As the UK enjoys warmer weather, searches for “garden BBQ” have surged to around 62,000 in the past month, with millions of households firing up their grills. But experts warn that many people may be unknowingly causing long-term, and potentially costly, damage while doing so.
From grease seeping invisibly into paving stones to scorching heat leaving permanent marks, specialists warn that popular BBQ habits are turning pristine patios into expensive repair jobs. And in some cases, the cost of putting things right can be staggering.
Alex Essex, garden specialist at PBSR CO , said most people underestimate the damage BBQs can do: “Most people don’t realise how damaging BBQs can be to certain garden surfaces. It’s not just visible mess as heat, grease runoff and rust from the grill can all cause long-term wear and tear on garden surfaces.
“Once staining or surface damage sets in, homeowners are often looking at professional deep cleaning or even full replacement. Depending on the material, new paving typically starts from around £125 per square metre and can rise to £300 for premium stone like granite or York stone. Even a modest 30 square metre patio can cost around £4,500 once installation and groundwork are included.
“Many people don’t realise those extra costs like levelling and drainage aren’t always included in online prices.” He added: “That’s why prevention is so important. A few simple steps during BBQ season can save homeowners hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds in repairs.”
The most common BBQ mistakes ruining your garden:
Alex identified the most common BBQ mistakes that could be damaging outdoor spaces:
1. Placing BBQs directly on stone surfaces – Heat and grease can cause permanent staining and surface weakening, especially on stone and concrete. Always place your BBQ on a heat-resistant mat, metal tray or spare paving slab to create a protective barrier. Ideally, keep it off the patio.
2. Ignoring grease spills – Oil can soak into porous materials within minutes, leaving stubborn, often permanent marks. Blot spills immediately with kitchen paper and treat the area quickly using washing-up liquid or bicarbonate of soda for 59p.
3. Letting ash spread freely – Fine ash can travel across patios and flowerbeds, causing discolouration and residue build-up. Position your BBQ away from open areas and plants then wait until ash has fully cooled before carefully disposing of it.
4. Using rusted grills – Rust particles can transfer onto surfaces, leaving marks that are difficult to remove. Regularly inspect and clean your grill and replace heavily rusted components before use.
5. Skipping protective barriers – Not using a mat, slab or tray beneath the BBQ increases the risk of heat and grease damage. Invest in a durable BBQ mat or use a designated grilling area to minimise repeated exposure to the same surface.
6. Failing to seal dedicated BBQ spaces – Unsealed surfaces are far more vulnerable to absorbing oils and staining. Apply a suitable patio sealant to create a protective layer and reapply it periodically, especially before peak BBQ season.
Experts are also urging homeowners to act quickly once the grill cools down, warning that delays can make damage far worse: “Acting quickly makes all the difference. Always blot grease rather than scrub it, otherwise you’ll push it further into the surface. For fresh stains, bicarbonate of soda works well as a paste. For tougher marks, washing-up liquid or a vinegar-and-water mix can help lift grease naturally. However, be careful using acidic products on natural paving” Alex said.
“But the key is rinsing thoroughly afterwards to stop residue setting in.” He also warned that in severe cases; homeowners may need professional cleaning services. “Specialist patio cleaners can restore heavily stained or damaged surfaces using equipment and treatments most people don’t have access to. In some cases, it can save homeowners from having to replace the entire patio.”
Photo by Red Nguyen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/outdoor-bbq-with-sausages-and-vegetables-32749717/
