We love summer. It’s a time to enjoy the sun and all the outdoors have to offer. You can do that without even leaving your property if your patio is ready to party. Enjoy your patio in summer to the fullest with these seven suggestions.
Furniture
If you plan to entertain on your patio in summer or just want to be able to retreat there yourself, you have to have some kind of outdoor furniture. Patio furniture makes the space more inviting, especially when you throw in a table for food service. If you add cushions, you can easily switch them out in honor of the next holiday or to suit your evolving design tastes. If you want something a little unorthodox, elevate your seating by opting for a porch swing or a hammock.
Add shade
If you want to hide from the heat on your patio in summer, creating shade should be an early priority. You have many options to choose from, including solar shades, patio covers, and pergolas. Do you want partial shade or do you want to block the sun completely? Do you want your shade-givers to remain fixed or have the ability to remove them? The choice is entirely yours.
Lights
If you want to enjoy your patio in summer evenings, you have to include lights. Lights obviously illuminate a space so you can see your aces and eights, but they can also be used strategically to create the mood you are looking for. Do you want something akin to a fairy garden, or do you like the exoticism of tiki torches? Peruse the vast selection of lanterns, sconces, string lights, and even heat lamps to find the right patio lighting for your space.
Plants
A bit of plant life is an almost essential part of any patio in summer. They are both practical and attractive. While adding joyous color, plants also help make a patio cool during the summer months, and they lend an air of serenity for a calmer space. If you have a green thumb, consider growing herbs and plants that can be eaten or added to other foods for a more gourmet table. If you don’t have a lot of luck with plants, succulents don’t require a lot of care. We recommend adding a combination of potted plants and wall planters to really spruce up your patio.
Add a Fire Feature
There is something about fire that simply screams summer. You would think things were already hot enough, but we seem to be drawn to fire pits and fireplaces like, well you know what they say about moths. Fire features, in addition to being cozy and frankly magical, are also a practical feature, allowing you to spend time on your patio for a longer portion of the year. They also bring the fun a little closer to home—who doesn’t love having s’mores right outside their door?
Before installing a fire feature on your patio in summer, check the codes and regulations in your area to make sure doing so is legal. Follow the parameters of your city, whether that means no open flames or restricts the materials you can burn. You might consider a gas-powered outdoor fireplace, which makes for a fun evening without everyone’s clothes smelling like smoke the next day.
Include a Water Feature
If you really want to add a bit of exotic charm to your patio in summer, consider adding a water feature. These come in many varieties—try a fountain or even an outdoor shower. Showers are a good practical addition if you are worried about tracking sand or mud into your home after summer fun, and a fountain lends the soothing sounds of cascading water to any outdoor space.
Coat the Patio in Summer
All of the décor and design suggestions we have made here are cosmetic, the jewelry to the patio space. Before you consider any of them, we recommend that you prioritize coating your patio. Covering your patio in polyaspartic or epoxy is the best way to make sure your concrete lasts and that you can keep enjoying summer fun for years to come.
Coating your patio is the best way to protect it from the elements. Your patio is exposed to UV radiation, all kinds of weather, and even the hazards of human activity. By coating your patio, you can prevent freeze-thaw damage, fading due to sun exposure, and the stains of grease, barbecue sauce, and Coke. You can also strengthen your patio against the foot traffic of family and friends coming and going. In addition to protecting your concrete, coating your patio makes it look amazing. Coatings come in all kinds of colors and designs, and having a coating makes any patio feel more luxurious. It also makes the space easier to clean. It’s a win-win all around.
