This project has been on my list since I did my Spring cleaning of the patio and pool deck in April. The patio, particularly the old part, was so dirty and stained. It’s the sort of project that keeps getting put off, though. Not because it’s hard, but because it’s a pain to get the power washer out and set up and to move all of the furniture and heavy concrete planters. We’ve been having great weather this week, though, so I finally convinced Marshall to help me get it done.
Here is how the patio looked before…
You can really see how dirty it was in this picture…
When I took pictures of the patio, I tried to take them from an angle that would mostly hide the dirt, but you can still see it under the table and chairs…
We moved everything out of the way, which was the hardest part, and Marshall handled the power washing. You can read about our power washer and the surface cleaning attachment HERE. He used a surface cleaner attachment first, and I brushed the dirty water towards a “valley” in the concrete with a push broom. Once he finished one side with the surface attachment, he went around the edges with a spray nozzle. He then used the powerful spray from the nozzle to push the remaining dirty water where it would drain into the yard.
Once one side was completed, we moved everything over and did the same process on the other side. You can see how filthy and stained it was. I think what I like most about using a pressure washer is that it is very effective and doesn’t require any chemicals.
And here is how it looks now! What a difference, right?
In addition to power washing the patio, we also have new windows, and I painted the fascia and trim. I’ll be sharing more about the windows soon, and you can read about painting the exterior of our house HERE.
I’ve never had a backyard I really loved until this house. It has needed a ton of work, but I could see potential in it almost immediately. A few big projects and about a hundred little projects have brought it to where it is today…
Here’s a reminder of how it looked before…
…and now…
8 Responses
Beautiful job! I hope you tipped him well!
Was all that dirt/moldy looking stuff(?) from just one year/winter? I can get the same problem on my concrete driveway, but I’m in the Pacific Northwest! I’m wondering if there might be something (non-toxic) we could sprinkle on the concrete occasionally throughout the winter to prevent that level of mold/discoloration? Something to research!
BTW, I bought that round Karcher power washing attachment for my Ego battery operated power washer and not only did it fit, but worked beautifully, so thanks for that tip!
Looks so good! I love what a pressure washer can do! Can you tell me if you re-poured your concrete patio after you moved in? I have cracks in ours and was wondering how to fix the cracks without re pouring a new slab.
This came out so great. It almost appears to have been bleached! So good of Marshall to help out. Enjoy it all, it’s a gorgeous back yard.
i use a power washer on my teak outdoor furniture too and it comes up beautifully
It is just amazing what a pressure washer tool can do! I have never liked hearing my neighbors using theirs, but now that I see what they are capable of, I am truly impressed. I will keep it in the back of my mind as a potential future “need.” Your patio looks brand new!
Oh, my goodness, what a beautiful difference! It looks new. I love the variation colors in your brick which showcase the air-conditioner surround. It has all come together beautifully–not cookie-cutter at all. Kudos to your handsome son for his workmanship. Will you share pictures of the front now that your shrubs are established and have settled in. Your neighbors have to LOVE you!
Marshall has grown up! What a handsome young man! Oh, and the patio looks great ,too.