Patio ideas for Ireland

Looking for some patio ideas and inspiration?

It doesn’t take much to change any outdoor space into somewhere you will love to sit in and we have loads of ideas ranging from small superficial changes or additions through to bigger projects like laying a new patio or paving altogether.

Everything of course depends on your current set up – you might have an old patio or paving that could be freshened up with a bit of TLC to give it a new lease of life or have a free space altogether that will allow you to put a new patio from scratch.

Some of our patio ideas just need a bit of time and no specialists skills at all and it is amazing the difference that something small can make. Either way, we have everything you need to get the job done and help you to enjoy your outdoor space. As always, our friendly team are on hand to help as needed via our live chat service online or you can call us on 0818 888 000 anytime.

Build a new patio

Laying a new patio with high quality paving flags from the likes of Tobermore is a job that many people are capable of. There are ample videos and instructions available online and with basic tools and some forward planning you can have a fantastic new space that will give you years of enjoyment.

The likes of our Tobermore paving products that have different sizes of blocks or paving even come with laying guides so you can end up with a professional finish very easily.

The key part is to prepare your ground properly to allow for a flat surface and for adequate drainage. Using the likes of the Sika Fastfix Paving Compound will help the patio retain its structure for longer along with preventing weeds for as long as possible.

If you feel this job is a bit beyond your skill set then you can speak to a local builder or contractor. We will deliver these to anywhere in Ireland.

Clean moss and algae off a patio or paving

If you have an existing patio then it is amazing the difference that a good cleanup can make. The amount of moss, algae and general gunk that can develop on a patio or paving in Ireland is astounding. Our damp climate is just perfect for this type of growth to develop and once it does then it just keeps getting worse.

Luckily there are some very effective solutions to this. If you have moss and green growth then the Mosgo Green Remover is ideal – you just apply it and leave it to work. There is no need for scrubbing or power washing. Red algae is also very common in Ireland and this can be tackled with the Mosgo Algae Remover. This is also a great product for preparing an outside wall prior to painting. It can also be used on fencing and wood.

Trying to freshen up any existing patio or paving is certainly worth a shot before looking to replace the whole thing. If you need some added assistance then you might need to power hose the area and use the likes of the Karcher TG Surface Cleaner.

Fire up the BBQ

There are few things more enjoyable than a good BBQ when everything goes to plan. If you have avoided the rain, escaped the midges and got stocked up on sausages and steaks then you have done well.

Once you have got your patio in order then it must be time to get the grub on and there is a BBQ for every budget and need. Some people might just want a little small BBQ to rustle up a snack or two, or you might want to go all out on a more serious bit of gear.

One of your only concerns may be the jealousy of a neighbour as the delicious smells waft over your fence.

Firepits & Chimineas

Firepits and Chimineas really caught on during lockdowns and unlike banana bread they have retained their popularity – and for good reason. We are not blessed with a balmy, warm climate for most of the year so if you are deciding to enjoy sitting outside that bit longer into the evening then a firepit or Chimenea is the answer.

There are loads of new styles and designs of firepits this year, ranging from the older traditional style through to modern and contemporary mesh designs. There is even the option to cook up some tasty grub at the same time with the likes of the Murcia Chiminea that comes with a cooking grill – so you really do get the best of everything.

Garden tables & chairs

A good quality set of garden furniture will stand you for years and mean that you can relax in comfort. There are so many styles now available to suit any design of garden or space but you should always try to invest in garden furniture that is treated and suitable for outdoor use.

There are multiple configurations in the range including small two seater bistro type sets that are perfect for small spaces right through to large corner sets with up to 8 seats.

A good quality table will help you enjoy outdoor dining and also just for the likes of enjoying the newspaper later into the evening. Even a good adjustable relaxer or sun lounger is brilliant for enjoying your patio or back garden.

Day beds and swing chairs

These day beds and garden swing chairs really became popular during the classic lockdown year of 2020 and thankfully are here to stay. Why wouldn’t you want to be as lazy as possible when the opportunity arises?

Even though these tend to be bigger and bulkier they can still be moved around easily enough as you chase the last of the evening sun. If you have the space available then these are ideal.

Most of the range are two seaters or you can kick everyone else off and hog it all to yourself and just wake up when the BBQ is ready.

Plants and hanging baskets

Adding a bit of colour to any patio or outdoor space is always very popular. You can choose to take the time to grow some lovely flowers and use attractive pots or go with artificial plants and flowers to keep maintenance to a minimum.

Deciding the best approach is all down to the time you have available and the final overall look that you want. Obviously natural flower displays look fantastic but there is a bit more to do with watering and looking after the plants.

Modern artificial plants are remarkable in how natural they look and are particularly suited to those who perhaps don’t have the time or mobility to keep natural plants alive.

Pressure washers

Some older paving or patios might be in a state of repair beyond redemption or may be too fragile for high power pressure washing but if there is just some dirt and grime then why not blast it off?

We think the range from Karcher are excellent and they have everything available for all budgets and all sizes of jobs in hand. The Karcher K2 is the entry model and is more than sufficient for outdoor cleaning work but as you move up through the range you obviously get more power available and more control options.

The cleaning accessories from Karcher really come in to their own when cleaning patios – particularly the Karcher T5 Surface Cleaner which is compatible with more or less the whole range and is perfect for cleaning larger areas outside.

Fencing & Trellis

If you have unsightly walls then a great way to cover them up and change the whole look of your patio is with the likes of trellis or shiplap fencing panels.

Trellis panels are extremely easy to fix to a wall and require no maintenance whatsoever – all the while adding a bit of greenery and colour to any space. You can enjoy some privacy with these too if your neighbouring property is such that you want to do this.

Another great option is to attach the likes of shiplap fencing panels which can then be painted which will protect them and also add colour. The best approach is to fix wooden batons to the wall and then fix the shiplap panels to these batons using the likes of outdoor decking screws.

Patio Lighting

If you are going to the hassle of sprucing up your patio or outdoor paving then the chances are you will be enjoying it later into the evening. If you have your firepit or BBQ on the go and a nice glass of something refreshing then you may as well compliment the space with good lighting.

We would advise solar lights to save on additional electrical costs in setting up outside wiring and to save on any ongoing costs. Solar lights aren’t too expensive and can add that lovely touch of atmosphere as they don’t tend to be too glaring.

You can choose from wall mounted lights, hanging lights or solar lights embedded in artificial rocks. These can all be moved around easily and repositioned depending on how everything works for you.

A lick of paint

It is amazing the difference a lick of paint makes to any outdoor space – especially when introducing a flash of colour. If you have bare blocks, painted brick or wood there are loads of great options that will brighten the whole space up.

Dulux Weathershield is the classic exterior paint and ideal for blocks and brick work along with masonry. If you have a fence or shed that could do with a freshen up then check out the bright shades available in the Cuprinol range and if you have existing decking then the likes of Sadolin Classic Woodstain or Sadolin Superdec will help that last longer.

A couple of hours work between the preparation, application and cleanup will change the whole space.