Is your patio in need of some TLC to restore it to peak condition for enjoying the summer months? Whether you have petite paving area or a generous outdoor living space, you can easily refresh your patio with our top tips…
How to refresh your patio on a budget
Firstly, cleaning your patio will make a bigger difference than you might think. Give it a good sweep to remove loose dirt and debris, then fill a bucket with hot soapy water and scrub any particularly grimy areas with a hard-bristled brush. Read our tutorial for cleaning patio and decking for a step-by-step guide. Rinse with clean water from a hose, leave to dry and inspect your handiwork – you may need to repeat this on some areas. Exercise caution when it comes to using a pressure washer, as this could damage delicate tiles.
For a fresh look without blowing the budget on new tiles, give stencilling a go. Dizzy Duck Designs has lots of stencil designs that can be used on tiles, or even concrete slabs. It does take time and patience, but the results can look amazing! Instagrammer Amy (@harrison_nate_ and_me) used a custom size of the Safi stencil on her patio (pictured above).
Cheap patio decor ideas
Inject instant colour with planters and pots filled with greenery. If you’re short on space, vertical planters will make the most of the available area and draw the eye upwards to make compact patios feel bigger. Why not try your hand at making our DIY driftwood planter or upcycling plant pots to create a stylish herb garden?
If you’ll be using your space for evening entertaining, think about atmospheric lighting. There are plenty of outdoor lighting options available, from simple string lights to statement wall lamps.
Read on for our cheap patio decor finds to get you inspired, which will help you kit out your new-look patio without breaking the bank:
Yaheetech 3-Piece Rattan Garden Furniture Set
If you're going to the effort of transforming your patio into the most attractive corner of your home, it makes sense to invest in some comfortable furniture so you can sit and enjoy it. Luckily, decent patio furniture sets don't have to cost the earth, and there are some quality options at a lower price point - you just have to look for them! Take this set from Yaheetech, which includes two chairs made of weather-resistant synthetic wicker with seat cushions included, as well as a square coffee. At the time of writing, the set - available in your choice of black and brown - cost just £99.99.
Gardenline Patio Heater
Don't let that late-evening chill stop you from enjoying your garden - why not grab a patio heater so you can let the good times roll even after the sun has gone down? Aldi's own-brand Gardenline patio heater is a great budget-friendly option - standing 110cm tall, it boasts an adjustable head to angle the warmth just right, as well as three heat settings (650/1300/2000W) to keep you toasty.
The heater was sale at the time of writing for £29.99, but we reckon even the £39.99 RRP is a price that's hard to beat.
10 Rattan Lantern Solar Fairy Lights
Another vital ingredient for making the most of your garden after sundown, outdoor lights are a practical addition to your patio but they can be an aesthetic one, too! This set of 10 rattan-look lanterns from Lights4Fun will lend instant boho vibes to your outdoor space.
The warm white LED bulbs inside are solar-powered, so make sure you hang these in an area where they are sure to receive plenty of sunlight during the day. Check out our round-up of the best outdoor lighting ideas for even more inspiration!
Oak-Effect Half Barrel Planters
Add instant character to your patio with this set of half-barrel planters from Coopers of Stortford, currently on sale for £19.99 for four - we reckon they're a real bargain!
They're made of of tough, weather-resistant polyurethane, meaning they should withstand the elements all year round, with an oak-effect finish for a traditional look which is sure to add a touch of rustic chic to your outdoor space. Each planter measures 33.5cm across, with a height of 20.5cm, giving you plenty of room for your choice of flowers, greenery or herbs.
Tovar Flatweave Green Rug
Patios are, by their nature, a hard surface, and the most common patio materials can be plain-looking, too - so dressing up the area with an outdoor rug is a quick and easy way to add colour, texture and softness to your outdoor space. This flatweave rug from Bay Isle Home at Wayfair is available in variety of sizes to fit your space and a choice of green (above) or blue. You can check out all our favourite outdoor rugs here!
