How to get your patio in shape for warmer weather

Summer’s coming, which means it’s time to get your patio in order. Start with sweeping. Photo by Getty Images

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If you’re lucky enough to have a patio, now’s the time to start prepping it for spring and summer. Sure, the list of chores might sound daunting, but just think of how much you’ll enjoy the space — dining al fresco, relaxing with friends and family, and generally squeezing every bit of enjoyment out of the warmer weather.

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The first step is a no-brainer: cleaning. Winter has likely left its mark on your patio, and months of minimal maintenance likely hasn’t helped.

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Better Homes & Gardens advises sweeping first. “If your cement patio still looks dusty after sweeping, try using a garden hose and a hard-bristled broom to scrub away remaining dirt,” it says. The DIY Playbook website goes one step further, praising pressure cleaners for their ability to triumph over tough spots.

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Then move on to floor coverings, shaking out small mats and vacuuming larger rugs. Use a cloth to wipe down any patio furniture — warm water and dish soap will work for wood and wicker items, while mineral spirits will come in clutch for metal pieces. Don’t forget to give the grill a good scrub-down.

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The next step, according to The DIY Playbook, is getting everything in working order. This includes turning on any outdoor fridges, replacing lantern candles and checking the lighting. A good decluttering and organizing session might also be in order.

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Once everything’s clean and functional, it’s time to play with the layout.

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“Choose to mimic a classic living room layout by placing chairs and couches around a coffee table, or centre the furniture around a fire pit,” says Better Homes & Gardens. “If your patio doesn’t allow for a more open-concept layout, try focusing the furniture in one corner.”

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Next are the finishing touches. Could you use a new mat? Do your pillows and seat cushions look worse for wear? How about your lighting — have you considered swapping string lights for old-fashioned lanterns? Replacing pieces like these can make the space feel fresh while you’re on a budget.

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Finally, it’s time to stock up on warm-weather supplies.

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“Fill up your outdoor bar cart with ingredients for your favourite drinks, so you’re ready for your next at-home happy hour,” says Better Homes & Gardens, “and prep containers with s’mores supplies so you can easily grab them for summer bonfires.

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“Find blankets and pillows to keep you and your guests cosy, and make sure to stock up on plenty of bug spray, bug-repellent fans, and essential oils (citronella and lavender work well), to keep your summer evenings pest-free.”

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