Seasonality can put a damper on your outdoor lifestyle and limit how much you get to enjoy your space. April showers, summer’s incessant heat, and cooler October days can all affect how much time you spend outdoors. With the necessary pieces in place, there is hope. Here are four tips on extending your outdoor living.

1. Prioritize Overhead Coverage

Adding a pergola and retractable shade will enhance and create a comfortable ambiance. Nothing runs you inside faster than a sudden downpour or the onslaught of midday sun. A retractable shade adds function as well as aesthetics. It enhances the look of the space while giving you the flexibility of retracting or extending the shade when needed. This gives you the freedom and comfort to cook, dine, lounge, and relax in style. If you already have a covered patio, boast your protection by installing outdoor curtains to contain heat and keep the wind and rain out.

2. Warm up the Outdoors

During the cooler months, adding heat to your outdoor space will allow you and your family to relax in the fresh air while staying warm. They come in a plethora of varieties, power sources, and prices to suit your style and budget. Patio heaters come in standing electric, propane/gas models, as well as units that can be mounted on your pergola. Have an outdoor fireplace? It’s perfect during the cooler times of the year. Simply surround it with comfy outdoor seating and you’re set. Firepits are also great options to consider. Elevated pits add ambiance as well as much-needed warmth. Prefer an upgraded version? Firepit tables take it up a notch doubling as a heat source and a table to rest those wine glasses.

3. Did someone say Hot Tub?

Lounging in a steamy hot tub or an in-ground spa feels great during any time of the year. They are useful especially when you need to soothe those aching muscles after a long day. However, during the cooler temperatures, this luxury is even more handy in keeping you and your loved ones warm while outdoors. To make sure you get maximum usage out of spas, overhead shade is a must to protect you and the tub during rainy or cooler days. Also, make sure you keep the cover on when not in use to hinder any debris from collecting in the water. To add that extra touch, keep a warm towel next to the spa for when you want to make a quick, but cozy retreat to the house.

4. Don’t Forget Lighting

During the shorter months of the year, the sun begins to set much earlier in the evenings. This drastic change could deter you from utilizing your outdoor space past a certain time, if not altogether. Just like the patio heaters, there are many lighting options available to suit your tastes and function. You can go all out by installing porch lights with a dimmer to control the mood lighting and intensity throughout the evening. In-lighting on your pergola, steps, or walkway also adds a touch of elegance to the space. Adding lanterns, battery-operated candles/tea lights, or white string lights can brighten up your patio while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Choose a central source of light for late-night dinners or for relaxing with a good book.

Your patio season doesn’t have to start and end with summer. By following these four simple tips you can extend your summertime outdoor living into the cooler months and beyond.

First, let’s start with a versatile shade solution. We can help.