8 Inspiring Ways to Weatherproof Your Patio for a British Summer
Cosy up your terrace to enjoy outdoor living this summer, even when the heatwave’s over
Let’s face it, our British weather keeps us on our toes. There are, of course, those super-hot days, but then other times when we’ve just got the garden furniture out, only to find the temperature’s dropped and the heavens have opened. The answer? Think of your patio not just as a summer lounging area, but as a comfortable space where you can snuggle up and watch nature at work.
Here are some design tips to add shelter and warmth to your terrace, so you can enjoy alfresco evenings whatever the weather.
Here are some design tips to add shelter and warmth to your terrace, so you can enjoy alfresco evenings whatever the weather.
Cover all your bases
Use fences and hedging to provide shelter from all angles. By surrounding your seating area with various windbreaks, you’ll protect it from the elements. This decked terrace is surrounded by hedges and shrubs, as well as a wooden fence. It feels like a warm, welcoming nook that can be enjoyed even if there’s a sharp breeze.
To make it even more inviting, choose scented shrubs, such as rosemary, which you can see here in the foreground.
Use fences and hedging to provide shelter from all angles. By surrounding your seating area with various windbreaks, you’ll protect it from the elements. This decked terrace is surrounded by hedges and shrubs, as well as a wooden fence. It feels like a warm, welcoming nook that can be enjoyed even if there’s a sharp breeze.
To make it even more inviting, choose scented shrubs, such as rosemary, which you can see here in the foreground.
Put up an umbrella
Garden parasols are a great option for adding shade in strong sunlight, but they also provide an easy way to keep the rain off. Opt for an overhanging model, as it will give you more flexibility. You can move it to different areas of the patio and swivel its canopy according to your needs.
A parasol is a much less permanent solution than an arbour or patio roof, so it works well in the UK’s changeable climate. Put it up when it’s hot or raining, but if it’s too cool in the shade, you can simply put it down.
Garden parasols are a great option for adding shade in strong sunlight, but they also provide an easy way to keep the rain off. Opt for an overhanging model, as it will give you more flexibility. You can move it to different areas of the patio and swivel its canopy according to your needs.
A parasol is a much less permanent solution than an arbour or patio roof, so it works well in the UK’s changeable climate. Put it up when it’s hot or raining, but if it’s too cool in the shade, you can simply put it down.
Warm up by the fire
This comfortable seating area surrounds a firepit table, which provides a warm glow when the temperature drops. Firepits have transformed our gardens in recent years, giving us the opportunity to stay warm and snuggly on chilly evenings.
You don’t have to go for a table version, though. Portable models usually come in the form of a metal bowl covered with a grill. Alternatively, you can buy a cast-iron or terracotta chiminea.
You might also enjoy 24 Built-in Outdoor Seats to Inspire Your Garden Design.
This comfortable seating area surrounds a firepit table, which provides a warm glow when the temperature drops. Firepits have transformed our gardens in recent years, giving us the opportunity to stay warm and snuggly on chilly evenings.
You don’t have to go for a table version, though. Portable models usually come in the form of a metal bowl covered with a grill. Alternatively, you can buy a cast-iron or terracotta chiminea.
You might also enjoy 24 Built-in Outdoor Seats to Inspire Your Garden Design.
Create an instant chill-out zone
Can’t face buying garden furniture only to never use it? How about some comfy floor cushions instead? Choose ones in bright fabric to give them an exotic feel and put them somewhere indoors to create a relaxing den.
As soon as the sun comes out, you can move your cushions onto the terrace for an instant entertaining space or a perfect spot to unwind on a balmy summer evening.
Can’t face buying garden furniture only to never use it? How about some comfy floor cushions instead? Choose ones in bright fabric to give them an exotic feel and put them somewhere indoors to create a relaxing den.
As soon as the sun comes out, you can move your cushions onto the terrace for an instant entertaining space or a perfect spot to unwind on a balmy summer evening.
Construct a garden room
Not convinced your patio will provide enough cover? It might be worth considering a summerhouse. It doesn’t have to be a large construction, just big enough for a couple of chairs and a table.
Add some lighting to give it a really cosy feel and hide inside when the weather turns. There’s something very pleasant about listening to pattering rain from the comfort of a wooden shelter.
Not convinced your patio will provide enough cover? It might be worth considering a summerhouse. It doesn’t have to be a large construction, just big enough for a couple of chairs and a table.
Add some lighting to give it a really cosy feel and hide inside when the weather turns. There’s something very pleasant about listening to pattering rain from the comfort of a wooden shelter.
Raise the roof
Create a room outdoors with a patio roof or canopy. There are various options, depending on your budget. You could splash out on a specialist company that will attach a retractable glass version, which uses electronic sensors to open and close.
For a simpler, more cost-effective alternative, go for a polycarbonate model.
Create a room outdoors with a patio roof or canopy. There are various options, depending on your budget. You could splash out on a specialist company that will attach a retractable glass version, which uses electronic sensors to open and close.
For a simpler, more cost-effective alternative, go for a polycarbonate model.
Make use of cosy fabrics
By introducing textiles into your outdoor space, you’ll make it feel cosy whatever the weather. This upcycled lounging area has been brightened up with waterproof seat cushions.
The outdoor rug and scatter cushions on top, made from various patterned and textured fabrics, give it a warm and inviting feel. You can imagine cosying up on a chilly evening with blankets, candles and a warming drink.
Tell us…
How do you cosy up your patio? Share your tips and photos in the Comments.
By introducing textiles into your outdoor space, you’ll make it feel cosy whatever the weather. This upcycled lounging area has been brightened up with waterproof seat cushions.
The outdoor rug and scatter cushions on top, made from various patterned and textured fabrics, give it a warm and inviting feel. You can imagine cosying up on a chilly evening with blankets, candles and a warming drink.
Tell us…
How do you cosy up your patio? Share your tips and photos in the Comments.
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Use foliage to form a natural shelter from wind and rain. The easiest way to do this is to erect an arbour over which plants can grow. This is a straightforward job for a carpenter.
Plant some climbers around it, such as vines or sweet-smelling jasmine. Be patient, and eventually you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful space dappled with sunlight that will double up as a shelter on cooler evenings.
Contact carpenters and joiners in your area through Houzz.