There’s something special about being outdoors in the winter. There’s a calmness, a serenity that can turn your patio into a winter wonderland. The sun peaks over the horizon while you’re curled up, nestled under the thickest of blankets, slowly sipping your coffee and getting ready to take on the day. Let’s celebrate our winter patios and look at ways you can create a cozy outdoor space all your own.
Most of the country doesn’t have warm winter weather, and for those people we say you shouldn’t have to be a shut-in just because it’s cold outside. The addition of patio heating can turn your patio from unbearable to comfortable in no time. Patio heaters come in freestanding varieties or wall/ceiling mounted ones to suit your needs, and can run on natural gas, liquid propane, or electricity. Perhaps you prefer a blazing fire on your patio, brought to you by an amazing fire pit. Whether wood, propane, or natural gas there’s no denying the lure of dancing flames atop a gorgeous backyard fire pit.
Simply put, an outdoor kitchen is a place to create amazing meals while entertaining family and friends and includes a cooking area, entertainment area and lots of goodies set up so your guests don’t have to trudge inside for anything. Imagine this for your outdoor winter party ideas, your guests enjoying the crisp winter weather while longing for the low-n-slow ribs that have been sizzling on the grill for hours. Beverages, both the adult and normal varieties, can be retrieved or concocted right there by the table, creating even more opportunities for camaraderie as the day ends on a chilly winter afternoon.
With all the heating options (fire pits and tables, freestanding patio heaters, or mounted patio heaters) available, which is the best for you? Freestanding patio heaters are perfect for where you have multiple patio areas (like a conversation pit, an outdoor kitchen, and a dining area) and you can move the heat to where you need it now. Mounted patio heaters are more permanent and unobtrusive – easier for your guests to enjoy and always out of the way. Fire tables are amazing conversation areas, giving off just enough heat for a small group while they gaze into the dancing flames. The perennial crowd favorite obviously - a fire pit, complete with crackling wood and gooey marshmallows.
When looking at cozy winter patio ideas for your winter wonderland you can’t forget creature comforts. Outfit your patio with seating areas designed for comfort. Larger patios can have a section designated for conversation, with plush cushions atop sofas and armchairs that beckon you to sit and stay awhile. Smaller patios can create a small reading/conversation nook with two armchairs (rocking swivels are our favorites) and a small side table for your drink. Did you know that a chaise lounge isn’t only for sunbathing – that relaxed, laid back feeling is waiting for you whenever you need it (especially if you top it with a cushy full-length pad).
Fight the winter blues by layering your patio with accents in warm, cheerful colors. One of the easiest ways to realize your winter outdoor décor ideas is to pepper color throughout your patio by use of color-paired outdoor pillows. Spruce up your outdoor patio with the natural beauty of living trees by placing small potted conifers strategically throughout your yard. Patio lighting isn’t just suggested for safety’s sake (proper patio lighting highlights potential slippery areas so your guests stay safe) but adds to the beauty of the wintery landscape. For best results with your outdoor patio lighting update your bulbs to LED and keep the glass or lenses clean of debris.
Once the fall leaves have taken their tragic tumble earthbound, take the time to get your patio ready to take on the winter. One of the best winter patio cover ideas is to clean and store your outdoor furniture (wicker or rattan should be stored inside) and thoroughly clean and cover your outdoor grill or kitchen areas. Bring in the potted plants that won’t make it through the winter and insulate those that are left on your patio. Clean, dry and store your patio accessories (like outdoor rugs, umbrellas, even garden decor) so they remain protected. Identify any cracks in your decking or concrete and repair them prior to the first freeze of the year. Finally, take the time to winterize your outdoor water features (and bring them indoors if possible).
If you’ve decided not to winterize your grill or outdoor kitchen, let’s make full use of them even on the coldest of days. Who doesn’t love a perfectly grilled ribeye steak, and for the winter we prefer to top ours with a apple-radish vinaigrette (made with champagne vinegar). Take large baking potatoes, slice them every 3/8ths of an inch and layer in sour cream and chive butter… wrap in aluminum foil and grill for a perfectly soft and delicious side to your steak. Wintery vegetables grill per perfectly as well – we suggest bacon-wrapped carrots (glazed with maple syrup!).
Let’s look at the obvious first… removing show and ice from your patio is the best way to keep the location safe for guests. Remember to use a rubber or plastic snow shovel, as metal shovels can do significant damage to your patio deck or concrete. Salt can be damaging to your patio, so we suggest using sand instead to keep a good grip. Check your roofline for icicles – the danger from falling icicles is a real one that can be easily avoided ahead of time. Check tree branches nearby for excess snow or ice buildup and remove it. Finally, take the time to know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite:
A little extra work maintaining your patio and equipment will pay huge dividends in the long run. Check your patio heaters for debris and make sure that the airflow on your gas patio heater remains unobstructed. Use a can of compressed air (or a compressed air hose if you have one) to blow out the debris near the pilot tube and thermocouple. Note: If the area around the gas control valve and burner is exposed to water, it must be replaced before you can safely use your patio heater again. For electrical outdoor heaters, inspect any exposed wiring and have any corrosion take care of immediately. Check your outdoor kitchen, start by draining any water pipes so they won’t freeze (this includes those to connected refrigerators, ice makers and sinks).
Your outdoor patio gives you so much joy throughout most of the year, and for many of us we’d love to continue to enjoy our outdoor space all winter long. Adding the right patio heaters and making full use of your outdoor kitchen in the winter months is the key to transforming your winter patio from a dull unused space into a cozy and fully functional winter wonderland. If you need a little help deciding which heating systems are right for you, you can count on our outdoor patio experts to have the right answer – just give us a call, we promise to treat you like family.