Using Your Patio More This Winter – Without Feeling the Cold

It might be winter, but that doesn’t mean the back garden should sit untouched. If your patio tends to go quiet this time of year, it could be worth looking at how to get more use out of it. There’s something quietly rewarding about heading outside, even in the colder months – especially when the setup makes it worth your while. A few practical DIY tweaks can help turn it into an area that’s just as usable now as it is in summer.

Close It In Without Boxing It Off

The trick is finding a way to block out the chill without shutting yourself in. Transparent PVC blinds or sliding screens work well for cutting the breeze without cutting the view.

Folding glass doors, aluminium-framed panels, or even fixed screens along the exposed sides can help take the edge off without changing the overall feel of the area. You’ll still get sunlight on crisp days — just without the constant need for a jacket.

Add Warmth Where It Matters

You don’t need to heat the entire outdoors — just focus on the areas you actually use. A wall-mounted infrared heater aimed at the seating zone can make a noticeable difference. Or, if you’ve got a pergola or overhead structure, look into installing radiant panels in the ceiling. They’re tidy, effective, and relatively straightforward to wire in if you’ve got the know-how.

If you prefer a more DIY-friendly fix, freestanding electric heaters can do the job nicely too — just make sure any cables are kept tidy.

Sort the Lighting for Shorter Days

Winter’s shorter daylight hours mean you’ll rely more on artificial lighting. Rather than blasting it with bright white bulbs, consider installing wall lights or string lights that cast a warmer, more ambient glow. Look for fittings and run them on a timer or smart plug so they’re only on when needed.

Hardwired options can be added easily if you’re already running power out to the patio. Otherwise, battery-operated lanterns or solar-charged lights with a decent back-up battery will keep things simple.

Use Materials That Hold Up Well in Cold

If you’re doing any updates, go for materials that handle fluctuating temperatures well. Composite decking is a solid option underfoot – it doesn’t swell or shrink, and it needs less upkeep. If you’ve already got timber decking, now’s a good time to give it a clean and reseal it, especially if you haven’t done it since summer.

For built structures like screens, pergolas, or seating, pressure-treated timber or powder-coated aluminium will handle the cold without cracking or rusting. Fixings matter too – galvanised or stainless steel screws and brackets are less likely to corrode over time.

Built-In Bits That Make Life Easier

If you’re handy with a drill and saw, built-in benches or storage units are well worth the effort. They give you somewhere to stash throws, lanterns, or outdoor gear while doubling as practical seating. Use marine ply or treated timber, and line the inside if you want to keep it extra dry.

You could also add timber slats or batten walls to help break up the wind and give the area more structure. Leave gaps between the slats for airflow, and you’ll still feel connected to the garden, even if you’re tucked up against the wall.

Finish It Off Your Way

A few finishing touches can go a long way. Add wall panels or paint the surrounding fences to pull everything together visually. Install a raised garden bed or timber planter to bring a bit of green closer to the patio. You can even run outdoor lighting or cable guides along the structure to keep everything neat and functional.

It’s not about making it look like summer — it’s about making it somewhere you actually want to be. When the area works year-round, you’re far more likely to use it, even if you’re bundled up in a blanket.

You don’t need to wait for warmer weather to enjoy being outside. With a bit of smart thinking and a weekend or two of DIY, your patio can work hard through winter.