A deck is a great place to just sit down, relax and enjoy drinks, entertain your guests and family, or have a romantic dinner in the great Australian outdoors. But you may find it hard to do this during the cooler months of winter and autumn. In fact, if you’re like most people, you often find yourself being forced to put away your patio furniture until the winter is over. What you – and other homeowners – don’t know is that you can enjoy your patio all year round and the following are some things you can do to ensure this:
How To Make Your Outdoor Living Area Warm And Comfy All Year Long
Create Some Shade
If you don’t use your patio in winter, it’s probably because you haven’t adequately prepared it for the cooler months. Do you have a patio cover? If your answer is no, then you won’t be able to make the most of your outdoor living space in winter. To use your patio more fully, more comfortably, more optimally, and with a sense of control, it will need to have a flexible and versatile shade covering. A deck covering will not only block the elements, but also help trap heat and keep the outdoor space warm. This can be achieved through a home addition like a sunroom or conservatory, or by adding an outdoor home accessory, such as awnings.
Awnings
Awnings offer probably the best way to cover your patio. These patio accessories are available in many different design styles, such as retractable awnings, fixed awnings, external blinds and shutters and even umbrellas, to satisfy any need – privacy, decorative, shading around pools and, of course, to provide protection from the elements during winter. With a thoughtfully installed awning, you can provide a beautiful extension to your home, improve insulation, and make the most of your patio during this winter.
If you install an awning over your patio, also consider installing external shutters or blinds on the side of the outdoor living area where the wind chill blows. This will help keep your patio warm and protect you against any precipitation. Even in the colder winter months, if you’re protected from the harsh elements, you can still enjoy the crisp fresh air as well as the view from the comfort of your patio.
Install a Heater or Fire Pit
When it gets cold winter you will need a way to keep warm. Building a fireplace or fire pit within the patio, or somewhere near, can help solve this problem and allow you to enjoy the refreshing outdoors without having to suffer the winter’s cold winds. Traditional fire pits and fireplaces use timber as fuel, but modern versions are powered by petroleum (LPG) fuels or alcohol (such as methanol). The newer models are, therefore, more reliable, safer and easier to work with. They come in many different styles, and you can easily find one that matches your individual needs regardless of the size or design of your patio.
Build a Hot Tub
Building an outdoor spa, swim spa, spa pool, hot tub, gazebo or portable spa in your deck will allow you to have a wonderful place where you can hold some exciting parties, play those hot tub games, or simply relax while sharing drinks and snacks. There is a wide variety of hot tub designs, which means it’s easy to find one that perfectly fits your personality and blends in well with your property.
Garden Furniture
Having a roof/shade covering over your patio gives you an opportunity to install comfortable outdoor furniture and furnishings. Throw in some 
handsome outdoor furniture, vibrant furnishings and fabrics, cushions and throws, and colourful rags to warm up the space. While at it, try to ensure that your patio accessories resemble your indoor furniture.
By having beautiful outdoor furniture and furnishings that complement your outdoor living area or reflect a colour scheme used indoors, you’ll be able to integrate indoor rooms with your outdoor entertaining areas and achieve the best results.
Heated Floors
Installing heated floors underneath your floors means you can say goodbye to cold fee and enjoy your outdoor space in winter. It’s also a good way to dazzle your friends and family.
Winter Plants
Adding beautifully planted containers onto your patio is a simple, yet effective way to enhance the beauty and liveability of your patio during winter. Consider beautifying your patio, deck, terrace, or front porch with evergreens, natural branches, and winter cabbages and flowers to add colour and life onto your outdoor space.
Outdoor Lights
While the sun can be high and bright for part of the day, days are shorter in Australia’s winter. Winter evenings tend to be dull and cold. These conditions can limit the use of a home’s outdoor space in winter. One way to brighten up your outdoor space is by adding outdoor lighting. Installing well designed outdoor lighting onto your patio or deck will also accentuate your home’s architecture, illuminate outdoor spaces, and boost curb appeal. If you would like to install some outdoor lights for your patio, talk to your electrician or an experienced contractor about the best strategies for planning outdoor lighting.