Winter is coming, and the harsh cold and snow can wreak havoc on your outdoor patio and furniture if you don’t take proper steps to protect it. With a little time and preparation, you can make your patio winter-ready and even get to enjoy it on those rare, warm days. Most importantly, you’ll be ready to head into spring with minimal preparation.
1.) Clean the grill
If you have spent a lot of time cooking on your grill over the summer, you know how much grease and food debris can build up on the racks and in the bottom of the grill. While you’re likely already doing a cleaning after each use, fall is the time to give it a good scrub-down before storing it away for the winter.
Whether you use a propane or charcoal grill, you need to scrub it down well with a degreasing solution. Get rid of any ash, coals or missed food particles that are stuck to the bottom.
If you’re using a gas grill, make sure to disconnect the gas lines from the propane tank and read the manufacturer’s instructions on storing the propane tank properly. Many people choose to run the tank entirely out before storing it away and taking it to be refilled in the spring. Others return the tank to a local retailer or propane dealer.
Always store your grill in a cool, dry place such as a shed or garage. Never store propane tanks indoors.
2.) Switch out the plants
If you have outdoor plants on your patio, it’s time to take care of them. Plants and flowers that are especially fragile need to be brought inside or put into your greenhouse. Switch out these plants with hardy winter plants, including dwarf evergreens, American Mountain Ash and Fastigiata spruce.
If you live in an area that experiences some cold weather but no snow, you can invest in hardy hanging plants, including geraniums, primroses and pansies.
This is also the time to do some minor landscaping tasks to prep the area around your patio for the spring. If you have any shrubs you want to plant, it’s the perfect time to do some fall-scaping. Hardy year-round shrubs will add much-needed green space to your yard, which will last through all the seasons. If you need to edge around the plants and patio, this is also the time to get out and clear any dead brush, leaves and weeds.
3.) Keep your patio free of snow
The mortar and pavers of your brick or cement patio are especially vulnerable to ice that melts and refreezes between the cracks. This can cause your bricks or cement to become uneven or buckle over time.
It’s essential to make sure that snow doesn’t stay on your patio for long if you care about the longevity of your patio bricks or cement pavers. Many people are using patio heaters to keep snow from sticking when it lands. Others have a snow shovel handy to get rid of snow build-up as soon as possible. Beware of using sand or ice-melting pellets to get rid of snow, as these can damage the look and integrity of brick and cement over time.
4.) Cover or store your patio furniture
When it comes time to winterize your patio, you need to ensure your outdoor furniture is protected from the elements. It’s the perfect time to give your furniture a good cleaning to get rid of all the dirt, pollen and sunscreen that built up over the summer. If you have washable covers, now is the time to send those through the wash to get rid of all the grime the summer months brought.
It’s also a good time to check the integrity of your furniture for any breaks, tears or rust that you may need to replace over the winter. Patio furniture and accessories are cheaper in most stores in the winter, so you may find great deals to replace broken or damaged pieces.
A patio cover for your larger pieces of furniture can help protect it from the rain and snow that come your way. Wood and steel furniture can usually stay outside with proper protection. If your tables have any glass, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned because frozen grime or dirt on glass can damage it.
Additionally, a large patio cover in warmer climates can help contain the heat and protect your patio from freezing temperatures, rain and snow.
5.) Bring out the patio heater
For cold fall, winter and early spring nights without snow or rain, it’s worth investing in a patio heater so you and your friends and family can enjoy those chilly nights and extend your time on the patio. As soon as the nights start to dip into the 60s, it’s time to use the patio heater to keep you and your company warm.
Another option, if it is legal in your jurisdiction, is to invest in a small fire pit. This, in addition to your patio heater, can create a warm and welcoming environment–even on the coldest of nights. Of course, use a patio furniture cover or bring these items in before the snow is about to fall, as their metallic parts can rust or become damaged.
6.) Check the lighting
If you are unhappy with the lighting on your patio, the time to change it is while you prepare for the winter so that you’ll be ready to entertain once the warm weather arrives. String lights, solar patio lights, walkway and landscaping lights are all items to consider when you’re assessing your patio for company–especially at night.
Additionally, adding more lighting can assist with making your patio area safer. Safe lighting at night will guide your family and guests to and from your house, especially when you are entertaining at dusk or in the evening.
Final thoughts
Preparing your patio for the winter takes some time and effort. With preparation, you will be ready to pull out your patio furniture, grill and lighting to celebrate the first warm day of spring and the official kickoff of summer.
Author Bio: Chris Hoffman is the founder of Backyard & Pool Superstore currently based outside of Dallas, TX. Backyard & Pool Superstore is an e-commerce leader in backyard, pool, spa, grill & patio products. Before starting Backyard & Pool Superstore, Chris has had 10 years of retail, construction, manufacturing and distribution experience in the swimming pool & spa industry. When Chris isn’t working, he moonlights as baseball coach, dance recital standing ovation specialist, husband, and German Shepherd enthusiast.
