Suggest ways to brighten dreary patio slabs

FlorayG

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82107401#Comment_82107401

Thats not really the main problem.

The patio is unlevel and the slabs are random grey and pink with one solitary yellow one - obviously done on the cheap with second hand slabs.

Covering with gravel only works for an area you look at but never walk on. I sit out on my patio all summer

WIAWSNB

Spooky! Only yesterday did my bro send me this pic of the small rear garden area of the house he sold a couple of years ago. The new owner did a wee bit of tidying up, some plants, fencing - and rugs! (I presume outdoor type…)

stuart45

If you want the slabs level you'll need to lift and relay them. They could be on a sand base, which is why they've been butt jointed, and sunk in places. Now the ground has probably settled you might be able to level them using some sharp sand.

casper_gutman

I'd be wary of painting the slabs as it won't last, and you'll just create either (i) an ongoing maintenance issue to keep repainting or (ii) an even more scruffy appearance.

For a cheap fix I'd relay the slabs myself (straightforward if they're just bedded on sand, but needs a bit of strength and some sharp sand to level things out before relaying) and then put down an outdoor rug/carpet as others have shown in pics upthread.

Beyond that, you're looking at spending a chunk of change on buying new slabs.

WIAWSNB

Do they need relaying? They look perfectly flat and level to me.

The issues are, they are mugly, and it abuts a plain concrete slab.

Solutions - paint and stencil. Overcoat with clear resin or polyurethane if you need to. Or, lay rugs.

FlorayG

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82107943#Comment_82107943

I bought a couple of those rugs last year and yes, they did look nice but they are not UV stable and started to shed and disintegrate before summer was over

casper_gutman

I suspect the rugs on the market are of variable quality. There should be some out there that last better. Look for products from established suppliers that are specifically sold as UV-stable, and/or with long term reviews. All else being equal I think polyester will be a better bet than polypropylene.

otb666

When I do housework I always chuck the old water over my slabs and they look good all year round. I have also poured bleach on them then slooshed it about with broom before it rains.