I couldn't afford a new patio so transformed my mismatched grey slabs for just £100 – now it's fresh & bright for summer

The Sun

2 days ago

IF your patio is looking a bit grubby and you're desperate to get it sparkling for summer, fear not, we've got you covered.
A savvy DIY fan has shared the quick and easy trick she swears by for making stained patio slabs look brand new - and it's super simple.
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Hollie, a solo homeowner who is known online as 'The Durham Derwent', explained that she couldn't afford to get a new patio, so instead, gave hers a makeover on the cheap thanks to a lick of paint.
Posting on social media, the content creator who is from the UK, gave her 20,600 followers a close-up look at her patio before and after its overhaul, leaving many totally stunned.
Alongside her post, Hollie beamed: 'A whole new patio would be lovely but for now this budget makeover has made such a difference.'
Hollie later explained that her patio glow up cost her just £100.
She said goodbye to her 'mistmatched grey' slabs and hello to a 'fresh and bright' patio.
As well as looking beautiful, we're sure it bound to leave her guests and any eagle-eyed neighbours gobsmacked.
The DIY enthusiast later explained that she used the Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint in the shade Sandblast, which you can nab from B&Q or Wickes for just £35.
Hollie also confirmed: 'I used 10L for two/three coats across the whole patio, side paths and back steps.'
As well as giving her patio a fresh lick of paint, she also bought a stunning set of garden furniture to further add style and a luxe feel to her patio.
Not only was Hollie able to keep the costs down, but now she has a patio area that's perfect for summer days and balmy nights.
Get your patio sparkling with a £1.49 Wilko buy - as shoppers rave the 'results speak for themselves'
The Instagram clip, which was posted under the username @ the_durham_derwent, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 127,000 views.
Social media users were impressed with the patio's mega makeover and many were in disbelief as they had 'actually thought' Hollie had had "porcelain tiles laid.'
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.'
One person said: 'Oh my gosh I neeeeed to do this! I thought you'd had a new patio laid.'
Another added: 'This is amazing!!'
A third commented: 'Wow! That's an amazing glow up! They look great.'
Meanwhile, someone else beamed: 'Wow what a difference!'
At the same time, another DIY enthusiast chimed in: 'It looks so good, much better."
Garden features that add the most value to a house
A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property.
Sellhousefast.uk carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK.
And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed.
Shed - 82%
Patio or paving - 76%
Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72%
Outdoor lighting - 66%
Sturdy decking - 62%
Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58%
Modern garden furniture - 54%
Artificial lawn/grass - 40%