For many homeowners, their patio is an inviting and safe place where they can enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with family and friends. If you are like most people, you would love to use your patio all year long. However, snow and the winter wind can make spending quality time on your patio challenging.
How to Keep Your Patio Warm and Comfortable In Winter: Top Tips
If you would like to use your patio even during the unforgiving winter months, keep the following tips in mind to ensure you stay warm and comfortable:
Tip #01: Invest in an electric outdoor heater.
An electric outdoor heater is one of the best ways to bring hot air into your outdoor living space. Depending on your budget and preference, you have the option between tabletop, hanging, and free-standing options. To ensure it is mounted accordingly, check with the manufacturer.
If you want to use electric outdoor heaters, you need to also make sure that you have a power connection outside. You can use indoor portable space heaters if you want a short-term and affordable solution for an event or gathering. However, you need to ensure they are kept in an enclosed area to prevent damage from precipitation.
Tip #02: Put up some windscreens.
If you have a gazebo or outdoor sun porch around your patio, it is recommended that you set up windscreens to protect the space from wind, rain, and snow. Windscreens can come in various materials and colors, so it’s easy to find one that perfectly complements your outdoor living space.
Since windscreens won’t block your view, you can stay warm while enjoying the snow and other natural beauty around you. Aside from keeping your patio safe from the harsh winter weather, windscreens can help you keep your privacy. You can also roll them up or down if the weather is pleasant again.
Tip #03: Install a fire pit.
Want to stay warm and create an inviting patio space simultaneously? You can never go wrong with fire pits! Fire pits come in different designs, colors, and even heat sources. For instance, others use propane and warm rocks rather than fire and sticks. You can also opt for portable or free-standing ones to suit your budget or preference.
Portable fire pits are the preferred last-minute solution for parties. If you want a permanent fire pit, you have the option to install one in the ground. While it needs to be installed professionally and will cost more than other options, it is considered a worthwhile investment as it can increase your property’s resale value.
Tip #04: Have a fireplace installed.
While installing an outdoor fireplace is a huge investment, just like fire pits, they can also make your space more visually appealing and add value to your property. If you intend to renovate your patio, consider making an outdoor fireplace a part of your design.
A fireplace would also make an attractive focal point in your backyard. Having a fireplace outdoors can also be a great heat source so you can enjoy your patio even during the winter. Fortunately, many fireplace designs are affordable and can easily complement your home’s aesthetics.
Tip #05: Set up heated flooring.
If you install radiant heating under your patio, you can enjoy it all year long. While heated floors are more prevalent inside the home, they can also do wonders for your outdoor living space. Aside from warming up your patio, heated flooring can also melt snow, so you don’t have to shovel.
If installing heated flooring is something you are interested in, consider putting radiant heating under porcelain tiles. This is considered ideal as porcelain tiles are considered great heat conductors. Lastly, you need to remember that the installation of heated flooring is best left in the expert hands of professionals.
Tip #06: Enclose your patio.
Another way to ensure your outdoor patio stays warm and cozy would be to put permanent screens or walls around it. A picnic shelter, sunroom, or patio enclosure can ensure your property is protected from rain, snow, and wind. You can also install permanent walls or screens and transform your patio into a sunroom.
Depending on your style preference and budget, you can also use glass walls. Glass walls can help you stay warm and cozy while giving you a clear view of your backyard. Motorized patio screens are another option you can look into. You can open and close your motorized patio screens using a remote control or your mobile device.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to abandon your patio just because it’s wintertime. If anything, you can easily transform your outdoor area and patio into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space so you can still enjoy it during the harsh winter months.