How to Design Your Patio For Year-Round Use

Everyone loves to sit out on their patio when it’s warm, but what happens when it gets chilly or downright cold? Do you just cover up your patio furniture and close the season? That’s what many homeowners have to do because they didn’t really plan for the cold weather when they designed their patio. At North American Deck and Patio, our Maryland patio contractors think that you deserve to enjoy your patio all year long regardless of the weather. That’s why we help our clients plan for everything from the scorching Maryland summer sun to freezing December winds.

Plan for a Patio Heater

When deciding whether or not to put in a patio heater, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. Do you want a large unit that can heat the entire patio, or is there a specific space that you’d like to heat? How much heat would you like it to produce? Do you have a gas line to hook the heater up to or will you be using a propane tank? You also have to decide whether or not to purchase a gas or electric model. Luckily, we’re here to help.

Think About a Fire Pit

Much like patio heaters, fire pits are great for keeping your patio warm and toasty in the winter months, but a lot of the same questions come into play. The most important decision might be whether you’re interested in a gas or charcoal/wood burning fire pit. This decision will likely come down to the availability of a gas line to your patio. Fire pits can also be built into the patio or you can purchase a freestanding model depending on your preference. Make sure you have enough room for everyone to sit around your new fire pit while you roast marshmallows and share ghost stories on those cold autumn nights.

Hot Tubs Are a Nice Option

If your idea of the perfect cold weather activity is relaxing in a hot tub or spa, you’ll likely need to designate a very large chunk of your patio for one. Hot tubs, while incredibly relaxing and therapeutic, also require quite a bit of upkeep. You’ll want to keep in mind the fact that you will need water run directly to the hot tub, as well as provide an area for the chlorinated water to drain. And if your hot tub is a good distance away from your home, it’s also a good idea to find a way to heat the walkway between your home and your hot tub, so that you don’t freeze right up. There are a lot more variables to this purchase, but you could always call us to talk about your patio design plans.

Add a Roof

This may seem like a misdirect but it’s not. Thermodynamics dictates that heat rises, so putting a roof over your head should help keep some natural heat in the area. It will also provide some cover if you’re ever caught in one of our famous Maryland weather changes. It’s a simple fix, but it could mean the difference between being cold and uncomfortable and being warm and toasty.

These are only a few of the options available to make your outdoor space more pleasant in the colder times of the year. Call us today or contact us online to request a free consultation!

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross