If you’re working on building a patio this year, make it a space you can enjoy year-round. By carefully considering shade, heating, materials, lighting, and other features, you can construct a versatile and inviting patio that becomes an extension of your home’s living space beyond your summer celebrations.

Strategic Shade Solutions:

Let’s start with the summer, though, because that’s the primary season you’ll use your patio. If you get a lot of sun in your yard, you’ll need a protective barrier to keep you cool.

Pergolas and Gazebos:

Incorporating a pergola or gazebo provides shade and architectural interest to your outdoor space. Choose designs that allow flexibility, such as retractable canopies or adjustable louvers, enabling you to adapt to changing weather conditions. Since these are built for all conditions, you can enjoy the outdoors in a rainstorm, too.

Retractable Awnings:

Ideal for flexibility, retractable awnings can be extended to provide shade when needed and retracted in the cooler months. Motorized options make adjusting the awning simple for anyone using it. You can get any color you want, and they’re unobtrusive in your space once retracted. The only downside is the recommendation to close them in the rain, so you wouldn’t be sheltered in bad weather. 

Shade Sails:

Stylish and versatile, sail shades can be positioned to provide shade during the sunniest parts of the day. They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for creative and customizable shade solutions. These are more common in southern states that experience more extreme heat in the summer. However, there are retractable options if you don’t need the shade all day.

One thing to note is that these shades look more modern, so they may or may not work with your home’s aesthetic.

Patio Heating Solutions:

Now for the cooler months. You can still use your investment during the spring and fall with the right heat sources.

Fire Pits:

Introducing a fire pit adds both warmth and ambiance to your patio. Choose from a range of designs, from portable options to integrated, permanent installations. Fire pits not only provide heat but also create a focal point for gatherings, and they’re great for smores in the summer, too!

Outdoor Heaters:

Electric or propane-powered outdoor heaters are effective in providing targeted warmth. Install them strategically around the patio to create comfortable zones, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors even on cooler evenings.

Infrared Heaters:

Infrared heaters emit radiant heat that warms people and objects directly, offering a more efficient and focused heating solution. Ceiling-mounted infrared heaters are discreet and effective in maintaining a cozy atmosphere but are typically used in uninsulated sunrooms or porches.

Selecting Durable Materials:

Choosing the right materials ensures you’ll be able to use the space all year, so let’s talk about your best options.

Durable Flooring:

Choose patio flooring materials that are durable and low-maintenance. You’ll also want options that don’t get too hot in the sun to walk on, and that won’t crack in freezing temperatures. Our favorite outdoor flooring is soapstone or slate tiles.These are extremely durable materials that won’t be damaged by leaves or debris and look beautiful for years to come.

Weather-Resistant Furniture and Fabrics:

Don’t forget to invest in outdoor furniture that can withstand the elements. Look for materials such as teak or wrought iron unless you know the furniture will be under a shelter throughout the seasons. 

Opt for outdoor fabrics that resist fading, mold, and mildew. Sunbrella, for example, is a popular choice for cushions and pillows, offering durability and style for any décor. Many outdoor cushions will be washable in case they get dirty from rain or leaves.

Lighting for Ambiance:

String Lights:

String lights add a warm and inviting glow to your patio. Hang them across the space or drape them around pergolas or trees for a magical ambiance.

Solar-Powered Lights:

Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly option that can be placed along pathways or embedded in planters. They charge during the day and provide subtle illumination at night.

Lanterns and Candles:

Lanterns and candles contribute to a cozy atmosphere. Flameless LED candles are a safe and practical alternative that mimics the flickering glow of real candles.

Fun Functions for Your Patio:

If you have the space, your patio can become a fun, organized place for family and friends to gather throughout the year.

Outdoor Kitchen and Bar:

Extend the functionality of your patio by incorporating an outdoor kitchen and bar. Consider a built-in grill, countertops, and appliances to create a space for entertaining. You’ll never run in and out of your house while serving outside again.

Cozy Seating Nooks:

Create seating areas with comfortable furniture, throw blankets, and outdoor rugs. These cozy nooks provide spaces for relaxation and conversation. Imagine reading a book by the fire or doing your morning meditation outside in your new space.

Versatile Storage:

Integrate storage solutions into your patio design. Weather-resistant storage benches or deck boxes can house cushions, blankets, or gardening tools, keeping your patio clutter-free and protecting your less weather-resistant items.

Outdoor Movie Setup:

Make your house the place to be by incorporating an outdoor movie setup. Install a retractable screen and a projector and transform your patio into a cozy cinema throughout the summer and fall. Add comfortable seating and blankets for the ultimate outdoor movie night.

Outdoor Plants:

Now it’s time to decorate your patio with outdoor plants. These can dampen the sound from nearby roadways, as well as offer some privacy from your neighbors.

Evergreen Plants:

Choose evergreen plants for year-round greenery and privacy while softening the look of a fence. They provide a consistent backdrop to your patio, even during the winter months. Consider options like arborvitaes for height, boxwood, or holly.

Seasonal Blooms:

You can have seasonal blooms without too much effort, which ensures a changing but continuous display of colors throughout the seasons. For example, choose lavender for summer, mums for fall, and camellias for winter. The stronger scent the flowers have, the less likely they’ll be eaten by deer.

Container Gardens:

Container gardens offer flexibility and can be moved around to accommodate changing sunlight patterns or to highlight an area of your patio for entertaining. Consider planting herbs, succulents, or dwarf fruit trees in containers for a dynamic patio garden without investing in the labor of garden boxes.

Environmental Considerations:

If you’re ready to spend more time outside, make some environmental decisions to protect your yard and landscaping.

Native Plants:

Start incorporating native plants into your landscaping. These plants are adapted to the local climate, requiring less water and maintenance. They also attract local wildlife, enhancing the biodiversity of your outdoor space.

Rainwater Harvesting:

Rain barrels make water conservation easy. Harvested rainwater can be used to water plants, reducing reliance on traditional water sources and making it just as easy to attach a hose or fill a watering can as your traditional methods.

If you’re ready to build the outdoor oasis of your dreams, contact Garden State Soapstone, Slate, and Wood Countertops to see the soapstone and slate tile options for your patio. You’ll be on your way to the best summer yet.