I’m a gardening pro & my three cheap tricks will transform your patio – but a viral Facebook ‘tip’ does so much damage

A GARDENING professional has revealed their three cheap tricks that will transform your patio and warns against a viral Facebook tip.

Searches for ‘grout patio’ are up 83 per cent in the last three months on Google.

It indicates that many people are looking to undertake this particular garden project to improve the functionality and aesthetics of their patio.

As well as the type of pavers you choose, how you point and grout them can make a significant difference in not only making your patio look tidy but also in keeping your pavers secure.

Doing this job yourself can also save you hundreds of pounds.

According to ONS (Office for National Statistics), the median garden size for a house in the UK is 188 square metres, and analysing data from Check A Trade, labour for this garden size could cost anything up to £160 per day.

This job would typically take three days to do, so you could save a whopping £480 by doing it yourself.

With that being said, Georgina Read, Director at Paving Superstore has shared three of the best ways to grout your patio, followed by how to maintain it to prevent damaging your grout in the long run.

The sand and cement method

The sand and cement method has been used for many years and is favoured for its durability and ease of application.

Georgina says: “To get started with pointing your patio, you will first need to prepare the mix. The ideal mix is made up of four parts sharp sand to one part cement.

“Mix the sand and cement together thoroughly in a wheelbarrow or large mixing tray and add water so that it balls up in your hand.

“Once you have your mix, you can begin the pointing process. Begin by clearing any debris and loose mortar from the gaps between the pavers.

“Using a combination of two trowels, scoop up some mortar from the wheelbarrow or mixing tray and gradually slice it into the gaps using the second trowel.

“Push the mortar down firmly into the gaps and once the joints are filled, use a pointing iron to shape the mix and remove any excess.

“Finally, use a soft brush to sweep any remaining cement off the surface of the paving slabs and a damp sponge to remove any residue on the surface of the slabs as this will be almost impossible to remove once dried.”

Using a ready mixed brush-in jointing compound

This method involves using a pre-mixed product that is designed specifically for filling the gaps between the pavers and is a method that has seen increased popularity, as this clever compound can be laid all year round– no matter the weather.

Georgina says: “To get started with this method, you will need to clean the patio and ensure that the gaps between the pavers are free from any debris or loose material.

“Once the patio is clean, you must wet the entire area and ensure it stays wet whilst you use a broom to brush in the jointing compound. Don't worry about over-spill when the paving is wet as the jointing compound will not set immediately on the basis of it remaining wet.

Avoid coarse scrubbers like steel wool and opt for a soft cloth to clean your grout to prevent any potential damage from occurring

“Once the patio is dry, the jointing compound will set hard in place, so be sure to remove any surplus material before you let the patio dry out.

“When the compound has set, usually within 24 hours, you can use your new patio.”

Two-part epoxy jointing motor

A two-part epoxy jointing motor is a specialised solution that is exceptionally strong, and suitable for most stone and paving including driveways.

This method involves mixing two components, usually a resin and a hardener, to create a mortar that is applied to the gaps between the pavers.

Georgina says: “Firstly, you will need to prepare the surface of the patio by removing any debris or loose material from the gaps between the pavers.

"As this type of jointing mortar is a thick liquid, be sure to prevent it from seeping out of open exposed edges so either fill these by haunching the edges or use putty to block the gaps.

“Wet the entire area and ensure it remains wet throughout the installation process to prevent the jointing mortar from setting.

“Once the surface is clean and prepared, mix the two components of the jointing slurry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

“Apply the mortar to the gaps using a squeegee, making sure to fill the gaps completely. The mortar will not require trowelling in as the semi-fluid nature of the product means it will sink into the gaps.

“Ensure surplus mortar is washed off the surface of the paving before allowing it to dry and set. Once the mortar has set, usually within 24-48 hours, you can use the patio.”

It's essential to keep up with regular maintenance of your new patio.

This will ensure your patio remains in tip-top condition and not reverse the hard work you’ve just done.

