how can i enjoy my deck in the winter

9 Ways to Enjoy Your Deck in Winter

• Heat it up
• A safe deck fire pit, warming hands
• Fire up the Barbeque
• Have an outdoor cookout
• Soak in your hot tub
• Shelter your deck from the elements with a roof
• Temporary enclose your deck
• Warm it up by lighting it up
• Plant trees around your deck, that will take a few years to enjoy. Yes, you can enjoy your deck in the winter. ...

Full Answer

How do you use a deck in the winter?

How do you use a deck in the winter? There’s no better answer than hot tubs. Many people regard hot tubs as the ultimate deck accessory-and for good reason. Even if it’s freezing outside, the refreshing experience of bathing in hot, bubbling water can make a winter deck one of your favorite places to be.

Can you use a heater on a deck in the winter?

But there are actually many ways to continue enjoying your deck year-round. With these winter deck ideas, and a little care and maintenance, it’s not hard to adapt your deck for the winter. Heaters are safe to use on your deck, but it is important to find the right type of heater for your deck.

What is the best deck accessory for winter?

There’s no better answer than hot tubs. Many people regard hot tubs as the ultimate deck accessory - and for good reason. Even if it’s freezing outside, the refreshing experience of bathing in hot, bubbling water can make a winter deck one of your favorite places to be.

How can I enjoy my patio in the winter?

Enjoying an ambient and dry patio during winter is achievable. With the use of outdoor fireplaces, outdoor space heaters, throw pillows and blankets, enclosed patios and wind breaking walls, you will be able to enjoy yourself in the winter instead of involuntarily being indoors through out the cold season.

How do I make my deck usable in the winter?

Here are five methods for heating your deck area during the winter months.Fire pits. This is your most "rustic" option, though fire pits can be made to look quite clean and modern. ... Chimineas. A chiminea is like a portable fire pit with a miniature chimney attached. ... Portable space heaters. ... Strip heaters. ... Table top heaters.

What do you put on wood deck in winter?

Many homeowners choose to protect their decks further with tarps. A tarp will prevent snow and ice from piling up directly on the deck's surface. This added barrier prevents the wood from warping. Remove fallen snow after a storm with a shovel, as you would on driveways and sidewalks.

How do I make my wood deck less slippery in the winter?

So, let's get started:Brush Away Fungus and Leaves. ... Use Rubber Mats. ... Use Safe Ice-removal Methods. ... Apply Non-Slip Decking Strips or Tape. ... Apply Non-slip Decking Oil. ... Install a Non-slip Deck.

Should you shovel your deck in the winter?

The only time you really need to shovel snow is if the snow depth goes above your deck rails. Say you have a deck rail that is 36”. You do not have to shovel the snow off your deck until the snow depth is 3 feet or more. As long as you can visibly see the rail tops, it's safe to say you do not have to shovel the snow.

How do I keep ice off my wood deck?

Tips to Keep Deck Stairs Safe and Ice-Free!Attach Foot Grips or Tread Strips. ... Apply the Proper De-Icer. ... Spread Sand for More Traction. ... Place a Towel Down for Immediate Help. ... Prevent Ice From Occurring.

Is it OK to put salt on a wood deck?

As we all know, rock salt is essentially sodium chloride. It is not safe for wooden decks. The chloride component of the salt absorbs moisture from the wood. When the wood is left dry, it fails to perform its natural contraction and expansion process, thus corrodes soon.

How do I make my wood deck Non Slip?

How to Make Decking Non SlipScrub Away the Algae With a Homemade Solution. Save. ... Apply an Algae and Moss Killer. ... Pressure Wash Your Deck. ... Paint with Non-Slip Paint. ... Make Your Own Non-Slip Paint. ... Add Sand to Your Deck Sealer or Stain. ... Install Anti-Skid Strips. ... Use Anti-Slip Tape.More items...

What is the best ice melt for wood deck?

For ice buildup that is not easily removed, maintenance free decking manufacturers recommend using sodium chloride based rock salt or ice melt with calcium chloride.

What do you put on an icy deck?

Calcium chloride provides the answer for homeowners looking to clear their wood decks of ice and snow while avoiding the fate of inflicting any unnecessary damage. As it's a calcium-based ice melt, it doesn't have any of the issues associated with sodium-based alternatives such as rock salt (sodium chloride).

Is it OK to leave snow on a deck?

