Everyone loves a nice patio, but in the PNW, it can feel like there isn’t enough time in the year to enjoy your outdoor space. As summer transitions to fall, cold and rainy weather becomes more frequent, and many people retreat indoors and don’t return to their patio until late spring. The changing seasons offer a unique opportunity to reimagine these outdoor spaces for year-round enjoyment.
Despite cooler temperatures, your patio doesn’t need to sit unused. With smart enhancements, you can transform it into a cozy, inviting extension of your home, perfect for every season. Read on to discover how to use patio covers to stay warm all year, create a comfier outdoor space, enhance outdoor entertainment, and determine which patio covers may work best for you.
Patio covers are essential for providing shelter and protection against the weather conditions typical of the PNW. They shield from rain, wind, and snow and provide much-needed shade during hot summer months.
The protection that patio covers provide can help extend the life of your outdoor furniture and decor and open up possibilities for new types of furniture that require some shelter from the elements. While unpredictable and inclement weather can make protecting outdoor furniture a hassle or make you weary about bringing patio furniture out of storage, patio items can now stay out year-round with little maintenance.
Beyond just providing a physical barrier against the cold, patio covers play a crucial role in enhancing the warmth of outdoor spaces during the colder months. The cover acts as an insulating layer, trapping heat from the ground or outdoor heaters, making the area underneath considerably warmer than exposed outdoor spaces. This retained warmth makes your patio a cozy refuge where you can relax or entertain guests even as the temperatures drop.
Creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor space under your patio cover involves selecting the right furnishings, lighting, and decor. Your patio can become a place for relaxation and entertainment with just a few thoughtful touches.
When furnishing your covered patio, the key is staying warm and comfortable without compromising aesthetics or quality. Some aspects to consider are:
Lighting is crucial for extending the usability of your patio into the evening, especially during the darker, colder months. String lights offer a quick and attractive way to add a warm glow, wrapping them around railings or draping them across the underside of the patio cover. LED candles and lanterns can also create a soft, inviting ambiance without the fire risk of real flames. For functional lighting, consider installing weatherproof lamps or overhead lighting fixtures.
Because of the protection that patio covers provide, there is a variety of electronic entertainment options that you can use, which wouldn’t be feasible otherwise.
Incorporating an outdoor sound system into your patio can improve the atmosphere and transform your outdoor space into the perfect place for gatherings and barbeques.
When selecting weatherproof speakers and audio systems, look for products that withstand environmental elements like moisture, dust, and temperature variations. Options include wall-mounted speakers that blend with the exterior of your home or discreet garden speakers that resemble rocks and other natural features.
Adding a television or projector to your patio can bring the comfort of your living room outdoors, perfect for movie nights or cheering on your favorite team. If you want to add a TV, look for models specifically made for outdoor use.
Alternatively, projectors offer a portable and often more budget-friendly solution. For the best experience, pair your projector with a weather-resistant screen that you can roll down when needed and tuck away when not in use.
Finding the right patio cover material for your outdoor space will help you get the most out of your patio. Rick’s has several different options to choose from, each with their benefits. Some excellent options are:
Wood: Offering natural beauty and impressive durability, wood-framed patio covers are a popular choice. With different woods and styles available, wood patio covers offer plenty of customizable possibilities.
Duralum: Aluminum patio covers are easy to maintain and resistant to weather-related wear and tear. Duralum can be found in various colors, finishes, and styles to fit any space.
Acrylite: Built and designed for the PNW, Acrylite patio covers feature UV-blocking acrylic panels built between aluminum rafters. These are perfect for homeowners who want sunlight to seep through their patio cover.
No matter what type of patio cover you want to add to your home or the features you want to incorporate, Rick’s is here to help you get the most out of your patio, no matter the season. Our seasoned experts can help you determine the materials best for your vision. Contact us for a free estimate to get started today.
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