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Grilling season is almost here: 5 steps to get your patio ready for summer


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  • Clean your patio by removing debris, sweeping, and washing away pollen.
  • Clean outdoor furniture after removing it from storage, using gentle soap.
  • Check for damage by looking for soft spots, cracks or loose tiles.

Spring is here, so now is the perfect time to get your patio ready for summer and prime BBQ weather.

You don’t need a major overhaul, just a little upkeep to ensure your outdoor retreat is in good shape. 

We spoke with Sarah Barnard, a LEED and WELL-accredited designer, to learn what steps to take and what things to remember when prepping a patio for summertime.

1. Clean your patio and remove debris

Cleaning your patio regularly — sweeping, removing leaves, and washing off pollen — will help its longevity.

Begin by removing any furniture or potted plants to make cleaning the surface easier, Barnard says. Then clear larger leaves and debris with a rake and push broom.

"Sweeping your patio with a stiff broom, and targeted spot-cleaning with a long-handled scrub brush, alongside regular sweeping ... are sustainable cleaning methods that help reduce water usage," she says. "Always remember to scrub with the grain to protect your deck's surface,” she says.

2. Whether your patio is wooden or tiled, check for decay

Winter can do a number on outdoor structures, regardless of their materials.

When inspecting outdoor wood patios for signs of decay, look for areas that feel soft or spongy or have crumbling and flaking wood, Barnard says. Keep an eye out for protruding nails or screws, or boards that feel unstable, which can be signs of wood deterioration, she says.

For tiled patios, watch for chipped or cracked tiles or loose or missing grout.

"This damage can allow water to seep beneath the surface and potentially damage the patio's underlying structure,” Barnard says.

3. Make repairs

If you notice minor decay or broken tiles, you may be able to repair them yourself.

“Concrete patching compound can repair minor cracks and chips in concrete," Barnard says, "while epoxy crack fillers can be used for slightly larger cracks for a stronger, more durable repair."

A decorative concrete overlay is another option that can be applied to worn-out concrete to create a new surface, Barnard says. It has the advantage of being available in various textures and colors.

"Tiles with minor chips or cracks can sometimes be repaired using a color-matched epoxy, putty, or tile repair adhesive,” Barnard says. However, if the damage is more severe, it’s good to ask a professional for their opinion.

4. Remove outdoor furniture from storage and clean

Barnard says less durable materials such as natural wicker, wood (other than teak), cushions, and fabrics should be stored or protected with a waterproof covering in colder months. But aluminum, teak, and stone can often be left outside year-round.

For a deep clean, start by wiping down surfaces with a dry cloth to remove loose debris and to assess winter's wear and tear, Barnard says. Wicker can be vacuumed to remove trapped dust before washing.

"A gentle, eco-friendly soap and water solution is good for cleaning. For fabric items, gentle soap, water, and a scrub brush often work to treat textiles that cannot be machine-washed," she says. Sun-drying is ideal for maintaining the size and shape of fabrics. Regular vacuuming and spot-cleaning between deep washes will help preserve outdoor cushions, says Barnard.

5. Inspect and install lighting

Depending on your type of lighting, you may need to store it indoors and only bring it out for summer.

“Decorative temporary lighting such as string and solar lights may benefit from being stored away during the winter months,” Barnard says.