Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, weeding the patio can be one of the more tedious garden tasks. Getting down on your hands and knees to extract weed seedlings from the narrow cracks between paving and brick can be arduous, but, a patio weeder can make this necessary chore much quicker and more efficient, allowing you to spend more of your time on enjoyable garden jobs instead.

Ad

Patio weeders are designed to fit into tiny crevices and cracks, so they're perfect for removing stubborn weeds between paving stones. Many are stainless steel blade-like tools or stiff brass bristles, so they're strong and sturdy enough to prize out weeds from narrow crevices and durable for years of weeding work.

If you're in need of a more heavy-duty tool, there are also thermal weeders. Powered by mains electricity, these weeders deliver a short burst of extreme heat to kill off weeds. Thermal weeders are also usually long-handled, so there’s no need for hours of kneeling down and putting a strain on your back.


For more gardening tools, read our reviews on the best secateurs and garden hoes. Or, try our pick of the best garden waste bags and bin store ideas to help keep the garden organised. Need to clean your patio? Our experts have tested the best pressure washers so you can buy in confidence.


The best patio weeders in 2025

Hawksmoor patio weeder

Price: £4.98

Available from Toolstation

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine paio weeder guide Hawksmoor Patio weeder
BBC Gardeners' World Magazine patio weeder guide Hawksmoor Patio weeder

With a strong, stainless steel L-shaped head this rust resistant weeder is able to reach into tight cracks and grub out seedlings and the shaped ergonomic handle helps take the strain. With a hanging hole for easy storage, it’s great value too.


Fiskars Weeding Knife

Price: £27.63

Buy Fiskars Weeding Knife from B&Q

Fiskars Patio Knife – BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine
Fiskars Weeding Knife

Fitted with two sharp knife blades, the Fiskars Weeding Knife will remove moss and weeds from paved areas. The long handle has a soft grip for comfort and a hanging hole at the end for easy storage.


Burgon and Ball Weeder

Price: £12.oo

Available from Farrar and Tanner

National Trust Burgon and Ball Patio Weeder – BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine
National Trust Burgon and Ball Patio Weeding Knife

Part of a collaboration between the National Trust and gardening specialists Burgon and Ball, this weeding knife has a rustproof stainless steel blade. The handle is FSC-certified hardwood and there's a strong leather cord for hanging it up after use.


Hozelock Thermal Weeder

Price: £70

Available from Argos

Thermal weeder

A thermal weeder is a simple way to remove moss or weeds from paved areas without using chemicals or bending. Powered by mains electricity via the 3m cable, the Hozelock Green Power Thermal Weeder heats up in 45 seconds to deliver an intense thermal shock of 600°C.


Sneeboer Weed Gouger

Price: £36.95

Available from Harrod Horticultural

Sneeboer Weed Gouger – BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine
Sneeboer Weed Gouger

The Sneeboer Weed Gouger has a stainless steel, inverted 'V' shaped blade and a smooth, cherrywood handle. At 39 cm in length, the tool is ideal for hooking out long tap roots in lawns, borders and patios.


Kent and Stowe Stainless Steel Hand Weeding Knife

Price: £9.99

Available from Marshalls Garden

Kent and Stowe

This Kent and Stowe weeder has a high-quality stainless steel head and a comfortable ash wood handle for a secure grip. Its plain-edged blade is perfect for slicing or scraping away unwanted weeds in cracks or between patio slabs.


How to use a patio weeder

Many patio weeding tools consist of a sharp, L-shaped knife – simply insert the end of the blade between the paving stones to hook weeds, cut them off at the root and remove them.

Using a thermal weeder, like the Hozelock Green Power Weeder, requires a little extra care. Following the accompanying instructions carefully, allow the thermal weeder to heat up fully before use. Target one area at a time and deliver the thermal shock in short bursts. Be careful to avoid nearby furniture or vegetation.


How to identity patio weeds

A weed is often described as ‘a plant growing in the wrong place’, which probably means that any shoots that pop up between your patio slabs require removing. But do you know one weed from another? And did you know there’s some that can be particularly invasive or damaging, that you shouldn’t put in your compost?

Weeds can be split into two main groups, annuals and perennials. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the most common, and how best to deal with them if you choose to remove. Keep in mind that not all weeds have to be removed, in more relaxed or wilder areas of your garden you might choose to let them flourish, just be aware that they can out-compete garden plants by their physical growth and by taking up water and nutrients.

Get up to speed on weeds with this handy guide.


Ad

This Product Guide was last updated in March 2025. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

Ad
Ad
Ad