End of season care helps prolong the life of your outdoor spaces and actually makes it easier to open them back up again once winter in Columbus is over. Taking care of your porch or deck at the end of the season has huge rewards when the weather warms up again. When spring comes around, you’ll look back on the work you put into winterizing your deck or patio with gratitude. Whether you plan to use your outdoor space all winter long or choose to winterize so you can hibernate in doors, we’ve got the best end of season tips for your porch, deck, or patio.

Why is it Important to Winterize Your Deck in Columbus?

Winterizing your deck or porch is important for many reasons. Columbus winters can be lovely with beautiful snowfalls throughout the season, but the freezing temperatures and moisture from melting snow and ice can take a toll on your outdoor spaces. Proper care for your porch or patio can ensure they stay nice and enjoyable to use for many years to come.

End of Season Care Tips for Your Porch, Deck, or Patio

Check out these great tips that help you care for and winterize your porch, deck, or patio in Columbus.

1. Clean Your Outdoor Space

One of the most important deck care tips is to keep it clean. Since they are exposed to the elements, decks and porches can gather debris like leaves that trap in moisture and allow mildew to grow. That moisture can also warp wood and stain other materials, making the space unsafe if the damage is extensive enough. Cleaning your deck regularly gets rid of any debris, keeps the space looking tidy, and also allows you to identify any areas that need repair.

2. Protect the Decking

If you live in an area of Columbus that gets a good deal of snow or you have trees that like to shed lots of leaves in the fall and winter, consider covering your deck with a tarp. A tarp or other waterproof material keeps moisture and debris from reaching your deck, thus protecting it from the harsh elements of the winter months. Adding extra layers of stain and sealant can also keep the wood protected during the off season. Once the weather begins to warm and you remove the tarp to a great-looking deck, you’ll be glad you took the extra precautions.

3. Stay Warm

If you’re an enthusiastic outdoor lover who enjoys their outdoor space as long as possible in winter, that’s great! You can add specific items to your porch or deck to help keep you warm and cozy when the temperature drops. Invest in a firepit or outdoor space heater for warmth and ambience, keep a few quilts tucked away in a waterproof storage bin for easy access, and put up heavy-duty curtains if your deck has a roof. 

4. Store Decorations, Furniture, and Other Items

If winter isn’t your deal, that’s okay! Store any furniture and other decorative items indoors to preserve them for next spring and summer. If you’ve got a grill, give it a good scrub before tucking it away for winter. Protect it with its cover or a tarp so it doesn’t get damaged by winter storms. It’s a great practice to give cushions a good clean before storing them; a solution of mild dish soap and water is the perfect way to get them clean. Just make sure that the cushions are completely dry before storing them–you don’t want mold or mildew to grow while they’re in storage!

For home projects to work on while you stay warm indoors, check out our Home Improvement Ideas for the Winter Months and Easy Home Projects When Cold Weather Keeps You Indoors.

5. Build a Covered Patio or Deck

If you have an uncovered patio or deck, you might consider building a roof or even enclosing the patio altogether. Covering or enclosing your outdoor spaces protects them from the elements and makes them more versatile. In the summer, a covered patio is shaded from the sun and much cooler than it would be otherwise. In the winter, a covered deck is protected from snow and ice, extending its life considerably.

If you want to cover your porch or patio this winter, reach out today. Strait and Lamp is your go-to solution for all your building needs in Columbus.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

These tips should help you prepare your porch, deck, or patio for the cold winter months in Columbus. When the weather starts warming up again, you’ll be glad you followed these tips. By winterizing your deck or porch at the end of the season, you’ll prolong the life of your outdoor space and keep it looking great for next spring and summer.