7 Tips for A Winterproof Patio

Prep your patio for the winter and you’ll be looking at year-round evenings under the stars with friends and family. Though typically associated with lazy summer afternoons, a well-prepped patio can be just as magical during the cooler months of the year.

It’s simply a case of keeping things comfortable and cosy, which can be achieved in a variety of ways.

Here’s how to get your patio ready for the winter for another full season of outdoor enjoyment:

1. Add an Overhead Shelter 

First up, you’ll (obviously) need something to protect you and your guests from overhead assaults from the elements. Go ahead and build a permanent solid roof if you like, but there are also plenty of adjustable and removable options available. Even something as simple as a waterproof retractable awning can get the job done, or a series of attractive parasols above your patio furniture.

2. Wind Protection 

If you can protect your patio from the cool winds of the autumn and winter, you’ll find it much easier to stay warm and toasty when relaxing outdoors.  Again, there are endless ways of achieving effective protection – anything from solid walls to fabric windbreaks, or even the strategic use of coniferous trees. 

3. Invest in a Good Outdoor Patio Heater

An absolutely essential addition to every patio, as you are guaranteed to need at least one additional source of heat during the cooler months of the year.  Options are available to suit all preferences and pockets, starting with basic halogen heaters and extending right through to the most luxurious fire pits money can buy. A good outdoor patio heater can also serve as an enchanting visual addition to your outdoor living spaces, or even give you an open flame for toasting marshmallows.

4. Accessories and Extras

Chances are, your patio isn’t going to be quite as warm and toasty as your living room – even if you protect and heat it as efficiently as you can. This is where a few carefully selected accessories and extras can help, which can be as simple as a bunch of cosy blankets your guests can wrap around their shoulders. In addition, adding a few thick, warm and luxurious throws to your outdoor furniture can also help keep you and your guests cosy and comfortable. 

5. Upgrade Your Outdoor Furniture

When selecting patio furniture, it’s important to bear in mind that you aren’t going to be using it every day. In fact, your patio may go extended periods with no use whatsoever, during which your furniture will be exposed to cold temperatures and (perhaps) exposure to the elements. As such, you need to ensure you pick up the kind of patio furniture that can stand up to the worst of the weather. Or at least, furniture that’s easy to stash away in your shed or garage, when not in use.

6. Enchanting Illumination

By enchanting, we basically mean avoiding the use of a single blindingly-bright spotlight to illuminate the whole space. It has a tendency to be dark most of the time during the winter, so be sure to get creative with your outdoor lighting.  Think string lights, decorative LEDs, candles and so on to create an inviting and enchanting atmosphere. 

7. Smart Blankets 

Last but not least, it’s also worth remembering that smart electric blanket technology has come a long way over the years. To such an extent that there is now a comprehensive range of products to choose from to keep you warm in even the coolest conditions. Throw a few of these over your patio furniture and it’s job-done, though you’ll (of course) want to keep them at a safe distance from rain, snow, ice and so on.