When it comes to choosing a patio, one of the considerations that many homeowners have is how easy it is to clean. After all, nobody wants to spend hours scrubbing their patio every few weeks. In this article, I will review the different types of patios we usually see here in the UK… and a little about them. At the end of this article, I will add which one is easier to clean.
Here are the types of patios and how much it takes to clean them:
1. Concrete patios:
Concrete patios are popular due to their affordability, durability, and versatility. Cleaning a concrete patio is relatively simple and requires minimal effort.
- Occasional washing with a hose and mild detergent, and regular sweeping can remove dirt, dust, and debris from the patio’s surface.
- For tougher stains, you can use pressure. Concrete is important to note because it is a porous material that can absorb stains. Applying a sealant to protect the surface from permanent discolouration is recommended.
Overall, concrete patios are low-maintenance and can withstand the elements with the proper care, making them a fantastic option for homeowners who are looking for a practical and cost-effective outdoor living space.
2. Brick patios:
Brick patios are popular for outdoor living spaces due to their timeless appearance and durability. Cleaning a brick patio is relatively straightforward and can be done with water and mild detergent. However, brick is a porous material and can absorb stains… so they recommend applying a sealant to protect the surface from permanent discolouration.
- Sweeping regular and occasional pressure washing can help remove dirt, debris, and stains from the surface of the bricks.
- Additionally, it is essential to check the joints between the bricks periodically and replace any damaged or cracked ones.
With proper care and maintenance, brick patios can maintain their beauty and durability for many years. It would help to be careful not to use a pressure washer on a brick patio, as it can damage the surface.
3. Natural stone patios:
All-natural stone patios are known for their resistance to wear and tear and durability, making them a great choice for outdoor living spaces. Additionally, their smooth surface makes them easy to clean and maintain.
- Regular sweeping and occasional washing with a hose or pressure washer can remove dirt, dust, and debris from the patio’s surface.
- Moreover, the porous nature of natural stone allows it to absorb stains. This is why they recommend applying a sealant to protect the stone from permanent discolouration.
Natural stone patios are low-maintenance and can keep their appearance for years with proper care.
If you opt for natural stone patio paving, there are plenty of different types to choose from:
- Indian sandstone
- Limestone
- Slate
- Granite
- Traditional flagstones
4. Porcelain Patios:
Porcelain patios are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability, versatility, and low-maintenance nature. These types of tiles also come in a wide range of styles, colours, and textures, making them an excellent option for homeowners who want a beautiful and practical outdoor living space.
- They are resistant to scratches, stains, and water damage, making them an ideal choice for outdoor spaces. Porcelain tiles are also non-porous, meaning they do not absorb liquids, making cleaning a breeze.
- Regular sweeping and washing with water and mild detergent are enough to keep porcelain patios looking clean and fresh.
Overall, porcelain patios are an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, long-lasting patio.
If you opt for natural stone patio paving, there are plenty of different types to choose from. They have engineered highly versatile porcelain patio paving to resemble a range of other materials, including:
- Wood-effect porcelain paving
- Stone-effect porcelain paving
- Dolomite porcelain paving
So which type of patio is easier to keep clean and look nice for longer?
After researching, I found that porcelain patios are the easiest to clean… due to their non-porous surface, which resists stains and doesn’t require much effort to clean.
Concrete patios are also relatively easy to clean, but their porous nature makes them susceptible to staining if not sealed properly.
Brick and natural stone patios require a bit more attention when it comes to cleaning since they are porous materials that can absorb stains if not sealed and cleaned regularly.
Overall, porcelain patios are the easiest to maintain, while natural stone, concrete, and brick patios require a bit more care to keep them looking their best.
If you would like to know how to pressure wash your patio, click on the link below:
To find a company near you, click on the link below:
Written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing and Admin Coordinator at Art of Clean.
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Our Dry-Cleaning service is provided by Farthings Cambridge