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Patio slabs makeover tips needed.

[Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
in Problem solving

Hello,

I want to makeover my tired patio slabs. A friend has recommended a product called Pave It.

I know I will have to take out the old concrete first and clean up the slabs. I've been advised not to pressure wash them as they're old. 

Does anyone have any cleaning tips and also, the best product to use for the grout? Would soda crystals work?

There are 80 slabs and I'm looking for the best method that won't cost a fortune.

Many thanks.image

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Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Where is the concrete you need to remove  - is that in another area? 

    I'd do them with a good strong jet from a hose, and a stiff broom to loosen up anything that's stubbon. Washing up liquid will help with grime and dirt too.

    I'm not sure why you've been advised not to use a power washer though - they're usually pretty effective. As is often the case though, some people use them too close up, resulting in bits loosening off or breaking, but I've never had a problem with them. image

    You can get paint for paving too. Don't know how effective it is long term, but that might be worth thinking about once you've spruced them up.  

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0

    Two people have said they won't do it as it will lift the slabs, so I figured I'd just do it myself! It was two separate gardening trades people, so not a friend just saying to get out of doing it!

    The concrete is between the slabs. Much of it has loosened or come out completely. 

    Didn't know about the paint, that sounds interesting! I'm going to look now.

    Many thanks, Fairygirl.

  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    I have some slabs at the back of the house that have been laid about 40+ years ago. I have pressure washed them on occasion. Old slabs are much thicker than the ones you get nowadays. So yes to pressure wash from me. The grouting between the slabs - careful you don't aim the washer at it because it can come out. If you are thinking of regrouting them then that is not a problem.In fact a bonus!

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0

    Thanks Hogweed. Yes, I need to get them regrouted so will aim the jet into the areas to lift it. Thanks for that tip!

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698

    If you want to grout the joints with mortar, I think the slabs need to be on a mortar bed to keep them rock steady. What's under these slabs? Is there an edge restraint? 

    I think the slabs look alright by the way, apart from the joints. 

    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0

    Thanks WillDB. Not sure what's under them then as they've been there for some time. Just need some sprucing up.

  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093

    Jet wash should lift off dirt and stuff growing on the slabs. If the surface of the slabs themselves is discoloured and if you can avoid getting on plants try using biological washing powder. Pick an unobtrusive slab, make it wet, sprinkle a dusting of bio powder over it, leave for a few minutes and then scrub it off. It may work - depends what's caused the colour change.

    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Sorry - I went out and didn't see your reply MMama!

    I wondered if you'd meant the grout but then you mentioned it so I thought it was another area  image

    You've had plenty of good replies anyway image

    It's also easy enough to do the grout yourself. You can buy ready prepared dry mix which you can sweep into the gaps after you've cleaned up the slabs and done whatever else you want to do with them. You then just leave it to draw moisture from the surroundings, or use a watering can to set it.  I've done that before . The paving was laid on a thick layer of grit sand Will, and we had no problem, but it's one of those things that might need looked at once the cleaning's been done. image

    Alternatively, you could plant some creeping thyme, or similar, into the gaps, or remove the odd slab here and there and plant into it. 

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0

    No worries Fairygirl! Thank you for the tips. 

    Incidentally, my fairy garden is doing well in my garden after you gave such useful plant suggestions.

    Thanks again. image

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Ooh - what did I suggest to you? My memory is getting far worse!

    I have to admit - I bought a little 'Hobbit door' to put in the garden. I have a couple of locations in mind image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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