To create an outdoor living space you will actually use, work in this order: add shade, add protection from wind and rain, define the areas for dining and relaxing, make it easy to get in and out of the house, and manage rainwater around the deck or patio. Each step builds on the one before it, and you do not have to do them all at once.
A good outdoor living space is an extension of your home. It can be the place for weekend barbecues, a quiet morning coffee or a shaded spot to read, and the right upgrades let you use it for much more of the year.
Start Your Outdoor Living Space With Shade
Nothing makes a patio or deck more inviting than protection from the summer sun. Retractable awnings for decks and patios give you the choice: full sun when you want it and shade when you need it. With the touch of a button you can adapt to changing conditions, which is a real advantage in an unpredictable New England summer.
If you want more permanent coverage, stationary patio covers provide shelter from sun, light rain and snow all year. They also help keep outdoor furniture and decor in good shape.
Add Protection From Wind and Rain
If you like to be outside in spring and fall as well as summer, think about the sides of the space as well as the top. Patio screens can cut glare, light rain and gusty breezes without blocking your view. Combined with a patio cover, screens stretch the outdoor season by weeks at each end.
Define the Space
An outdoor area should feel as welcoming as the rooms inside. Use furniture arrangements, outdoor rugs and potted plants to create separate zones for dining, lounging and conversation.
Choose furniture that is weather-resistant but still comfortable. If people do not want to sit in it, the space will not get used.
Make It Easy to Step Outside
Easy access between indoors and outdoors makes entertaining simpler and makes you more likely to use the space on an ordinary weeknight. A patio door with large glass panels brings in natural light and gives an open, airy connection to the yard.
For better energy efficiency, look at models with insulated glass. They help keep the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
If your deck or patio has steps, sturdy aluminum or wrought iron railings make the trip safer for guests of every age.
Protect the Area From Rainwater
Any outdoor project should take water into account. Working gutters and gutter guards direct rainwater away from the deck or patio, which helps prevent erosion, pooling water and foundation problems. Check that downspouts empty away from the area where you plan to sit and walk.
Why an Outdoor Living Space Is Worth It
Outdoor living areas are among the features buyers look for in a home, so the work adds to resale appeal as well as to your own enjoyment. The right mix of shade, shelter and access can turn an ordinary backyard into the part of the house you use most.
Bring Your Outdoor Plans to Life
Every home and every yard is different. Whether you want a retractable awning for summer shade, a stationary patio cover for year-round comfort or a new patio door for easier access, Aladdin Inc. can help you design and install the right pieces for your Connecticut home. Reach out for a free estimate or call (203) 776-9996, and let us help make your backyard your favorite place to be.