Using Your North Potomac MD Patio During the Winter

When you think of the patio at your North Potomac Maryland home, you probably never consider the potential for storage space it holds. Often homeowners across the Potomac MD area consider a patio as a flat surface used for sitting or entertaining but that underutilize the patio’s capabilities.

The temperature may be colder than you’d like, but the wind is actually the problem in this situation. The elimination of wind is key to making your winter patio visits as pleasant as possible. Install shades or blinds around your patio to block the winds from entering your Potomac MD patio. A natural material such as wood or bamboo blocks the wind and works with the exterior of your home in a complementary way.

Consider what you and your guests will be seated on when choosing chairs. Materials like metal or plastic fare well in the elements of winter, but they lack basic comfort. Choose patio furniture with a padded, waterproof seat for extra softness and warmth. The material will absorb and retain your body heat giving you warmth.

Be sure your patio is well-lit in the winter months to avoid slip-and-fall accidents in the snow or on the ice. Rather than hanging a single light above the patio, consider installing smaller lights throughout the area to create warmth in the environment.

Find a heat source for your winter patio. Whether you invest in a small wood-burning stove to place in the center of your patio, or would rather invest in a permanent heat source, you do not have to be cold when you enjoy the outdoors. Some Maryland homeowners opt for a masonry built fireplace to add a permanent elegance to the patio.

For more information on how you can design your patio for winter use in Potomac MD contact the professional patio contractors at East Coast Landscape Design.

Landscape Design for Bethesda, MD Winters

Great landscape design in Bethesda, MD should allow you to keep your landscape safe and usable during the winter. With careful planning, you will be able to enjoy the view and wildlife while you use the hot tub, barbecue, patio, and walkways around your home. Here are some upgrades to consider:

  • Covered structures: A covered deck keeps the snow off of the hot tub, and allows you to grill out of the snow, sleet, and rain. A heated all season room allows you to enjoy the outside and wildlife, while staying comfy inside.
  • Heated patios and walkways:  Heating elements installed under new patios and walkways keep them clear of snow and ice, and safe for your family and friends.
  • Low-voltage lighting: Uplighting or downlighting adds beauty to winter landscape, and allows you to see winter wildlife.
  • Create interest: When annuals have died off and perennials are dormant, landscape design should consider the placement of evergreens and ornamental grasses. Include trees and shrubs that have berries they hold onto during fall and winter, and those can provide food for birds overwintering in your area.

For more information on landscape design for your Bethesda, MD home, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. A successful landscape installation begins with a solid all-season design. Every East Coast installation in Bethesda, MD is completed with the utmost care and attention that you expect from a professional landscape company like East Coast Landscape Design.