HOW-TO · Patios
How to Build a Better Outdoor Space
Shade, surface, seating, light — in that order.
Tom Brennan · August 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Garden & Outdoor
Patios
Everything the garden desk has published on patios — tested, measured and updated as products change.
More on Patios
2 stories
GUIDE · Patios
Patio Materials: Costs, Upkeep and What Ages Well
The surface decision sets the maintenance bill for the next twenty years.
Tested in this category
Independently scored
Weber Genesis E-325s Gas Grill
Even heat, serviceable parts and a grill that will still be running in ten years.
- Score
- 9 / 10
- Price band
- $1,000 – $1,300
Best for: Regular outdoor cooking for a family
Price band last checked 2026-08-07. Live pricing arrives with our retailer feed.
Kärcher K5 Premium Pressure Washer
Enough pressure for patios and cladding without wrecking mortar joints.
- Score
- 8.5 / 10
- Price band
- $300 – $400
Best for: Patios, decking and driveways
Price band last checked 2026-08-07. Live pricing arrives with our retailer feed.
Related reading
BEST · Lawn Mowers
The Best Lawn Mowers
We cut the same three lawns weekly for a season and logged runtime, cut quality and clipping distribution.
BEST · Outdoor Furniture
The Best Garden Furniture
Teak, aluminium and rope sets left out through a full weather cycle — with joint checks at both ends.
BEST · Garden Power Tools
The Best Cordless Garden Tools
Committing to one battery platform is the highest-value decision in the garden shed.
COMPARE · Lawn Mowers
Robot Mower vs Push Mower
We ran both on the same lawn for a season. The answer depends on shape more than size.
HOW-TO · Lawn Care
A Lawn Care Calendar That Actually Works
Feeding, scarifying, aerating and mowing heights — timed to the grass, not to the calendar page.
Garden · Outdoor Furniture
Furnishing a Small Garden, Balcony or Courtyard
The layout and furniture choices that make a tiny outdoor space genuinely usable.
The Home Brief
Smarter ideas, better products and the home stories worth knowing.
Several mornings a week. No filler, no fake urgency, unsubscribe in one click.