Marilyn Bradham 
Just because fall is upon us, it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! By investing a little money, time, and elbow grease, you can extend patio season deep into the Hamilton autumn. If you’re willing, you can even build a backyard patio shelter to enjoy on those peaceful, snowy winter nights.
The good news is, not only do you get to reap the benefits of being outside in the fresh air in a comfortable, inviting space but creating a backyard oasis can boost your home’s curb appeal and add more livable/usable space to your property without expanding your home. Just make sure to partner with reliable real estate professionals like Axess Law Hamilton for a seamless and cost-effective real estate transaction when you are ready to sell.
In the meantime, follow the steps below, and you can get the most out of your home and enjoy the benefits of spending more time outdoors.
Build Some Shelter
The weather can get unpredictable in Hamilton, especially if you live on the mountain. If you’ve already built a deck or patio, your next priority is to provide cover from the rain, wind, intense sun, etc. There are plenty of options for every budget and square footage, including:
- An extended roof.
- Awnings.
- A gazebo or pergola.
- Strategically placed umbrellas.
You may want to consult a landscape architect who can assess your backyard’s orientation and factor in the local climate, prevailing winds, and sun positioning to recommend the type and location(s) of shelter/structure that is optimal for your patio to keep you protected from the elements.
Keep it Comfortable
Whether you’re hosting a party, having a couple of friends over, or enjoying some family time in the backyard, the last thing anyone wants is to leave the fresh air and good times of your destination patio because of a little chill.
That’s why an outdoor heater is a must-have for any patio you plan on using before or after a Hamilton summer. A fire pit is also a good option if it’s properly shielded from the wind.
Outdoor heaters can be either gas, propane, or electrically powered. Gas and propane may be cheaper to run depending on current prices, but electric heaters are considered much safer, especially in enclosed spaces, as gas and propane heaters produce harmful carbon monoxide gas.
Choose the Right Furniture
Comfort is a priority on a deck or patio, which requires plenty of comfortable places to sit, so opt for bench seating, a.k.a. outdoor couches, as the foundation of your patio’s seating options and floor plan.
An ideal layout is a lounge area with outdoor couches and a coffee table and a separate ‘dining area’ with an outdoor kitchen table and chairs or stools. If your outdoor furniture is older, you may want to consider replacing the fabric with newer, water- and weather-resistant ones.
Don’t Forget the Food!
No outdoor space is complete without a grill. Even if you don’t have a lot of room, opt for a smaller-sized stainless steel barbeque with sturdy construction. Lower-priced metal barbeques may seem like a space-saving, cost-effective option, but they are notorious for frames that bend and fly away in strong winds.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a drink cart to save you from multiple trips to and from your kitchen while hosting your guests.
Let There Be Light
The type of lighting you choose should match the décor/style of your patio, but lighting is absolutely essential after the sun sets. If you have an overhead structure, you may want to take advantage of it and install overhead lighting. String lights and lanterns make for great mood lighting during late-night summer get-togethers, but they don’t always provide enough light, and you may want to take them down before the colder weather brings strong winds with it.
