A Handy To-Do List To Get Your Patio Ready Before Bringing Furniture Out Of Storage

As warmer weather returns to us after a long winter, we're eager to get our outdoor spaces looking spiffy and ready for guests. This may take a lot of cleaning on our part, as patios can get in quite the disarray between the previous fall and the coming spring. It may even seem like such an overwhelming task that you are tempted to put it off and take care of it another time. But with a simple checklist that pinpoints the basic steps to prepare your patio and get it ready for your stored outdoor furniture, it'll feel much more manageable. 

Take it one task at a time, beginning with cleaning the patio and repairing any damages before moving on to cleaning up the dusty furniture, replacing any broken items, and finally laying out the perfect space to enjoy all summer long. Some repainting, furniture shopping, and trial and error on item placement may be in your future, but it will all add up to create the perfect outdoor space for you and yours this season. 

Between seasons, your patio has likely accumulated all sorts of debris and grime, from dried leaves and twigs to dirt, dust, and dead insects. Getting your patio cleaned once spring sets in will ensure it's ready to go by the onset of summer. Power washing is one of the easiest and time-saving ways to get a patio looking shiny and new, and most local hardware stores will have some available to rent if you don't own one. Power washers are also one sure way to remove any mold build-up. Regardless of if your patio is concrete or wood, a power washer will do the trick. If dealing with wood, however, try not to use more than 1,200 psi — any higher could be damaging.

Typically, you'll want to use a cleaning solution that is 50/50 bleach and water and take nearby plants and wildlife into account before spraying chemicals. Move squirrel feeders and bird baths aside, and cover gardens with plastic tarps. It's wise to rinse the patio off with just the house afterward to wash away any leftover chemicals, and you should allow it to dry completely, giving it a final good sweep to clear any remaining debris. Additionally, remember to clean up your outdoor lights — remove cobwebs and bugs and replace light bulbs.

With your patio freshly cleaned, it's the best time to inspect it for any damages that need to be taken care of. You'll want to look out for different things depending on the type of material your patio is made of. With concrete, make sure to fill any cracks, as that will pave the way for weeds to grow, and the fissures will only worsen the longer the cracks go without being sealed. If your patio is made up of bricks or other stone pavers, check and make sure none have come loose and pose a hazard. For a wooden deck, keep an eye out for warped and splintering boards and loose nails.

No matter what material your patio is, it is essential to check on the sturdiness of any railings, especially for patios that are not on the first story. Similarly, make sure any stairs leading up to the surface are safe to use. It may be necessary to call in professional help to repair certain damages, but at the end of the day, safety is crucial. While you take on repairs, take the time to stain or paint any area you desire. 

While stored away, your patio furniture has likely accumulated dirt and dust, whether kept indoors or out in the garage. Depending on the type of outdoor furniture, the cleaning process slightly differs. For all-weather wicker, gently wipe down the exterior using warm water and soap, rinsing off with a hose afterward. Dry any excess water with a towel and allow the sun to do the rest. Cleaning teak wood is similar to all-weather wicker — use warm water and soap to wipe away grime build-up, hose it off, and allow it to dry. Avoid using a power washer on teak, as this could damage the natural wood, and consider using a little bleach in your detergent mixture if mold is present. For surfaces that have gotten too rough for comfort, 220-grit sandpaper can smooth it out, going toward the grain.

Patio furniture comprised of metal — like aluminum and steel — is just as easy to clean. Wash the frames using water and soap, and you'll have it looking good as new. When it comes to cushions, the simplest way is to remove cushion covers and throw them in the wash, allowing them to air dry after the cleaning cycle. If your cushions don't feature removable covers, begin by vacuuming all the dirt and using a sponge lightly dampened with soap and water to start washing. Rinse them with the hose to remove any suds and allow them to dry in the sun. You could also consider using a steamer if desired.

A lot can change over the course of a year. Maybe this summer, you have a new baby that will require extra shade on the patio, or maybe you signed up to host potlucks for the PTA and will now need a larger table to accommodate more guests. Assess the furniture you currently have and ask yourself if there is anything you need to add or possibly replace. Are any chairs broken or cushions too stained and ripped to patch up? Is the glass top on your table cracking, or do you need to get rid of a few ottomans to make room for the new grill you got for Father's Day?

As you begin to question how you will use your space this summer and what you need to buy, fix, or get rid of, also consider how you can spruce it up from the previous year. Maybe you were all about creams, beiges, and other neutrals last summer, but now you think it could be time to go brighter with blues, greens, and pinks. Painting never fails to be a fun DIY project, and thinking ahead about what style you want your outdoor space to take on will ensure you can enjoy it to the fullest and have it ready to relax in as soon as possible.

Taking the time to layout and envision how you want to set up your space is beneficial in the long run. Furniture is heavy, and moving it around as little as possible will save both time and energy. If you're looking to order new furniture pieces, take measurements of your space and your current furniture to ensure you have plenty of room for what you plan to purchase. Think about the best organization to create pathways for kids running around and guests milling about. If you're a family that loves cookouts, you'll likely want plenty of walk room to and from the kitchen.

Once you have a clear idea of how your space will look, put all the pieces together and set it up a few weeks before you will welcome guests and host events. This will give you ample time to test out the area for yourself and identify anything that may not be working efficiently or issues you might have overlooked. Give yourself time to add the finishing touches — new planters, throw pillows, rugs, and anything you may not have known were missing until you saw everything put together.