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In summer, your garden patio can heat up quickly; too hot for pets’ paws or children’s bare feet. When a heatwave hits, the slabs absorb the sun fast, leaving surfaces scorching and the space uncomfortable. The dog won’t walk on it, the kids are upset, and you’re stuck inside. Don’t let it get to that point. Try these quick fixes and long-term solutions from our outdoor living experts to cool your patio down and make it comfortable for everyone.
Throw Garden Shades to Keep Your Patio Cool
Direct sun is what turns your patio into a heat trap, and the right shade gives you and the space a much-needed cover.
A parasol with a tilt function will do if your patio faces south or west and catches the sun all afternoon. It lets you adjust as the sun moves, so you’re not left with one part baking while the rest stays shaded.
A shade sail or a pop-up gazebo can offer wider coverage if your patio or outdoor space is on the larger side. For something more permanent, you could go for a wall-mounted canopy or a built-in pergola with one in it. Just enough to shield where you sit, lounge, or where the kids like to play.
But you can always stick to options you can take down or shift as the weather changes. British heatwaves don’t tend to last long, but when they hit, you’ll want something ready to go.
Something Soft Underfoot Helps
Slabbed or paved patios absorb and retain heat. Rubber walkway mats are one of the options that can break up that blistering feeling. They don’t hold water, are easy to rinse off, and stay in place even when wet.
Another is foam play tiles (the interlocking kind), which are perfect for kids. They’re especially handy near paddling pools or water play areas. The little ones, including you, can run around barefoot.
Avoid rugs, carpet offcuts, or anything that soaks up water. They can end up feeling hotter underfoot than the patio itself. Once wet (e.g., from a paddling pool or the unpredictable quick downpour), they take ages to dry and can start to smell. Yikes!
Avoid Metal and Glass Furniture in Direct Sun
Your garden furniture should be where you go to cool off and catch. But when it’s roasting out, metal chairs and glass tables can make the heat feel worse. Heat lingers, making it feel like they reflect the sun straight back to you.
So, if you have metal frames or glass-topped tables, keep them out of direct sun or cover them when not in use. Check which side of the house gets the most shade. North-facing patios tend to stay cooler, while south-facing ones get full sun.
For cushions, polyester or textilene, ideally labelled for outdoors, are good options. Sit comfortably without holding heat like a radiator in July.
Add Greenery (It Helps More Than You Think)
You don’t need a jungle, unless you want to, but the point is: plants help. A couple of tall pots around the edge is a great starting point for blocking the low sun.
Dwarf bamboo in containers can also give you structure and mini-barriers. Or why not go for small trees in pots, like olive trees, bay laurel, or potted acer? They’re slow-growing, won’t overwhelm your space, and can give you natural shade.
Got a pergola or a fence nearby? Train some climbing plants up it. Though they take some time to establish, they give you reliable shade once the climbers have grown in. Even partial coverage can help. Less direct sun means your furniture and patio surface won’t heat up as much during the day.
Try a Standing Fan Outdoors
This might be all you need to make your own wind. Plug it in, point it at your seating area, and it’ll move the air enough to take that heavy, muggy feeling out of the space.
An oscillating pedestal fan is your best bet. It stands tall enough to reach seated people, and you can angle it wherever you need. Go for one with a power rating over 40W.
Floor fans can work too. Airflow-wise, but I need more thought about where you place them. Better keep one away from kids, dogs, or anywhere they might get kicked over.
Round-up
Better shade, smarter furniture and mat placement, and a few plants can all help keep your patio cool. Move things around and work with what you already have, like a fan, to make the space usable and beat the heat!
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