How to Use Your Patio in the Winter

As the pandemic pushes on, we are spending more and more time at home. Over the warmer months, we escaped to patios, porches, decks and backyards. With the colder weather arriving, we are moving from the outdoors in. But we don’t have to abandon these relaxing outdoor spaces simply because the temperature has dropped. There are some things you can do so that you can enjoy these cherished places during the milder days of winter.

1. Make Your Outdoor Space Cozy

While summer plants and flowers that spruced up your outdoor space may be long gone, now is the time to create a cozy corner of your world. Fill your patio pots with hardy plants like boxwood, spruce and holly. Then wrap them in white lights and place some lanterns on your exterior tables to make the space warmer and inviting. Add pops of cozy colors through textiles. Thick cushions and warm fuzzy blankets will keep you toasty on colder days and nights – keep an outdoor storage ottoman on the patio to tuck them away when not in use.

2. Invest in a Patio Heater

Take the chill out of the air with a patio heater. These portable sources of heat can be placed where you want them. They also provide widespread heating for a significant area. Patio heaters come in a variety of options: electric, propane and natural gas. A heater is a great way to extend your enjoyment of your patio as the days get colder.

3. Build a Fire Pit

A roaring fire will instantly warm up your patio space. A fire pit surrounded by seating is the perfect place to escape to on a chilly day or evening. Cozy up on a chair near the fire with a good book or bring out some hot cocoa and marshmallows to enjoy an evening with the family. Lots of memories are made and stories are told around the fire.

4. Cover the Patio

If your patio is adjacent to your home, consider turning it into an outdoor room with a patio cover. The roofing will help keep the elements at bay and provide a warmer space – plus, it will give you shade during the hot days of summer. Putting up wind guards can also help create a warmer outdoor environment.

5. Enclose the Patio

To really create a warmer outdoor escape, you can enclose your patio and turn it into a screen room, three-season room, or four season room. With an enclosure, you can feel as if you are outdoors while remaining warmer and protected from the elements – and you have increased your living space.

If you live in the northern New Jersey area and are looking to transform your patio space with a fire pit or enclosure, K&B Home Solutions can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.