If you’re like most Treasure Valley residents, you probably use your outdoor patio a lot over the summer. However, you probably shy away from it during the cold winter months. Just because the temperature outside may be dropping doesn’t mean you have to spend less time outside. Instead, it just means you need to be a little more resourceful about preparing for the weather. An outdoor patio is a wonderful entertaining spot. That’s why the Boise contractor at Pacific Home & Patio would like to provide you with the following ways to make your outdoor space more usable this winter.
Add a Heat Source
A heat source will not only warm your outdoor patio but make it an alluring place this winter. An outdoor fireplace is a wonderful example of adding warmth and cozy ambiance to your space, and they make it the perfect gathering spot for family and friends. If an outdoor fireplace isn’t a good option, you may want to consider an electric or propane space heater. Both of these heat sources come in different shapes, styles, and sizes to suit your individual needs. Embracing winter outside is all about creating warmth and that starts with a heat source.
Add Lighting
Whether it’s lanterns or string lights, perfect lighting can help cut through the darkness of winter fill your outdoor space with a warm, mood-lifting glow. The best part? The right lighting can instantly change your mood and draw people outside to embrace your patio area. This is a wonderful investment that will not only transform your patio but get you in the mood to celebrate with family and friends over the holidays.
Cook Outdoors
If you love to entertain, no matter the season, an outdoor kitchen may be the way to go. Whether it’s a grill or a full-scale kitchen, you will get plenty of use out of it all year long. Cooking outdoors, even in cold weather, not only adds warmth to your patio space but encourages family and friends to enjoy the outdoors. As a wonderful feature to spice up your backyard, an outdoor grill or kitchen will make cookouts easier to prepare and enjoy.
Provide Patio Blankets
People who live in extremely cold climates have learned to enjoy the outdoors even when it’s freezing. For example, in Sweden, most people have a shelf or basket of thick, colorful patio blankets. Here in the Treasure Valley, you can do the same thing by investing in a stash of patio blankets for your outdoor area or repurposing old blankets instead of throwing them out or stashing them in a closet. The best part? You don’t have to wash them all that often. Instead, if they get damp from being outside, you can just throw them in the dryer to refresh.
Create An Enclosed Space
An enclosed patio cover with retractable shade screens or glass walls will provide you with more flexibility using your outdoor space during the colder months. While an enclosed patio area costs a little more upfront, you will add more square footage and usable space to your home. You can warm this area with space heaters, a mini-split heat pump, or connect it to your home’s central heating and air system for maximum comfort.
Pacific Home & Patio
Don’t let the winter weather keep you from enjoying your outdoor space. With the tips mentioned above, your patio area can be just as comfortable and useful when it’s cold outside. If you’d like more information about the patio covers we provide in Boise, Idaho, contact Pacific Home & Patio by filling out our online form or give our Treasure Valley office a call at (208) 376-000 for a free quote today!
