If you’re like most Brookline and surrounding area homeowners, you’ve put a great deal of time and effort into designing a comfortable outdoor living space—and you’ll use that space less during the winter. Cold weather presents numerous challenges for those who want to enjoy the outdoors and keep their accessories in good condition. Don’t worry, though—we’re ready to help. Here are a few ways to create a more winter-friendly outdoor living area.
Choose the Site Wisely
If you’re building a patio or deck from scratch, you have the chance to select a design and location that maximizes natural sources of heat. Consider the site’s conditions—where do the sun’s rays fall during the time you’d like to be outside? Patio placement is all about choosing a spot with good natural lighting.
Even if your yard doesn’t have any sunny spots, you should be able to pick a location that gets you out of winter’s harsh winds. Ideally, you should choose a space with both qualities—but if that’s impossible, you’ll have to make some compromises.
Hit the Deck
If you already have a deck or are planning to build one, the space under the deck can be used in several ways. With adequate drainage, the underdeck can be enclosed for fall and winter usage. Add a small space heater and some outdoor furniture, and you’ll have a year-round outdoor living room.
Use Pavers to Create a Sunny Spot to Sit
Comfort is an important consideration when winterizing an outdoor living area, and with a bit of planning, you can stay warm all season long. Patios serve multiple purposes, but keeping you warm on a cold day is one of their most important functions. Pavers, especially those made of brick, retain the sun’s heat, radiating it upward. This quality makes outdoor living somewhat uncomfortable during the summer, but it pays off when the days get colder.
Consider creating an outdoor sitting area with brick or concrete pavers and significant sun exposure for wintertime relaxation, while using travertine or another less heat reflective material for summer living. Space is a crucial factor to consider, as is design consistency. If your outdoor space is big enough, separate seating areas will provide comfort all year round.
Roll Out the Carpet
To define the area and add warmth, lay weatherproof rugs over your paver patio. There are numerous outdoor-friendly rug options, some of which can be customized. Outdoor rugs are typically flat-woven, so they’re warm and safe. Consider using padding for additional insulation between the rug and the stone or concrete.
Close it Up
Adding a window or a screen to your outdoor living area will keep wind out and warmth in. If you’re starting fresh, ensure that the room is built with this quality in mind. When enclosing a patio, be sure it’s well-ventilated—even the draftiest outdoor living area can be affected by ventilation issues.
Add a Heat Source
Heating is one of the most important elements for a winter-friendly outdoor living space. If it’s not warm, it’ll be hard to stay comfortable out there! An outdoor fireplace is a great option that can serve as a heat source and a focal point. For smaller spaces, a portable fire pit or a patio heater will provide plenty of heat without taking up too much room.
Bring a Blanket (or Two)
To make backyard living more comfortable during winter, use decorative shawls and blankets in sitting areas. Wool throws are a great choice, as are waterproof, cordless electric blankets. If you’re having guests over for a socially distant gathering, ask them to bring a blanket for additional warmth, sanitation, and safety.
Use Heated Seating
You’ve probably chosen weatherproof patio furniture already, but heated seating will add a new level of luxury and comfort to your outdoor area. Heated seating isn’t just for campers anymore—it’s durable and relaxing, and it makes cold weather more tolerable.
Cook Outdoors
If you’re planning an outdoor holiday gathering, you’ll need more than a basic BBQ grill. Outdoor kitchens typically include refrigerators, bars, sinks, and stoves, and some are downright luxurious. An outdoor kitchen with seating encourages guests to kick back and relax, and it also expands your home’s livable space.
Cover Furniture and Other Features
You’ve likely invested a lot of time and money in your outdoor living space, and it’s important to keep it in good condition all year. Winter is hard on these areas, as freezing temperatures and excess moisture can cause serious problems. For grills and fountains, heavy-duty vinyl coverings will provide a layer of protection. For outdoor seating, choose covers made from waterproof materials to minimize the risk of fabric damage. Be sure to cover everything up before it snows!
Add Some Greenery
Plants are an easy way to bring color and life into an outdoor living area, but they can be difficult to maintain during the winter. Freezing temperatures can damage roots, and the moisture from sleet, snow, and rain may drown them.
If your outdoor plants can be transplanted, put them in pots and move them indoors before the first freeze. For plants that are too large to bring indoors, use burlap or another insulated wrapping material to keep the substrate warm and reduce the risk of damage.
Light it Up
Though it’s often overlooked, lighting is an essential part of a comfortable outdoor living area. During the winter, there’s little daylight to be had—which can make it tough to use these spaces. With good lighting, though, you will get more use out of your patio. There’s no need to install fancy light fixtures—basic ones are good enough to increase your home’s security and boost its resale value.
Get Started Now
If you are dreading the thought of spending winter indoors, there’s no need to worry. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll create an outdoor living area your family can enjoy all season long. Count on the experts at Masonworks LLC to help you enjoy winter-friendly, cozy, and comfortable outdoor living.