Now that summer is starting to wind down, many of us are shifting our focus to fall and dreaming of cooler days that are on the way. Having a patio in your backyard gives you the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful weather we get here in Northern Virginia, but there are a few things you should do to help prepare the space. Below, read our best tips for getting your patio ready for the fall and winter so you’re ready when the seasons change!
In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about how we can transform your outdoor living area, please give us a call at 703-406-0914 or contact us online.
Preparing Your Patio for the Fall in Northern Virginia
Make sure your patio is prepped for chilly nights in front of the fire pit by knocking the following tasks off your to-do list.
Clean Your Patio
The end of summer is the sweet spot when it comes to washing down your patio. The worst of the heat is gone and the coldest days are still a few months away. Take advantage of the pleasant weather to sweep debris away from your patio and powerwash it to remove any grime. This will not only make your patio look nicer, but it will also prevent stains from forming on its surface.
Set Out Fall Decor
Once your patio is all cleaned up, it’s time to put away your summer items and bring out the spooky season decor. Even if you don’t want to fully decorate your patio for Halloween, you can do the following:
- Swap out the pillows on your outdoor furniture with ones in autumnal colors
- Hang a fall-inspired wreath on your back door
- Decorate with small gourds or pumpkins
Find Ways to Extend the Use of Your Patio
The cooler weather will be a nice break from the blazing hot days of summer, but to get the most use out of your patio, take some time to think about how to get more use of it when it’s cold outside. We recommend putting a fire pit out on our patio so you can stay warm when the weather drops.
Add Small Touches for Extra Comfort
If you’re planning to spend more time on your patio in the coming weeks, now is the perfect time to make sure the space is comfy and cozy. Add some string lights for a nice ambiance, keep a few blankets nearby for extra warmth, or add new throw pillows to your furniture so your patio feels inviting.
Preparing Your Patio for the Winter in Northern Virginia
As fall comes to a close, take some time to winterize your outdoor space so it’s ready to use in the spring.
Clean and Store Your Outdoor Furniture
To help extend the life of your outdoor furniture, we recommend cleaning it at the end of the season and storing it so it’s not exposed to winter weather. If you have the space for it, you can move your furniture inside, but if that’s not possible, then cover it with waterproof material.
Before storing it, don’t forget to scrub the cushions to remove any grime that may have accumulated in the previous months.
Clean up Leaves
Once the last of the leaves have fallen, take some time to clean them off of your patio. If you don’t, they’ll eventually start to decay, which can potentially damage your patio.
Store Anything You Won’t Need Until Spring
If you garden or keep any tools out on your patio, don’t forget to store them away during the winter to keep them from getting wet and rusting. If you have any empty containers outside, it’s also a good idea to turn them upside down so they don’t collect water, ice, or snow.
Inspect Your Patio
Finally, before winter begins, take some time to inspect the current state of your patio. Do you notice any areas of damage? Are there any cosmetic updates you’d like to make? Now is the perfect time to make any repairs or upgrades so your patio is ready for use once spring begins.
Here to Help as You’re Getting Your Patio Ready for the Fall and Winter
As you’re getting your patio ready for the fall and winter, you can turn to Sunburst Construction for help. We specialize in creating beautiful outdoor living spaces for homeowners in Northern Virginia and would be happy to help you revamp your old patio, build a new one, add new features to your existing space, or anything in between. To learn more, please call 703-406-0914 or contact us online.
