Summer means time out on the patio, enjoying the sun, and time with family. However, many pack up their patio furniture at the first signs of chill as fall approaches. If you love your outdoor time and want to make the most of your patio, there are many ways that you can extend your patio season into fall as the temperatures start to drop. Check out a few of our favorite tips on ways to make your patio more fall and winter-friendly below.
One of the main reasons many people stop using their patio in the fall is due to cold temperatures. A fire pit is a great way to warm up your patio space while adding some cozy ambiance. You can even roast marshmallows or tell ghost stories around it to get in the spirit of the season. There are a variety of affordable fire pit options built for all sizes of patios, or you can even build one yourself with basic materials that are easy to find.
Fall is the perfect time to plant cold-weather-loving vegetables such as spinach, peas, broccoli, and more. Adding a garden to your patio will get you outside more often for pruning and picking all year round. Fall is also a great time to add a small orchard to your yard or a few potted trees to your patio. Apple trees can be easy to maintain and make a great fall activity when harvesting your apples.
If a fire pit won’t work for your space, don’t let the cold temperatures stop you from enjoying your patio. Patio heaters are available that make sitting outside on cool days or evenings comfortable and enjoyable. There are plenty of options to fit your style and space, including free-standing or tabletop, and ones that run on either propane or electricity.
Transform your patio into an outdoor room with wall coverings and some comfy furniture. Adding screens or wall coverings will keep your patio space clean, warm, and safe from the elements so you can enjoy it any time of the year. Add a heater and some cozy blankets and you can use this space throughout the entire fall and winter.
If your patio has a grill, consider upgrading it to an outdoor kitchen. While everyone loves grilling in the summer, we often forget about it once the cold weather sets in. A full outdoor kitchen will encourage you to suit up in your favorite hoodie and spend some time outside in front of the grill. Your family and friends will thank you for the fresh of the grill flavors!
While we may think of summer as prime time for outdoor games, a few rounds of horseshoe or cornhole can be a ton of fun with a group of friends in the fall before a football game or other social event. Set up a game near your patio and invite your neighbors to join in on the fun.
As the season changes, we lose natural light earlier and tend to spend more of our time inside on the couch. Adding some outdoor lighting to your patio, whether in the form of string lights, wall sconces, or other creative options, can make your outdoor space more inviting and cozier. Look for solar-powered options that automatically come on when it gets dark.
As pools close for the season, it’s the perfect time to enjoy an outdoor spa or hot tub. If your patio has a spa, the warm water can feel so good in contrast to the cold outdoor temperatures. Spend some time relaxing with your loved ones, a glass of wine, and a view of the nighttime sky.
