How To Use Your Deck In The Winter

Don’t let your deck be left out in the cold this year. As winter approaches, your decking area can provide a great space to enjoy the wonderful, refreshing outdoors and the beautiful night sky.

As the nights draw in, continue to make use of your outdoor decking with our top five tips.  

1.    Let there be light

Atmospheric outdoor deck lighting is a must now that the clocks have gone back. Nothing beats relaxing in the garden at night, with an ambient glow and a warm glass of mulled wine to warm the cockles.

It is also good to see a strong contrast between light and dark areas to highlight certain features, such as a shrub or tree.

Low-level lighting on the underside of seating areas or under railings on decking can add great ambience whilst protecting them from the elements.

Alternatively, save energy and money on the electricity bill by installing some solar deck lights. Solar lighting is ideal for fences, rails and walkways, providing a soft accent lights, improving security and adding value to your property.

LED garden lights can help elevate your decking area allowing enjoyment from dusk till dawn. Energy efficient, and easy to install, LED lighting has a long lifespan and wont be affected by the cold weather.

For more lighting tips, check out our blog post to help you entertain in your outdoor space long into the evenings. 

Don’t forget the odd statement candle and tealights to add a touch of cosiness or place a few larger free standing lanterns with real church size candles in the corners of your decking - a great way to achieve instant results without the need for an electrician.

2.    Keep it cosy by adding a heat source  

For most of us lucky enough to have an outdoor space, our gardens were a lockdown lifesaver all summer! A much needed escape from the stuffy ‘home office’ and a safe place to gather during lockdown for al fresco entertaining during those lovely balmy evenings.

Now the temperatures are taking a dip, consider investing in a patio heater, chimenea, or fire pit to heat up the space. Make sure to do your research first to weigh up the pros and cons before rushing into what can be an expensive purchase.

Electrical patio heaters are cheaper to run and can be wall mounted, saving you all important space and you’ll get instant heat as soon as you plug it in.

Gas heaters are great for large areas and easy to set up. They’re not as eco-friendly as other options, keeping stocked up on gas can be costly and it takes a while to heat up.

Fire pits and chimineas provide instant heat and are great for creating a cosy alfresco ambiance. Some can even double up as a traditional charcoal BBQ, allowing you to heat up and eat up at the same time.

Remember, think safety first before you set your deck alight! It is vital to raise any fire source up above your deck to prevent wood or composite decking from overheating.

3.    Take shelter from the elements

It’s no good providing heat without shelter when your decked area is located in one of the wettest winter climates in the world!

Why not install an awning or pagoda shelter to save you from the rain, snow and windy elements this winter – don’t forget to bolt the frame to the decking first. If your decked area borders your outside wall, and budget is not an issue, you could also consider having a professionally installed retractable awning fixed to the side of your house.

If you have a heat source from a patio heater or fire pit, the shelter will also keep you toastier for longer by trapping in the heat.

4.    Wine and dine alfresco style

Once you have sorted out your shelter, why not turn your decking into the perfect casual dining party venue that your friends and family will not want to miss this winter by adding a new barbecue.

If you missed the boat this summer on the outdoor cooking scene, now is a great time to invest in a BBQ to spice up your burgers and warm your buns at the same time whilst trying not to cremate your bangers!

Want to go one step further? Why not install a clay or gas pizza oven – as with the fire pits you still need to protect your decking first from the heat source, but the ability to cook your own artisan pizzas outdoors in winter could be the perfect alternative to going out-out this winter.

Make sure your deck is kitted out with garden furniture that will see you through the colder months. Rattan furniture in a cosy corner or dining set can be a great addition to your outdoor space. It can be left outside all year round, but just remember to bring in your cushions to avoid water damage from the unforgiving British weather.

5.    Splash out on a hot tub

Staycations are going to be the way forward, so why not got all out and create the perfect little getaway in the privacy of your own back garden.

An outdoor hot tub is the perfect addition to make the winter months even more bearable – it doesn’t matter how cold it is on your decking when you are soaking in luxuriously warm bubbles.

Any deck can be adapted to host a new tub if you have a flat solid surface, although it is easier to install one onto a new deck than an old one.

If you have the space, there are plenty of options to turn your deck into the luxury venue to soak away the stresses of the cold winter days. Just consider the location for your tub with regards exposure to the elements – wind, sun, shade, and of course unless your garden is private, consider the location to avoid being overlooked by nosy neighbours.

As you can see, there are lots of ways you can make your deck more inviting this winter. Just make sure you pay it a little more attention and look after your decking to make sure it can be enjoyed all year round.