Some of your clients may struggle to imagine using their patio much in winter, but then again, they have invested a lot into this space and should get more use from it year-round. With a few design ideas, you could show your clients how they could enjoy their outdoor spaces any time of year. Here are our tips for the how-to of comfortable outdoor living in cold temperatures in the York and Lancaster, PA, areas.

Related: HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN FIND IN OUR MASONRY SUPPLY AND LANDSCAPE SUPPLY FOR YOUR LANCASTER, PA, OUTDOOR DESIGNS

Warm Up the Water 

A hot tub is a big draw no matter the temperatures. In fact, few things are as delightful as stargazing from the hot tub on a cold winter’s night—just ask the Scandinavians! The best location for a hot tub is usually close to the house, to avoid a lengthy trek between the hot tub to the house—and to get there, the landscape professionals will need sturdy, durable pavers with a non-slip texture to avoid falls. Wood decks can become very slippery when wet, but many higher end concrete pavers will feature a non-slip texture for safety.

Keep the Flames Burning

A fire pit or an outdoor fireplace can create a magical environment on a snowy day. Just imagine the delight your clients will feel when they gather around the fire with family and friends, everyone wrapped in a cozy fleece blanket and sipping steaming mugs of hot cocoa.

Fireplaces can be ideal for creating an outdoor living room vibe, and they can be positioned either in the open air or at the edge of a pergola or pavilion. 

Fire pits often bring back memories of camping, but you can take the fire pit to the next level by building a masonry seat wall around the fire pit, complete with a high backrest for comfort. The high backrest will also hold heat in the space—perfect on truly bone-chilling days when everyone has cabin fever! 

Cushions, pillows, and blankets are must-have cold-weather accessories for enjoying the great outdoors beside the fire. 

Shelter from the Weather

A pavilion, especially one with an attached fireplace, can feel like a cozy living room on all but the windiest winter days. Clear polycarbonate roofing can be added temporarily or permanently to a pergola to help trap the heat and provide shelter from the elements. Heavy outdoor curtains or plastic sheeting can be used to provide a wind break if needed.

Enjoy Natural Beauty—from Inside

What’s around the outdoor living space is almost as important as what’s in it, to give the landscape professional full enjoyment of the outdoor space. A dimensional landscape with natural boulders, dense evergreen trees, shrubs with colorful bark, and shrubs with berries add visual interest whether those elements are covered in snow or the skies are the deepest shade of winter gray.

Make Life Easier

A driveway heating system makes winter feel effortless. No more back-breaking shoveling or snow plowing contracts—just a clear, attractive driveway anytime. There are two types of electric driveway heating systems to consider: a coil system that contains antifreeze or a heat-generating mat. Both can be set to automatically turn on in freezing temperatures or if sensors detect precipitation to avoid the worry of “did I turn it on?”  

As a bonus, driveway heating systems can also be installed under walkways and patios too. So instead of shoveling snow off the patio, clients can simply enjoy a dry, snow- and ice-free patio anytime.

Related: WHY BUILDING SITTING WALLS IS WORTH IT IN YORK AND LANCASTER, PA, AREAS

Photo Courtesy of Unilock