Sadly, summer is only a few months of the year, and some of those days are not picture-perfect weather. The heat, rain and wind can all cause trouble in paradise, along with the approaching colder seasons. But the fun doesn’t have to stop there! Decks don’t only have to be used in the summertime. You may not get to use your deck, patio or porch the same way in the dead of winter, but the last days of summer don’t need to put a stop to all the fun to be had!
Don’t let any weather conditions prevent you from potentially enjoying your outdoor living space year-round! We’ve come up with some ideas for some creative design elements to add to enjoy your outdoor space in all seasons.
Optimize Your Summer Time
Nighttime
Pest Control
Beating the Heat
As much as the sun shining is a reason to be outside, it can sometimes be too much to handle. If your deck or patio is poolside then that is the best solution but there are still plenty of other ways to beat the heat.
Creating shade is a major way to keep the heat at bay when the weather is nice. Create shade using umbrellas, or getting a table with an umbrella stand within it for entertaining or sitting as a family, can keep you covered this summer. Umbrellas can be a unique accent and protection against harmful UV rays. More permanent methods of creating shade could include a screen, curtains, panels or a large trellis or canopy to block out some of the sun on your deck.
Everyone knows that an easy way to staying cool is a cold drink. Something more simple to have on your deck, patio or porch is an ice bucket! Ice buckets are affordable and can be used as a stylish piece for decorating outdoor spaces. For a more expensive option, you can instead add an outdoor refrigerator.
Adding fans to your deck, patio or porch can also keep you out of the house longer and make the hot season more enjoyable.
Rainy Days
Wind Protection
Seasonal Enhancements
The months following summer pose a threat to the enjoyment of your deck, patio or porch, but not if you don’t let them! Make the most out of your deck and continue to use it year-round with deck design enhancements like furniture, lighting, and heat sources.
Furniture & Accessories
Purchasing seasonal, weatherproof, outdoor furniture can help not only durability for years to come, but for your enjoyment in the colder months. Furniture made from powder-coated steel, teak, and polyresin wicker are weather-resistant and made to withstand the outdoors and its elements for many years. Remember that covered outdoor furniture on decks lasts longer when not in use!
Adding lights for when it gets darker faster in the fall and springtime can extend your day. Lights with timers can illuminate your outdoor space for when you want and you can forget about remembering to turn them on and off.
Go Enclosed
The most costly but effective of measures to continue to use your deck all year round is to enclose your deck. The covering would create an indoor-outdoor experience and a covered deck is something to consider if you want to use it optimally. Glass enclosures would keep the outside sun while still providing an indoor feeling in all other seasons. Contact us for any questions about enclosing your deck in the Toronto area.
Keeping It Warm
Heat Sources
Warm Accents
Hot Tubs
Hot tubs are popular for a reason: they are hot and relaxing! There’s nothing more daring and relaxing at the same time than a soak in a hot tub in the middle of winter. Install a hot tub in your yard to keep nice and hot this winter.