Patios are a great place to spend time outdoors with friends and family, but renovating them can be costly and time-consuming. Here are some easy ideas to quickly improve your patio without breaking the bank.

Update Your Patio by Cleaning the Area

One of the best ways to improve the patio is by cleaning the area well. Use a pressure washer to remove dust, mildew, and other stains. If you don’t have access to a pressure washer, the garden hose used with a deck cleaning product will help remove stains and debris.

Wipe down the outdoor surfaces and patio seating, and wash fabrics, including throw pillows and blankets. Clean the patio furniture and repaint or stain it if needed.

Add Shade

Create natural shade by planting trees and bushes nearby. Build a pergola or install an awning to protect guests from the sun during the warmer months. You can also use patio umbrellas to offer people more shaded space on the deck, courtyard, or patio.

Refresh the Lighting to Improve Your Patio

Good lighting will make or break any area. Install lighting around the patio area, so it’s well-lit after dusk. For an inexpensive option, add ambient lighting such as fairy lights that you can plug into outdoor outlets. Solar-powered lighting is another excellent option if your patio gets plenty of sunlight during the day. A fire pit and string lights are two inexpensive ways to improve your outdoor living space.

Invest in Colorful Fabric

Use fabric to add color to your deck or patio. Purchase new seat cushions, install a colorful patio umbrella, and add decorative planters with colorful flowers. Purchase candles that coordinate with the décor. Some scents repel bugs and prevent them from becoming nuisances while providing a pleasant aroma.

Add Entertainment to Improve the Patio

Although lounging in the sun is nice, consider adding entertainment options to your patio to make the space more appealing for the entire family. For example, board games and card games are fun to entertain guests. Purchase a table for the patio for board games and serving food and beverages to your guests. If you like to watch sports and have a covered area and power, add a television so you can enjoy the game outdoors.

Create a Container Garden

A herb or flower garden makes the patio feel inviting and adds color. In addition, an herb garden smells great and is functional; you can use common herbs such as mint, basil, and cilantro in food and drink recipes.

HomeVantage Home Inspections provides inspection services in Northern New Jersey. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule an appointment.