Being able to spend time outdoors on your patio or decking area is a great way to de-stress, whether it’s listening to the birds on a spring morning, hosting a get-together late into the summer evening, or enjoying a good book on an autumn afternoon.
However, once the cold and rainy weather starts to creep in, many people decide to shut up shop for the winter and stop using their valuable outdoor space until springtime.
But why waste such a useful asset just because it’s getting dark and chilly?
If you want to maximise your outdoor deck no matter the season, we’ve got a list of things you can use to make this garden space more comfortable as temperatures drop.
Take a look through our top tips below to create a wonderful winter-friendly deck!
1) Weatherproof furniture
In the UK, no matter the season, it’s often more likely to rain than not – so you should have already invested in weatherproof furniture that’s safe to keep outdoors.
If you’re in the market for a new set of deck furniture, look for durable materials, including waterproof upholstery, PVC, rattan, hardwood, and metals like steel and aluminium.
It’s also worth investing in weather-resistant furniture covers so you can protect your seating and tables from the elements quickly and easily when they’re not in use.
2) Cosy accessories
You can’t achieve a warm and comfy outdoor seating area without incorporating lots of textiles, especially thick blankets and throws and plush cushions and pillows.
Layering soft furnishings in fabrics like fleece, faux fur, and wool will help to create a cosy cocoon – ensuring your central gathering spot is still enjoyable in spite of the climate.
This also presents an opportunity to apply a bit of colour theory. Opting for warm and earthy tones like browns, reds, and dark greens and yellows can trick you into feeling toastier!
3) Outdoor rugs
When adding warmth with textiles, you can’t overlook the benefits of laying an outdoor rug on the floor, adding more colour to the area as well as a layer of insulation underfoot.
It should, of course, be machine washable and resistant to moisture and UV, preventing the rug from becoming mouldy or fading from the sun (which can be shockingly bright in winter!).
A non-slip rug can also reduce the risk of slips and falls throughout the season of frost and snow, as icy wooden or composite deck boards can become dangerously slippery.
4) Patio heaters
The further we get into the winter months, blankets and hot drinks aren’t going to be enough to keep the space at a comfortable temperature, so it’s worth investing in outdoor heating.
There are lots of different options available to help you heat up your outdoor space, including freestanding patio heaters, firepit tables, and bonfire stoves.
However, before you purchase an outdoor heater, whether it’s electric, gas, or wood-burning, always check that it’s safe for use in the manner and location you intend to use it.
5) Glass balustrades
You might think that traditional timber railings offer more insulation than glass panels, but toughened glass or even thicker toughened laminated glass can keep heat in very well.
With fewer or no gaps between the panels, they act as much better windbreak than conventional railings, so you can feel the full benefit of your cosy furnishings and patio heater.
Upgrading your balustrades to glass will enhance your deck year-round, as the glass also lets more light through while allowing you to appreciate the view of the landscape beyond.
6) Canopy roof
Solid glass balustrade panels may help to keep biting winds at bay, but what about precipitation dampening the mood from above? Installing a roof canopy is a great solution.
You could build a more permanent pergola or gazebo that can also provide shade in summer, or go with a temporary patio tent or tarp you can take down when the sky is dry.
A retractable awning can offer the best of both worlds – mounted to the wall behind the deck, you can extend the canopy when you need cover and retract it when you don’t.
9) Ambient lighting
Midwinter can feel miserable thanks to a perpetually grey sky with heavy clouds hanging overhead. Don’t let this get you down, though – brighten things up with outdoor lights!
From tabletop lanterns and LED candles to string lights draped around handrails and furniture, you can illuminate your deck with a lovely glow no matter how early the sun goes down.
Not only do twinkling lights create an inviting atmosphere when it’s dark and gloomy, but they also establish a sense of heartwarming holiday magic the closer we get to Christmas.
10) Seasonal décor
Fairy lights aren’t the only way to make your outdoor space feel merry – if you’ll be hosting holiday gatherings here, all the more reason to deck the halls with festive décor!
Seasonal pieces like vases of winterberry branches, pine wreaths and garlands, or even a miniature outdoor Christmas tree with rainbow lights can really boost the Yuletide spirit.
If you prefer a more natural style, strategically placing hardy potted plants like holly bushes and boxwood shrubs will add some much-needed greenery to your wintery garden scenery.
Make the most of your deck year-round
If you want to be able to use your deck even in the depths of winter, these features can all make a big difference in seasonal functionality. The best part is, many of these easy upgrades will come in handy throughout the whole year, too!
Whether you intend to wrap up and hunker down with a hot drink and your favourite podcast of a frosty evening, or you’re planning to have friends and family round for weekly catch-ups by the firepit, we hope this guide helps you to create the winter haven of your dreams.
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