Have you ever stood at your window looking out on a frosty winter morning and wondered whether your deck and patio furniture were going to survive the winter? Good news—they certainly can! They just require a little of your assistance.
The outdoor environment is harsh during winter. Ice, snow, and cold can destroy everything from your deck boards to your best patio chairs. It is important to know what to guard and how. We can simplify it into a few steps.
What Winter Does to Your Outside Space
Knowledge of the problem assists you in correcting the problem. This is what happens to your outdoor space when the temperatures drop:
- Freeze-thaw damage: The most significant problem is freeze-thaw damage. Water enters into minute cracks, freezes through the night, and expands. This makes cracks bigger. Then it thaws and refreezes. This process continues throughout the entire winter, gradually decomposing the material.
- Moisture: The cause of moisture problems is rain, snow, and ice on surfaces. This moisture penetrates and provides the most ideal environment for mold and rot.
- Sun damage: Damage from the sun occurs even during winter. Cold weather combined with sunlight bouncing off the snow may lead to material becoming brittle.
Pick the Right Materials
When you are creating a new deck or purchasing some outdoor furniture, it is better to ensure that you use winter-resistant materials. This will save you a lot of headaches in the future.
- Decking: A traditional wooden board is quite beautiful, but it requires regular maintenance and may warp or rot in winter. This is why most homeowners are now opting to use composite decking boards instead. These contemporary boards are moisture-resistant, will not crack in freezing temperatures, and will appear stunning after several years with little care.
- Furniture: Choose powder-coated aluminum, all-weather wicker, or stainless steel. They do not rust or disintegrate in winter.
- Hardscaping: Select concrete or stone pavers that have a freeze-thaw rating.
Get Ready Before Winter Hits
It just takes a bit of preparation in the fall.
- Wipe down everything: Clean up the leaves and debris on your deck and patio. These trap moisture on surfaces and accelerate damage. Wash everything really well and dry it up.
- Fix problems now: Got a cracked paver? A loose deck board? A wobbly chair? Get it fixed before winter deteriorates it further. When ice is involved in small problems, they are magnified.
- Seal what needs sealing: Wooden furniture requires a new coating of sealant. See what your deck manufacturer suggests—some are to be treated, some not.
Store and Cover Smartly
Not everything sould be left out all winter.
- Bring cushions and fabrics in: Fabrics, even outdoor ones, are not spared by months of snow and ice. When you have spent so much on good furnishing and styling packages for your patio, keep them somewhere dry. They will remain more presentable and durable.
- Furniture care depends on the material: Pieces of metal or composite of good quality can stay outside with an excellent cover. Wood furniture should preferably be stored in the house. In case you have to leave it outside, use breathable waterproof covers—not plastic tarps, which trap moisture inside.
- Cover your grill and fire pit: Wash them, seal them, and unhook gas lines where necessary.
Maintain Things in Winter
You should not just leave your outdoor space until spring.
- Clear snow carefully: Use a non-metallic shovel on decks. Forget the salt—it spoils most decking and stone. Instead, use sand or pet-safe ice melt.
- Check things after a huge storm: Ensure that covers are not blown away and water is not pooling anywhere. Small efforts avert big problems.
- Clear heavy snow off buildings: Your pergola or gazebo could withstand a certain amount of snow, but excess weight will damage it.
It Is Easy to Clean Up in the Spring When You Are Ready
When the warm weather comes back, all you will need to do is:
- Have a good clean-up.
- Check for any winter damage.
- Make minor repairs if needed.
That’s it! No major reconstruction or costly renovations.
The Bottom Line
Indeed, your outdoor area can survive even severe winters. You just need to:
- Select materials which are long-lasting.
- Get a little early preparation done before winter.
- Provide basic protection during cold seasons.
- Look into stuff every now and then.
Imagine that you are tucking your outdoor space into bed for the winter. You would never keep a visitor out in the snow without a blanket, would you? The same needs to be done with your deck and patio.