By itself, snow won't harm your deck. So, it's OK to leave snow on your deck and let it melt over time. The only times you need to worry about clearing your deck is if: You need an exit route.

Can a deck collapse from snow?

There's not much use for an outdoor deck that is piled high with snow and ice layers. While most decks that are up to code won't collapse under the weight of snow, they can still find themselves on the brunt end of winter-related damage.

Can you use a snow blower on a deck?

A snow blower can be used on a deck. The most practical application to do so is a single stage snow blower thanks to its lightweight design, though make sure the auger paddles are rubber, like on our 1X 21" LHP Snow Blower model, so it won't scratch up the wood.

Should I treat my deck before winter?

Before the winter comes, you want to ensure your deck is protected from the elements, especially the moisture that comes with increased rain and snow. That being said, under no circumstance should you ever seal a pressure-treated deck when the temperature gets below 50 degrees.

Should I stain deck before winter?

Most deck stains recommend that they be used when outdoor temperatures are above 50 and below 90. Staining your deck in the fall also puts a layer of moisture protection on your deck before all the winter snow arrives. Preparation and patience are critical when staining your deck.

How do you tarp a deck?

Tarp Covering A tarp will prevent moisture and snow from seeping into the wood and reduce the possibility of warping over time. Secure the tarp to the deck with nails or hooks at the corners to withstand wind gusts. If your deck furniture is made of wood also, be sure to cover that with the tarp as well for protection.

How do I clean my cedar deck after winter?

Remove mold, mildew, dirt and pollen with an all-purpose deck cleaner, typically sold as a concentrate at hardware stores. Use a stiff bristle brush to lightly scrub the deck, then hose it off after a few minutes, taking care not to rinse it onto plants.

What to do when decking is cold?

If the decking is cold, outdoor rugs and blankets will warm your feet as you sit on the decking. Insulating your feet from the cold deck boards while enjoying the sun’s rays.

How to enjoy a hot tub on a deck?

Hot Tub on your deck. One of the most popular ways to enjoy your deck in the dead of winter. Relaxing in a hot tub surrounded with snow. The silly pleasure running through the cold and jumping into a hot tub of water. Almost everyone is gamed to come over and enjoy your deck in winter when you mention hot tub.

How cold is a deck heater?

How much depends on heater size and deck shelter, but if its -40° outside. It’s going to be cold on your deck. It doesn’t matter what heater you have, or how its arranged. Go inside. Your furnace is working overtime just to warm your insulated house, let alone the great outdoors. But correctly sheltered and placed correctly sized heaters can make a deck comfortable on a cool winter night.

Why do you need a skylight on a deck?

A skylight in your deck roof allowing the sun to warm the deck below. Loosing some of the insulation value of a roof but allowing the suns rays to heat the deck passively. The warm air trapped on the deck while additional heat being added through the skylight.

What is a deck?

Your deck is an outdoor living space, changing how we heat it. Unlike your house with a central furnace heating the air of your house, on a deck, you want to create the feeling of warmth, not heat the air. Like really, heating the great outdoors will be global climate change, not cool, not cool at all.

Can you use a marshmallow on a deck?

Closer to the decking in height than a fire table, care must be taken to prevent accidental fires or decking damage. Deck fire pits should be used on a fire-resistant mat or stone surface.

Can a ceiling heater be installed on a deck?

Often installed between pergola rafter or hanging from porch rooves ceiling. Ceiling deck heaters are great for warming a larger covered area of a deck. Requiring a roof to attach to are limited in application on a deck but are great for seating area, warming guest gathering around a table under a pergola.

How to decorate a deck for fall?

Use large arrangements of seedheads from the garden to fill those now-empty containers and decorate a deck for fall. Or use branches cut from evergreens. Just stick stems down into the soil, or make arrangements in bushel baskets or copper tubs. (Place a crumpled-up piece of poultry wire in containers that lack soil to hold stems in place.) Make smaller arrangements to dress up tables long after it's too cold to dine outdoors. Avoid using Oriental bittersweet ( Celastris orbiculatus) in arrangements because this non-native invasive quickly becomes a serious weed in the garden when seeded around by birds.

What to hang on a deck to attract birds?

Tiny white lights strung on deck railings or trellises, as well as over plants in containers, add a festive air to any outdoor space. Or, hang plants with ornaments that attract and feed birds. Candles in hurricanes or lanterns make a deck look magical, even if it's too cold to go outdoors.

What to do with seed heads in fall?

