Are you looking at your patio and thinking, “Am I supposed to be doing something with this?” You’re not alone. The good news is that stone patios are built to last and require surprisingly little upkeep. With that said, a little patio maintenance now and then will keep it looking amazing—and make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood.
Keep It Clean
Most of the time, your patio just needs an occasional scrub—typically once a year or every couple of years, depending on its appearance and your personal preference. A simple mixture of Dawn Dish Soap and warm water works wonders. Use a bristle brush to scrub the surface, especially in shaded areas where mold and mildew can accumulate.
Pro Tip: Avoid regular use of a pressure washer—it can wash away the sand between your pavers. If your patio is absolutely filthy, a low-pressure rinse is okay. Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away and move it in sweeping motions to minimize joint sand loss.
Time to Resand?
The secret to a long-lasting patio lies in the joints between your pavers. Over time, polymeric sand can soften, wash out, or just get a little tired. This is normal—and it’s exactly why periodic resanding is important. Resanding is recommended every 5–10 years, but it depends on your patio’s exposure to the elements, such as sun, shade, and rain.
A simple test: press a pocket knife or similar tool into a joint. If the sand feels soft or crumbly, it’s time to resand. Properly filled joints help lock your patio in place, preventing shifting and uneven settling.
Resanding a patio is a two-visit process, and our team can help with this from start to finish. First, we thoroughly clean and prep the patio to remove dirt and debris. Once it’s completely dry, we carefully sweep in fresh polymeric sand and wet-set it for long-lasting stability and durability.
Sealants: What You Need to Know
You may have heard about using sealants on your patio, but here’s the truth: most sealants on the market today are really just color enhancers that wear off quickly. On older patios, the color change can be unpredictable, and once applied, it may not turn out exactly as you envisioned—correcting it isn’t easy. In high-traffic areas, sealants can also wear unevenly over time.
We usually only recommend sealants if there’s a specific reason. Otherwise, your patio will age gracefully with minimal intervention.
Quick Patio Maintenance Tips
Keeping your patio in top shape doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure it stays looking great:
- Check your joints every few years. Look for soft or crumbling sand and contact us to resand if necessary to keep your pavers stable.
- Avoid excessive pressure washing. Too much pressure can wash away joint sand and cause shifting over time.
- Sweep regularly to prevent debris buildup. Keeping leaves, dirt, and other debris off your patio helps prevent stains and keeps it looking fresh.
- Watch for uneven settling or loose pavers. Catching small issues early can prevent bigger problems down the road.
In Need of Patio Resanding?
If your patio’s joints are looking worn or tired, Hardscapes of Holly Springs can help. Our team handles everything from thorough cleaning to expert resanding, providing top-notch patio maintenance in Raleigh, NC to keep your patio beautiful, stable, and ready for years of enjoyment. Contact us today to restore your patio to its best.