Creative Gran Transforms Patio In Lockdown For Just £44
- Tanya Knight, 52, transformed her patio for just £44
- She bought paint, sealer, sponges and jugs
- Tanya’s patio renovation went viral online
The lockdown coupled with the glorious weather of the past few months has meant that many of us have spent more time than ever in our gardens.
And the extra time many of us have spent at home has prompted a huge boom in DIY home renovations.
Tanya Knight, a 52-year-old mother of two and grandmother of one from Kent, was determined to transform her garden, but decided to do it on a budget during the lockdown.
She spent just £44 transforming her patio into a modern grey space, and received thousands of likes when she shared the photo online.
Tanya, who works as a trainee counsellor, told money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk: "I’m a key worker and mother of a disabled son who I have been shielding since March. I have two protective bubbles for him as he needs 24-hour care.
"I find switching off difficult, so I set myself a project to transform the garden and patio. The garden is a complete transformation.
"The patio idea came from Facebook groups and after I accidentally dropped paint on my patio. I sponged it and it had a lovely effect.
"I repointed the patio using cement and sand mix and washed. I painted the lot in Dulux masonry paint slate grey and went over the gaps twice for coverage.
"I then used black masonry paint, one part paint to 15 parts water, and sponged over, carefully avoiding the edges. For the darker bits, I used two parts paint to six parts water.
"I sponged and allow the sponge to run dry as this gives a great pattern. I then sealed to protect.
"It cost £44 in total and I managed to get grey paint in lockdown. I got it delivered as I try not to shop due to the risk to my son.
"I paid £22 for the paint and the rest was spent on sealer, sponges and jugs for mixing black paint and water in."
Tanya was over the moon with how her project turned out, and found the activity to be a good distraction during the stress of lockdown.
“It took just under 10 hours,” Tanya adds.
"I was amazed at how good it looked! After I painted the slabs light grey I was terrified. My husband said 'you have to sort that out'.
"I was so relieved when I did phase three and could see the plan come together!
“The renovation has given me so much joy in such a bleak time. I hope it will help others transform their patios on a budget.
"It was a great project for me in lockdown as I work in mental health as a trainee child counsellor.
"I am working with children who have been affected by Covid. Plus, my home life is hetic. It was a great focus.
“I’m a 52-year-old grandmother - if I can do it anyone can!”
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, comments: “I’ve really enjoyed reading about so many amazing patio transformations during the lockdown, and Tanya’s is one of my favourites!
“The chic grey look can be emulated easily and affordably - just follow Tanya’s helpful instructions and if you’re isolating, all the materials can be ordered safely online.”
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Great ,I am going to do mine soon I have 1 tin of cream paint ,not sure if I want red as well ,.