Use large arrangements of seedheads from the garden to fill now-empty containers and decorate a deck for fall. Pick plumes of ornamental grasses or seedheads of annuals like sunflowers plus perennials like allium (shown here), coneflowers (Echinacea spp.), black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.) or blue false indigo (Baptisia australis)

What to use for a color scheme?

Use colorful potted perennials as a quick way to accent your color scheme. In the North, ornamental cabbages and kale contribute bright foliage for at least several weeks, and in the South they'll stay colorful all winter. For extra texture and color, mix in smaller pots of evergreen groundcovers or perennials. ...

How to keep conifers in a container?

Simply sink conifers — pot and all — into the soil. Avoid using terra-cotta containers for this because it's time to move them into a garage or other dry, frost-free place for winter storage to prevent cracking. Instead, try thick, lightweight polyurethane foam containers, which resemble terra cotta or stone and also insulate roots over winter. Good conifers for decorating decks include weeping or upright junipers ( Juniperus spp.), dwarf Norway spruce ( Picea abies) such as 'Little Gem,' 'Nidiformis' or 'Pygmaea' and dwarf white spruce ( Picea glauca) including 'Conica,' 'Hobbit,' 'Humpty Dumpty' or 'Jean's Dilly.' Dwarf cultivars of mugo pine (Pinus mugo) s uch as 'Mops' or 'Gnom' work well, too.

What perennials provide color up to a hard frost?

Long-blooming perennials, such as 'Mystic Spires Blue' salvia (shown on right), provide color up to a hard frost. Long-blooming perennials, such as 'Mystic Spires Blue' salvia (shown on right), provide color up to a hard frost.

What is the best thing about winter vegetables?

The great thing about winter veggies is the wide variety of texture they offer.

What to do if your patio isn't covered?

If your patio isn’t covered, be sure to check that your fire pit comes with a cover, which can keep it safe in inclement weather.

How much does a patio heater cost?

Ideally, you’ll use heat lamps that keep you warm while lighting up the space. Try AZ Patio Heaters Portable Glass Tube Heater ($128), or go big with the Lava Heat Italia Triangular Commercial Flame Patio Heater ($959).

Do you need a heating element for an outdoor patio?

A few surprisingly simple design tweaks and heating elements are all you need to use your outdoor space well into the winter months. And you’ll be part of a growing trend, architects say; homeowners are already treating their outdoor spaces as extensions of their homes. With winterproof patios, homeowners are getting more bang for their buck.

Is winter coming?

Winter has yet to officially arrive, but if you’re anything like us, you’re probably already feeling twinges of cabin fever. If the thought of spending the next several months inside is too much to bear, know that you can still reclaim your outdoor space—as long as you’re willing to shell out some cash or get a cold-weather workout.

Is it easy to add a covered deck?

However, he adds, “in the world of architecture, adding a covered deck is a relatively simple process. If there are no circumstances to complicate things, it can be done quickly and on a budget.”

Can you have a warming station on a patio?

Of course, no winter-friendly outdoor space is complete without a heat source. Make a warming station the focal point of your patio and you’ll not only be toasty, but you’ll have a design that’s ideal for entertaining as well.

How to keep patio from getting too cold?

Other than adding a heater or fire pit, another way to keep your winter patio from getting too cold for guests is to add a hot tub. A hot tub can help keep houseguests toasty even if it’s snowing outside, and it’s a great way to encourage people to use your winter patio even when the temperatures start to drop. Include some multicolored lights to give your patio hot tub even more holiday ambiance for the winter. Nothing is more heavenly than stepping into a heated pool on a cold winter’s day. (via Paradise Spas Outdoors)

What to put on patio to keep warm?

Add throw pillows and blankets: There is nothing as comforting and soothing as having blankets to keep you and your guests warm as you enjoy a cool evening in your small patio. Throw pillows also create the same effect as everyone can hold onto a throw pillow to keep warmer.

What is an enclosed patio?

Enclosed patio: This is one trick that has worked for a lot of homeowners who find it difficult enjoying their patios during the chilly winter days and nights. With the screens, the patio is shaded from excess breeze which gets chilly by the day.

What to do with evergreen garlands?

Winter is associated with the holidays, and nothing lends a classy holiday look quite like evergreen garlands. Fix these branches around on the railings of your patio to help give your outdoor space a festive air. If you’re looking for a fast way to update the look of your winter patio without installing anything too permanent, some garlands are the perfect way to add some extra pizazz to your space. You can even use a glitter spray on the branches to add some extra holiday flair. (via Home BNC)

Can you replace patio furniture in winter?

