Patio Renovation Ideas

Mediterranean Style Patiopatio image by ded from Fotolia.com

A fresh start will make your old patio look good again. Get rid of the junk. Put gardening tools away where they belong. Give the patio furniture a good scrubbing. Wash down the walls of the house or garage of the patio if it's attached. Use a broom to get rid of cobwebs on the patio roof. You will be amazed at the bright new look. Cleaning up is the first step in a patio renovation.

Paint

Paint is cheap. If you make a mistake with the colors you haven't lost too much. It's easy to correct with a new coat of paint. Spray paint works well for patio furniture and will instantly brighten the area. Choose light colors since they don't retain the heat. It's no fun to sit on a black metal lounge chair and burn the back of your legs. Paint plastic with paint specially formulated, so it won't peel. Coordinate a set of mismatched pots by painting them all the same color.

Repair cracked cement and replace worn indoor-outdoor carpeting. If the budget doesn't cover new flooring try the new cement stains on the market. Another option is painting a design on the cement. In any case, the cement will have to be cleaned with an acid or power washed.

Laying ceramic tile is an option. It is time consuming, requires prep work and some special equipment like a tile cutter. Invest in a video or book that has step-by-step directions. New tile gives the entire patio a face lift.

If a patio isn't shaded it won't be used as much. No one likes baking in the hot sun hour after hour. Umbrellas are the fast and easy solution. They give the patio a French bistro look which is fun. Other options include lattice work, a permanent solid roof, slats or using shade cloth. Make sure any roofing material you use is firmly and securely attached. Retractable awnings provide shade on demand.

Choose a theme for your renovation and redecorating and it will be easier to stay focused. A tropical theme begs for lots of green plants, bright colors and floral print fabrics. A modern theme sticks with neutrals and clean lines with geometrically shaped plants. Go patriotic with red white and blue. Use white patio furniture with blue and red checkered fabrics. Red geraniums, blue lobelia and white petunias carry through the theme in pots.