How to create a winter-friendly outdoor living space at your home

Covering a deck or patio and/or adding a fire feature are two ways to make outdoor living spaces more winter-friendly.

For many homeowners, the arrival of fall and winter marks an end to time spent lounging and dining al fresco on the patio. But cold air and rain does not necessarily mean patio furniture must be packed up until flowers bloom anew in spring.

In its 2017 Home Design Trends Survey, the American Institute of Architects found that consumers continue to emphasize practical features that expand the functionality of their homes via heavy investment in outdoor living spaces. The survey found that the popularity of outdoor living spaces increased by 72 percent between 2012 and 2017, highlighting just how much homeowners enjoy spending time outdoors. By taking measures to make their outdoor living spaces winterproof, homeowners can enjoy these areas of their homes even more.

Homeowners should think about protection from the dreary weather of the Pacific Northwest, such as a roof that should be designed so it meshes with the house.

“You want to make it look like it was there from the beginning,” said Jennifer VanderBeken of VanderBeken Remodel, which she owns with her husband, Ron. VanderBeken Remodel is a Marysville-based residential remodel business that has completed projects from Mill Creek to Camano Island.

Along with the shelter a roof provides comes considering what kind of heat to provide like heating elements in the roof or some kind of fireplace.

She said it’s important to decide needs for the outdoor space. Is it someplace to sit around and eat? Maybe watch the game? Or how about cooking?

“I love the idea of a roof with some kind of heat,” VanderBeken said. She said people can enjoy the fresh air and stay warm at the same time.

Plant the right trees. Coniferous trees prevent wind, which can be especially harsh in winter. Homeowners who are unsure about which direction wind typically comes from can consult a landscape architect to determine where to plant the trees to ensure they’re most effective. Trees can also provide a buffer from the weather and add privacy.

Fire up the patio. A firepit or fireplace can warm up an outdoor living area, making such a space warm and cozy even on a cold winter night. A patio with a built-in firepit can cost a pretty penny, but such an addition can withstand winter weather better than a standalone firepit, which might be vulnerable to being tipped over by winter winds.

Install lighting. The sun sets early in winter, so homeowners won’t be able to rely on natural light to illuminate their outdoor living spaces well into the evening like they do in summer. Heat lamps can be used to both warm and illuminate a space, serving dual, budget-friendly functions.

VanderBeken noted homeowners should have enough storage for the stuff people need to use their outdoor space year-round.

She stressed the need to think about the project before moving forward and to get a remodel company involved. Having a remodel company take over during the middle of a project could prove costly.

“It’s really important to think it through,” VanderBeken said. “We always encourage people to let us work with them from the beginning.”

With the right adjustments, outdoor living spaces can be enjoyed throughout winter.

For more information, go to www.vanderbeken-remodel.com.