With this in mind, Georgina goes on to relay the three things you should avoid when cleaning your grout.

Three things not to do when cleaning your grout to avoid damage to your patio.

Clean your grout with a pressure washer

Georgina says: “One of the most popular garden tools when it comes to cleaning our outdoor space is a pressure washer, however, using this powerful tool can cause more damage than good– especially to your newly grouted patio.

“High-pressure water can actually damage your grout joints and can cause it to become weak, and cracked.

“If it’s absolutely necessary, a low-pressure steam cleaner is a much safer alternative to cleaning grout, however, I would recommend opting for a grout cleaning solution as it is specifically made to clean it.”

Use too much water

Georgina says: “As well as the pressure of the water, using too much water when cleaning grout can not weaken the grout and cause it to disintegrate.

“Instead, it is best practice to limit the amount of water you expose to your grout where possible and establish a gentle but effective cleaning technique to clean your grout efficiently while limiting your water usage.”

Using course scrubbers/ harsh chemicals

Georgina says: “Using harsh cleaning tools or cleaning solutions will only damage your grout and cut its lifespan short, meaning you will find yourself having to redo your grout over and over again which can be a very costly expense.

“Avoid coarse scrubbers like steel wool and opt for a soft cloth to clean your grout to prevent any potential damage from occurring.

"However, if you need to remove excessive dirt and grime, use a softer bristle brush like a nylon or coco hand brush and gently scrub until clean.

August gardening jobs

The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the 10 gardening jobs to take on during the last month of summer - and the all important ones to remember if you're going on holiday.

1. Watering plants on holiday

Think about how you're going to water your plants if you're going away. Irrigation systems are stupidly expensive - so ask a friend or neighbour to pop over.

2. Remember your houseplants!

For houseplants use the upside down bottle trick - where you fill a wine bottle and then tip it upside down, spout down, and stick it into the pot - the water should seep out slowly. For smaller plants you can use a thick piece of cord running from a glass of water, into the soil - so it slowly takes it up over time. Be sensible with your watering - vistit www.mains2rains.co.uk for some tips on how to conserve water in August. But use as much grey water - ie washing up water - as you can to save such a valuable resource.

3. Dig for potatoes

Second early potatoes should be ready to dig up.

4. Carry on deadheading

Use either secateurs or just pinch off the blooms with your finger and thumb. With roses, make sure you're dead heading back to a set of five leaves, giving you the best chance of more blooms.

5. Plant strawberries

You can actually plant strawberries in late august - which will be ready next year. For the ones you already have - if they've got runners springing off them - try and pot them up to make more strawberries for free.

6. Prune lavenders

In late August once they've finished flowering cut back your lavender - always prune them back to the woody stems - but make sure you can still see some little buds.

7. Collect seeds

A lot of plants will start going to seed now - so it's the perfect time to walk around collecting them to get free plants for next year - just make sure you label the envelopes.

8. Sow hardy annuals

Towards the end of the month, sow hardy annuals in order for them to flower next year. Try and choose sheltered spots for them.

9. Cut back roses

Prune back rambling roses and make sure they are all tied in. And in late August give your roses their last feed.

10. Keep on top of watering hanging baskets

It's really important to keep hanging baskets hydrated - they are the first and the worst for drying out.

“When it comes to cleaning solutions, avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or acid-based solutions and opt for non-toxic solutions that will remove dirt and debris without damaging the grout– and the solution is something you can make in the comfort of your own home.”

“Fill an old spray bottle with water and vinegar (50:50), and mix this well. Then, spray the solution on the grout and leave it for 30-60 minutes.

"Then, wipe with a soft cloth, then voila, you will find yourself with noticeably cleaner grout lines.”

If your grout is cracked or damaged, it should be removed before applying new grout.

If you don’t, it can prevent the new grout from having a firm foundation, leading to a heavy amount of maintenance which can be costly.

By taking care of your patio, and keeping your grout clean the right way, you will be able to uphold a well-kept patio without the overly expensive upkeep.