Skip to main content
Marlow

Project Transformation

Marlow Sandstone Patio Restoration

Before cleaning began, the patio was cleared to provide safe and unobstructed access to the complete surface. The surrounding areas were assessed and prepared so that the cleaning process could be carried out methodically while protecting nearby plants, lawns, fencing and other

Patio Cleaning in Marlow — afterPatio Cleaning in Marlow — beforeBeforeAfter

About the project

The transformation

Before cleaning began, the patio was cleared to provide safe and unobstructed access to the complete surface. The surrounding areas were assessed and prepared so that the cleaning process could be carried out methodically while protecting nearby plants, lawns, fencing and other external features.

The sandstone received an initial application of professional surface-cleaning treatment to begin breaking down the established algae, organic staining and black spot contamination. The treatment was allowed sufficient dwell time to work into the surface before the patio was thoroughly rinsed in preparation for the main cleaning stage. Using a combination of a large rotary surface cleaner and a carefully controlled high-pressure turbo nozzle, we removed the loosened contamination from the sandstone. The surface cleaner provided consistent cleaning across the main areas of the patio, while the turbo nozzle allowed our technicians to work more precisely around edges, joints and areas of heavier contamination. This process removed the majority of the algae, dirt and established black spot, revealing the natural variation and colour of the sandstone beneath. Once the main cleaning stage was complete, the patio was carefully inspected to identify any areas where black spot remained particularly well established. A second, targeted application of professional treatment was applied to these localised areas and allowed to work before the surface was rinsed again. This additional stage provided a more detailed and consistent result across the complete patio. Following the cleaning process, the entire sandstone patio received an application of Chiltern EverGuard™, our professional surface protection treatment. Chiltern EverGuard™ penetrates the surface to help protect against the regrowth of moss, algae and lichen, while also helping to control the return of black spot and keep the paving cleaner for longer. Protection typically lasts between 12 and 24 months, depending on the property's location, surrounding environment and ongoing maintenance. The treatment was also applied to sections of the surrounding timber fencing that had developed green algae growth. Chiltern EverGuard™ penetrates the timber substrate and continues working after application, helping the affected areas gradually become cleaner while providing ongoing protection against further organic growth.

To complete the project, the patio and surrounding working areas received a thorough final rinse and clean-down. Any remaining residue and debris created during the restoration process was removed, leaving the area clean, tidy and ready for the client to enjoy. The finished patio looked considerably brighter, cleaner and more vibrant, with the natural colours and character of the sandstone restored. With Chiltern EverGuard™ in place, both the paving and treated timber will continue to improve as the treatment reaches its full effectiveness.

Step by step

How this project was restored

Every project follows a careful, surface-specific process — here’s exactly how we approached this one.

  1. The sandstone patio cleared for work, with the garden table and chairs standing on the lawn alongside and hoses and a treatment container staged on the paving
    01

    Area Preparation

    Before cleaning began, the patio was cleared to provide safe and unobstructed access to the complete surface. The surrounding areas were assessed and prepared so that the cleaning process could be carried out methodically while protecting nearby plants, lawns, fencing and other external features.

  2. A Chiltern Surface Co technician in full protective coveralls, gloves and a full-face respirator applying professional surface-cleaning treatment through a spray lance fed from a hand-held container
    02

    Professional Surface Pre-Treatment

    The sandstone received an initial application of professional surface-cleaning treatment to begin breaking down the established algae, organic staining and black spot contamination. The treatment was allowed sufficient dwell time to work into the surface before the patio was thoroughly rinsed in preparation for the main cleaning stage.

  3. A Chiltern Surface Co technician working the sandstone with a high-pressure lance, the jet cutting across the wet paving at the edge of the patio beside the timber fence
    03

    Detailed Sandstone Cleaning

    Using a combination of a large rotary surface cleaner and a carefully controlled high-pressure turbo nozzle, we removed the loosened contamination from the sandstone. The surface cleaner provided consistent cleaning across the main areas of the patio, while the turbo nozzle allowed our technicians to work more precisely around edges, joints and areas of heavier contamination. This process removed the majority of the algae, dirt and established black spot, revealing the natural variation and colour of the sandstone beneath.

  4. A technician in protective coveralls and respirator bent low over the paving, directing treatment onto a localised area of the sandstone
    04

    Targeted Black Spot Treatment

    Once the main cleaning stage was complete, the patio was carefully inspected to identify any areas where black spot remained particularly well established. A second, targeted application of professional treatment was applied to these localised areas and allowed to work before the surface was rinsed again. This additional stage provided a more detailed and consistent result across the complete patio.

  5. Chiltern EverGuard™ being applied over the cleaned sandstone from a long spray lance fed by a tank standing on the paving, with the timber fence alongside
    05

    Chiltern EverGuard™ Treatment

    Following the cleaning process, the entire sandstone patio received an application of Chiltern EverGuard™, our professional surface protection treatment. Chiltern EverGuard™ penetrates the surface to help protect against the regrowth of moss, algae and lichen, while also helping to control the return of black spot and keep the paving cleaner for longer. Protection typically lasts between 12 and 24 months, depending on the property's location, surrounding environment and ongoing maintenance. The treatment was also applied to sections of the surrounding timber fencing that had developed green algae growth. Chiltern EverGuard™ penetrates the timber substrate and continues working after application, helping the affected areas gradually become cleaner while providing ongoing protection against further organic growth.

  6. The restored sandstone patio late in the day, the technician working across the finished paving beneath the pergola and the treated timber fence
    06

    Final Clean-Down and Finished Result

    To complete the project, the patio and surrounding working areas received a thorough final rinse and clean-down. Any remaining residue and debris created during the restoration process was removed, leaving the area clean, tidy and ready for the client to enjoy. The finished patio looked considerably brighter, cleaner and more vibrant, with the natural colours and character of the sandstone restored. With Chiltern EverGuard™ in place, both the paving and treated timber will continue to improve as the treatment reaches its full effectiveness.

More of our work

Other recent projects

View all projects
  • Patio Cleaning in Marlow — before
    Patio Cleaning in Marlow — after

    Marlow Patio Restoration

    A natural stone patio in Marlow showing heavy moss growth and widespread black spot, cleaned back to the stone and protected with Chiltern EverGuard™.

  • Patio Cleaning in Penn — before
    Patio Cleaning in Penn — after

    Sandstone Patio and Brick Steps Restoration in Penn

    A large entertaining terrace in Henley-on-Thames that had greyed off and gone slippery. Restored with a controlled chemical treatment rather than brute pressure, because the stone would not have survived the alternative.

  • Patio Cleaning in Marlow — before
    Patio Cleaning in Marlow — after

    Sandstone Garden Pathway Restoration & Gravel Revitalisation

    This bespoke sandstone garden pathway had become heavily weathered with organic staining, darkened gravel, embedded contamination and surface discolouration throughout.

Book your free site visit

We'll assess your surfaces and recommend the right approach — no pressure, no obligation.