Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space During Colder Months

November 1, 2024

Having an outdoor space is a great way to spend time with friends and family during the summer months, but it can be difficult to use your outdoor area in the winter.

However, there are some great ideas for updating your outdoor space so that you can enjoy it all year round. Whether you’re looking for a way to make your outdoor area cozier or just want to add a few extra elements, these updates will bring life to your outdoor area even when it’s cold outside!


  • Lighting Up Your Outdoor Space: Adding lighting to your outdoor space is a great way to make it more inviting and livable during the colder months. You can choose from string lights hung overhead or place lamps around seating areas.


  • Heaters and Fireplaces: Outdoor heaters come in many shapes and sizes, but they all provide an effective way of keeping you warm while you're spending time outdoors. If you have a deck or patio that’s exposed to windy conditions, look into getting a freestanding propane heater that emits infrared heat which keeps everyone cozy no matter how cold it is outside.


  • Outdoor Furniture If you don't already have outdoor furniture then now is the perfect time to get some! When shopping for furniture look for pieces made from materials like wicker or teak wood since they stand up well against harsh weather conditions and last longer than other materials.
April 4, 2025
Thinking about upgrading your outdoor living space? A patio cover might be just what you need. Not only does it extend your usable space, but it also adds value to your home. Here’s what you should know before making this fantastic investment. Benefits of Adding a Patio Cover: Protection from the Elements - A patio cover provides essential protection from rain, snow, and harsh sunlight. This means you can enjoy your patio year-round without worrying about the weather. Plus, your plants and furniture will be shielded from extreme conditions, ensuring they last longer. Increased Home Value - Installing a patio cover significantly boosts your home's value. It offers an attractive feature for potential buyers and creates a versatile space for barbecues, gatherings, and relaxation. Even if selling isn't on your radar, this upgrade enhances your home’s resale value, making it easier to sell in the future. Reduced Maintenance - A patio cover helps keep your deck or patio clean by preventing dirt and debris from accumulating. With less cleaning required, you’ll spend more time enjoying your space rather than maintaining it. Opt for an aluminum patio cover, and you can forget about regular painting or staining—aluminum resists fading and requires minimal upkeep. Patio covers offer numerous benefits, from weather protection to increased home value and reduced maintenance. With various styles and budgets available, you’re sure to find the perfect solution for your outdoor space needs. Enjoy more time relaxing outdoors and less time on upkeep tasks.  Ready to enhance your outdoor living? Explore your options and invest in a patio cover today!
By Sergio Mota March 28, 2025
As your deck ages, it's important to remain aware of the warning signs that could signify an imminent need for a replacement. Think rotting wood and mold growth, structural cracks in joists or posts—all potential health and safety risks you'll want to avoid! Refreshing yourself on these indicators can help maintain the integrity of your home. Keep vigilant watch over those tell-tale signs - they may be difficult to spot but knowing them will keep both you and your structure safe.  Signs That Your Deck Needs Replacing Visible Rot or Mold - If you notice any soft, spongy spots on the wood or see discoloration from mold or mildew, then it’s likely that those areas have begun to rot due to prolonged exposure to moisture and heat. If left unchecked, this issue could cause serious structural damage over time. Structural Cracks or Splitting - As wooden decks age, they can become weak and brittle due to weathering and other environmental factors. As such, if you start noticing cracks in the wood that weren't there before or splitting along the boards, then it may be time for a replacement deck as these issues can cause further damage down the line if they aren't addressed immediately. Warping - Warping is one of the most obvious signs that your deck needs replacing—and unfortunately also one of the most common ones too! Warping occurs when boards become misshapen due to exposure to sunlight and water over time; this issue can cause uneven footing on your deck which could potentially lead to accidents like falls or slips if someone steps in an area with more give than normal. Inadequate Support - The support beams underneath your deck are essential in ensuring its structural integrity; without them, your deck could collapse under its own weight! If you notice any sagging spots on your floorboards or hear creaking noises when walking across them (especially during periods of high humidity), then these are both clear indicators that either additional support beams need to be added or that an entire replacement may be necessary instead depending on how bad the situation is. When it comes to home improvement, knowing the warning signs of when a deck is in need of replacing can be essential for both keeping your family safe and avoiding costly repairs later on. Put simply: investing now in a new, high-quality deck from us here at S&S Design Build LLC could save you money down the road! Don't hesitate to contact our team today—we promise that our decks are made with lasting quality, so you won’t have to worry about them again any time soon.