My patio was covered in green algae and & dirt – a £10 B&Q buy transformed it and now it looks brand new

A WOMAN has revealed how she transformed her patio without breaking the bank.

So if your outside haven could do with some TLC this summer, but you’re on a budget and are looking for a cheap and cheerful solution, then you’ve come to the right place.

Rebecca, a wife, mother and DIY fan from the UK, took to social media to share how she gave her grubby patio a mega makeover, leaving many open-mouthed.

Rather than forking out the cash on new patio tiles, Rebecca simply used some paint to give them a fresh new feel - yes, you heard that correctly.

Posting online, Rebecca shared her short clip with the caption ‘Garden patio makeover.’

What were once very dark and stained patio slabs, were quickly given a mega makeover with just a lick of paint, as Rebecca confirmed that she “transformed [her] patio using just paint.”

The DIY enthusiast said goodbye to her “ugly slabs” and “voila” to her fresh new patio, after she used masonry paint, a roller and a brush set from Wickes.

She confirmed that she used the Sandtex smooth masonry paint in the shade Plymouth grey, which you can buy from just £12 from B&Q.

However, if you want to get your hands on something even cheaper, you can nab similar masonry paint for only £10 from B&Q.

Rebecca paid £23 for her large tub of paint, as she explained: “It cost £23 for the paint, £8 for the roller and brush - £31 total.”

Not only does her patio look fabulous, but it was very cost-effective too, as Rebecca concluded: “A lot cheaper than a new patio.”

The mother accessorised the space with a garden furniture set, a large Buddha head, turning her garden into the ultimate "beach club".

BIG DIVIDE

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @beccaslife___, has clearly left people open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 136,300 views.

But social media users were left hugely divided by Rebecca’s patio overhaul.

Saves you thousands on getting a new patio. Looks smashing

Whilst many thought it looked “great”, others weren’t so keen on the idea.

One person said: “Fabulous!”

How to update your garden on the cheap

IF you want your garden to impress this summer, you've come to the right place...

Plan and Prioritise

• Assess Your Space: Take a walk around your garden and note areas that need improvement.
• Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend.
• Prioritise Projects: Focus on high-impact areas first, like pathways, seating, or focal points.

DIY Projects

• Build Your Own Planters: Use reclaimed wood, pallets, or other materials to create custom planters.
• Create Garden Art: Use old items like tires, bottles, or cans to make unique garden decorations.
• Pathways: Lay down gravel or mulch to create affordable and attractive garden paths.

Plant Smart

• Buy Seeds, Not Plants: Seeds are cheaper than mature plants and offer a wider variety.
• Share and Swap: Exchange plants and seeds with friends or join a local gardening club.
• Grow Perennials: Invest in plants that come back year after year to save money in the long run.

Use Free Resources

• Compost: Make your own compost from kitchen scraps and yard waste to enrich your soil.
• Rainwater Collection: Set up a rain barrel to collect water for your garden.
• Mulch: Use leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips as free mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Repurpose and Upcycle

Shop Smart

Maintenance

By using these tips, you can give your garden a fresh, updated look without spending a lot of money. Happy gardening!

Another added: “Fantastic job, looks amazing.”

A third commented: “It looks a lot better! More modern and clean.”

Painting slabs is a bad idea. The paint does not last

Whilst someone else beamed: “Great idea and lasts ages with a sealer. Saves you thousands on getting a new patio. Looks smashing.”

However, at the same time, one user claimed: “Painting slabs is a bad idea. The paint does not last.”

How to repair broken patio slabs

THE paving specialists at Simply Paving told Fabulous how you can repair broken patio slabs, without the faff.

The experts advised: “If you have a loose paving slab, then it’s unlikely it can be lifted straight by hand. Instead, you will probably need a hammer and chisel to prise the paver free of your patio.

“To remove loose paving slabs without damaging your flagstones, carefully chip away at the mortar around the paving slab with the plugging chisel and rubber mallet until the slab comes completely loose.

“Then, slide the spade into the gap left by the mortar and prise the paver free of the patio.

"As you lift it up, place a short piece of timber underneath the spade to act as a lever, making it easier for you while protecting the slab underneath.

“When the paver starts to give, place the cylindrical wood underneath it and roll the slab out of the patio.”

A second wrote: “Good till it rains, needs to be sealed.”

To this, Rebecca replied: “Thank you for your concern. However I did my research - and it has rained on it, and it’s fine.”

Someone else chimed in: “Oh dear, that will wear away in no time.”

Meanwhile, another gardening enthusiast asked: “Has this lasted the test of time?”

In response, Rebecca claimed: “Yes. I give it a freshen up once a year. It still looks good two years on!"

Rebecca later shared: “I do not expect it to last forever, it may need a little refresh every year - I am ok with that.”