engulfed by the fumes when they eat outdoors, so keep patios and outdoor cooking areas apart.
The materials used for making the patio should suit your garden, property and location. In urban plots, pick materials that complement nearby buildings. In rural spaces, go for locally quarried stone so that the patio works in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
MY LANDSCAPER eventually presented me with three plans to scrutinise. Even after I chose my favourite, the design still required some small tweaks until I felt it was perfect – don’t give the go-ahead until you are entirely happy.
Once the patio is installed, it’s ready for furniture. Choose kit that is right for its scale – a bistro-style set will add class to a small patio, while a dining table and chairs are perfect for a family. Outdoor sofas and low tables are ideal for social spaces.
Fill tubs, troughs and other containers with flowers to soften the hard landscaping and to add a splash of colour. Don’t overdo it. Place a group of containers with different-sized plants in a corner of the patio or near the edges, ensuring there’s still plenty of space to manoeuvre. If you’ve already got a patio, now is a good time to prepare it for the season ahead. All sorts of grime and algae can build up on the surface, which looks unsightly and can leave it slippery.
Scrubbing the ground is hard work, so save time by shifting the dirt in seconds with a pressure washer.