It’s not quite spring yet, but warmer days are within sight. Soon the birds will be singing, and the sun will be shining. It’ll be the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the weather from the comfort of your patio or porch!
However, winter can wreak havoc on your outdoor space. Months of being subjected to the elements can make even the sturdiest patios in need of TLC. But with a little elbow grease and some redecorating, your patio will be ready for springtime entertainment in no time. Follow our guide below for the best tips to prep your patio for spring!
1. Inspect for Winter Damage
The first step to preparing your patio for spring is to inspect for damage from the winter. Snow and ice can cause cracks, chips, and other damage to decking and patio pavers. Look around carefully to see if there is any damage on your patio that needs attention.
For wooden decking, inspect for cracked/chipped boards and loose railings. You’ll also want to look carefully for signs of rot or mildew in the wood. For stone or tile patio pavers, look for chips, cracks, or loose stones. Depending on the state of your patio, you may need to do some extensive repairs before you can use the space.
2. Spring Cleaning
After you’ve inspected your patio and repaired any damage, it’s time to give everything a thorough cleaning! For wooden decking, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any dirt or grime. Soft bristles will avoid damaging the wood. Then you can use a pressure washer on the lowest setting to rinse your deck and blast away the rest of the gunk from the winter.
For stone patios, make sure to remove any weeds that have grown up through the cracks. Then you can clean your patio stones with a mixture of warm water and vinegar and a stiff-bristled brush. You can also use a pressure washer for more stubborn stains and grime.
While you’re at it, your patio furniture probably could use a good rinse. If you’ve had your furniture stored over the winter, it might be dusty or grimy from disuse. Use the garden hose or a pressure washer to give life to your furniture. You should also toss your patio chair covers in the washing machine to remove stains and get everything clean for the spring.
If your furniture is looking a little worse for wear, consider replacing it with some of our large selection of patio furniture.
3. Create Shade
While soaking in the sun is one of the best parts of being outside, you’ll want to have a place to escape if it gets too warm. Add a sturdy patio umbrella to your patio or utilize fabric and a pergola to create a covered shade structure. You can also hang curtains from your patio or pergola that you can draw in the heat of the afternoon sun. Curtains will also add privacy from nosy neighbors!
4. Prep the Essentials
What do you use your patio for the most? Are you a grill master? Do you like to relax in the shade with your favorite book? Do you entertain the entire block? Whatever your goal is for your patio, make sure you have the right equipment to do it!
For grilling, have an adequate supply of propane or charcoal. They should be placed within easy reach of your grill. You should also have a food prep station and a place to put all your utensils when you’re not using them.
Create the ultimate relaxation station for your reading nook by preparing a side table next to your favorite patio chair. Consider a side table with hidden storage so you can keep your books or cozy pillows safe from the elements when you’re not outside.
If your patio is the summer barbecue destination, make sure you’ve got plenty of seating. Add a rug or a fire pit for a focal point and you’ll easily have the best patio in the neighborhood.
5. Make it Cozy
Rugs, pillows, throw blankets, and other comfort items will make your patio more inviting. Choose warm, vibrant colors that pop for spring. Make sure your comfort items are within easy reach. You can also add string lights, lanterns, or flameless candles to your patio space to create a cozy glow once the sun goes down.
6. Don’t Forget the Storage
You don’t have to settle for plain, ugly storage bins to keep your deck pillows and other items safe from the elements. There are plenty of options on the market to add functional, stylish storage to your patio space. You can choose decorative deck boxes, storage cabinets, or tables with hidden storage. The options are endless, so you can easily find something to fit your outdoor aesthetic.
7. Add Color
Finally, you’ll want to breathe some life into your patio space. We already talked about colorful pillows, blankets, and rugs, but what about other options? Plant life is a fantastic way to add color and decoration to your patio this spring.
Once it gets warm enough, visit your local nursery to choose blooms that match your outdoor décor. Some favorite springtime plants are daffodils, violas, hyacinths, and tulips. Plant them in some fun, decorative outdoor pots or planters and you’ll have the most colorful backyard on the block!
Spring Has Almost Sprung!
With this extensive list of springtime patio prep, your backyard is sure to be your favorite destination this year. Getting outside also has a whole host of health benefits, including increased mood, and more Vitamin D production. So, you have even more incentive to get your patio space perfect.
Are you looking at your patio and thinking it needs a facelift? You can always stop by Cincinnati Pool and Patio to discuss complete outdoor renovations with our backyard experts. Or you can spruce up your existing patio with some of our fantastic selection of patio furniture. Whatever the state of your patio, the professionals with Cincinnati Pool and Patio are always here to make your backyard great.