If you’re trying to spruce up your patio for the winter, you could do worse than starting out by replacing your patio furniture. Not only is patio furniture the first thing people are going to notice when they walk out onto your patio, it’s also going to determine how comfortable they are sitting down outdoors, especially in the winter. Pick patio furniture with soft fluffy cushions that can help hold heat rather than flat, smooth surfaces. (via Mansion Global)

Can you use a projection screen on a patio in winter?

Using a projection screen allows you to show movies or even just run a Netflix marathon outdoors for your houseguests. Make sure to place any ambient lighting where it won’t shine directly on the screen. (via Daily Dream Decor)

Can you put a roof on a patio?

Nothing can put a damper on your patio gathering like winter precipitation. To keep your guests out of the sleet and snow, construct an awning or overhang for your patio to offer everybody some relief from the weather. Install some protection for the sides too so that your guests can stay out of the wind. Adding a roof also gives your patio some additional structure that you can use to hang lanterns or other winter accessories. (via DK Construction Roof)

Can you use pet ice melt on driveway?

It only takes a few seconds for your pet to accidentally eat something they shouldn't have, but you can keep them protected in the winter with this pet-safe ice melt. Formulated without any chloride, it works just as well as rock salt — but it lasts up to three times longer to help prevent re-icing on your driveway over and over again.

Does a cover help protect furniture?

Not only does this cover help protect your furniture from wear and tear, but it's also heated to help you relax after a long, stressful day. The temperature is adjustable up to four levels for added comfort, and the non-skid backing helps it stay in place without shifting.

Can you keep a warming tray on the patio?

Don't let the rest of your dinner grow cold while everyone's enjoying snacks on the patio — just keep it on this warming tray. It's large enough to fit multiple dishes, and all types of baking pans, dishes, pots, and more are compatible. One reviewer even raved that "It kept the food nice and warm without concern for burning."

Can you sit outside in the dark?

You don't have to sit outside in the dark just because the sun went down. Instead, you can illuminate your yard with these umbrella lights. The warm white light casts a cozy ambiance across your patio, and each order comes with a remote control so that you can control them without having to reach up.

Is a patio cover waterproof?

Instead of wiping down your patio furniture every time you want to sit, just keep it protected from dirt with this cover. Dust-proof as well as waterproof, this cover is large enough for most rectangular dining sets (there are different sizes available). The toggle on the bottom lets you adjust how it fits, and many reviewers wrote about how it's "well-made."

What to do when it's snowing outside?

Cook and serve a nice, hot dinner outside. Grill a pizza, burgers, or cook a pot of chili or a hearty soup. Enjoy coffee and s'mores over a fire pit afterward. Play beer pong (or use soda), board games, or another outdoor game. If it's snowing, build snowmen, decorate, and enjoy hot beverages as you admire your work.

How to make a patio a true outdoor room?

To do so, make your patio or outdoor space a true outdoor room by adding the comforts you enjoy indoors: pillows, throws, and blankets to share with a friend while you enjoy gazing at the stars or enjoying a hot beverage.

What is weather proof furniture?

Weatherproof Furniture. If you want to enjoy your patio or outdoor space beyond summer, make sure your garden furniture is weather-resistant. Furniture made from materials like powder-coated steel, teak, and polyresin wicker are built to withstand the elements and last through many seasons.

What are some ways to keep the chill away from your house?

Outdoor curtains add privacy and keep the chill away, and there are privacy screens and enclosures that allow you to partition off part of your outdoor room or yard, which will temporarily protect you from the elements.

What to do with string lights in summer?

In the summer, you'll want some string lights or lanterns to set a festive moody. Keep them up into the cooler months: It gets dark earlier in the fall, so add more lighting and readjust timers to illuminate your outdoor spaces. Lighting fixtures can be solar and LED, along with different types, like path markers, spotlights, ...

What are some fun things to do on Halloween?

If it's a party, hold a costume contest and games outside, and have "stations" where guests can take selfies and group pictures.

Do you need curtains for a covered patio?

If you have a patio roof or covered gazebo, you'll be more likely to stay outside when it gets dark and the temperatures fall. Outdoor curtains add privacy and keep the chill away, and there are privacy screens and enclosures that allow you to partition off part of your outdoor room or yard, which will temporarily protect you from the elements.