How to get your garden ready for barbecue season

As the days get longer and temperatures begin to rise, barbecue season is just around the corner. Whether you’re planning family gatherings, weekend cookouts or summer parties with friends, preparing your garden now will help you make the most of your outdoor space when the sunshine arrives.
Give your patio a refresh
Your patio is likely to be the heart of your outdoor entertaining space, so it’s worth giving it some attention before guests arrive.
Start by:
- Sweeping away leaves, dirt and debris
- Removing any weeds between paving joints
- Cleaning the surface with a suitable patio cleaner
- Checking for any loose slabs or damaged joints
Natural stone paving can benefit from an occasional clean to restore its appearance, while porcelain paving may simply require a wash down with water and a mild cleaner.
A clean patio instantly makes your garden feel more inviting and ready for entertaining.
Create a dedicated cooking area
A designated barbecue zone helps keep your garden organised and makes cooking easier when hosting guests.
When planning your layout, consider:
- Keeping the barbecue a safe distance from fences and structures
- Allowing enough space for food preparation
- Ensuring easy access between the kitchen and outdoor dining area
- Positioning the barbecue away from high-traffic areas
Natural stone paving is a popular choice around barbecue areas thanks to its durability and timeless appearance.
Improve lighting for evening entertaining
Barbecues don’t always end when the sun goes down.
Outdoor lighting can extend the use of your garden well into the evening while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Popular options include:
- String lights
- Wall-mounted lighting
- Pathway lights
- Spotlights for feature planting
- Lanterns and candles
Layering different light sources helps create a balanced and comfortable outdoor setting.
Add shade for sunny days
While sunshine is always welcome, providing some shade makes outdoor entertaining far more comfortable.
Options include:
- Pergolas
- Parasols
- Retractable awnings
- Shade sails
Timber pergolas paired with natural stone paving create a stylish outdoor living area that can be enjoyed throughout the summer months.
Consider a patio upgrade
If your current patio is looking tired or no longer suits your needs, barbecue season can be the perfect motivation for a garden makeover.
Natural stone paving remains a popular choice for homeowners looking to create elegant outdoor entertaining spaces. Materials such as limestone and sandstone offer timeless appeal and can help transform a garden into an area you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Matching steps, wall cladding and setts can also help create a cohesive and premium finish throughout your outdoor space.
Get ready to enjoy summer outdoors
A little preparation now can make a huge difference when barbecue season arrives. By refreshing your patio, updating planting, improving seating and creating a dedicated entertaining area, you’ll be ready to welcome friends and family all summer long.
At Kebur, we offer a wide range of natural stone paving, porcelain paving, wall cladding, steps and accessories to help you create the perfect outdoor entertaining space. Visit our displays to explore our products and find inspiration for your next garden project.
FAQs
When should I start preparing my garden for barbecue season?
Spring is the ideal time to start preparing your garden for summer entertaining. Giving your patio a clean, refreshing planting beds and checking outdoor furniture early means you’ll be ready to enjoy the first warm days of the year.
What is the best paving for a barbecue area?
Both natural stone and porcelain paving are excellent choices for barbecue areas. Natural stone offers timeless character and warmth, while porcelain provides a low-maintenance surface with high stain resistance.
How do I clean my patio before summer?
Start by sweeping away debris and removing weeds. Then wash the surface using a suitable patio cleaner or a pH-neutral product recommended for your paving type. Avoid harsh chemicals, particularly on natural stone.
Do I need to seal my natural stone patio?
Most natural stone paving benefits from sealing to help protect against stains, moisture and general wear. The frequency of resealing depends on the stone type, usage and exposure to the elements.
How can I improve my garden for evening entertaining?
Outdoor lighting is one of the most effective ways to extend the use of your garden after sunset. String lights, pathway lighting, lanterns and feature lighting can all help create a warm and inviting atmosphere.


































































