Autumn patio season is right around the corner. Though we’re still in the middle of what’s known as the “Dog Days of Summer” (roughly early July through about the first half of August), it’s not too early to get ready for warm afternoons and cool evenings with friends and family in your patio or deck area. Oh, and relaxing with your beverage of choice. There will still be enough sun and heat on many fall days that you’ll want to plan for shade and bugs, but … what a lovely time of the year!
Here are some pointers that can help set you up for a successful patio season this fall.
Patio Setup
Quick Setup Checklist:
- Ensure patio furniture, patio area, and umbrella(s) are clean and in good working order.
- Furniture/equipment repair and replacement as needed.
- Ensure proper sunshine/shade balance and proper lighting for evenings.
To get things started, you’ll want to make sure your patio/deck/outdoor area is set up if you haven’t already. With summer almost half over, this might be a good time to hose off any dust from your outdoor furniture, fencing, window frames, etc. Check to make sure all furniture and umbrellas are in stable, working order. Perhaps it’s also a good time to power wash the concrete patio floor or deck. prepare your patio, deck, or other outdoor area.
As best you can, make sure your outdoor entertainment area has a nice balance of sunshine and shade for yourself, your family, and guests. We’ll talk more shortly about keeping your outdoor area properly shaded.
It’s starting to get dark earlier in the evening, and earlier dark will continue through the winter. Don’t forget about outdoor lighting. Clean out dead bugs where appropriate, and make sure string lighting is in working order.
Bug Proofing
Quick Setup Checklist:
- Plant bug-repellent flowers and plants.
- Set up citronella candles or coils to burn.
- Set up Tiki torches to help with bugs and for ambience. Bug zapper lamps also work well.
Where there’s outdoor relaxation and company, there are also problematic bugs.
You’ll want to prepare for the little invasive critters by planting some flowers and/or plants that repel insects, such as chrysanthemums or lavender. They’ll look and smell beautiful to you and your guests.
You can also set up burning citronella candles or coils on your tables or other nearby surfaces to let these pests know they’re not invited and to keep them away.
Tiki torches are also effective as bug repellents while adding a lovely tropical ambience to your outdoor area.
Temperature and Shade Regulation
Quick Setup Checklist:
- Set up fans and misters as needed.
- Install exterior solar shades.
- Get your outdoor propane heaters and/or firepit ready!
One of the great things about autumn is that there’s still plenty of warm afternoon sun left, and then it cools off in the evenings. You’ll want to plan accordingly.
Remember earlier we mentioned balancing the sun/shade in your outdoor area? A good exterior solar shade will do a great job of keeping the glare out of your eyes and offering enough shade for your area, while still being able to enjoy the warmth. Also, you’ll be able to help protect your outdoor furniture and maintain your outside view through the shade.
As for keeping it warm for those cool autumn nights, set up one or more propane heaters to keep things toasty when it gets chilly outside. Better yet, maybe you’ve also got a firepit for ambient effect and to provide plenty of warmth.
*Related: What Does the “Openness Percentage” Mean for Solar Shades?
Select Blinds Staff Recommendations for Your Outdoor Space
Need a few recommendations for exterior solar shades for your outdoor entertainment space? We’ve made selections from our different product tiers for you, to offer you excellent, customizable design solutions for any taste and budget. Spend some time window shopping to see what we have to offer!
3% Classic Exterior Sheer Weave Solars (Signature Tier)*
Get your outdoor entertainment area ready to have company over and grill with these brilliant exterior solar shades! Install shades where it counts while protecting your furniture from fading and discoloration.
5% Classic Exterior Sheer Weave Solars (Signature Tier)*
Keep your patio or deck area cool and comfortable by blocking out harmful UV rays and adding some lovely shade to your outdoor oasis. And do so while staying true to your existing design.
*Our Signature Tier products feature thoughtful designs in trendy styles. Made with durable materials, Signature Tier products are the perfect place to start when looking for a beyond-basic solution that is also affordable.
Lifestyle Outdoor Shade (Premium Tier)*
Choose from several standard sizes to find the perfect outdoor solar shade for your patio or deck space. Get the shade you want when the autumn sun gets to be a bit much, or let in all that beautiful sunlight whenever you want.
Lifestyle Outdoor Motorized Shade (Premium Tier)*
Take your outdoor experience up a notch with the convenience and ease of motorized solar shades. You’ll love the gorgeous oil-rubbed valance and convenient cable tie-downs!
*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.
Take Your Dream Home Plans to the Next Level
DIY Design was never meant to always be a “Do it ALL by Yourself” kind of thing. For any space, indoors or out, a home design upgrade should never feel overwhelming.
Nothing makes an outdoor space more enjoyable than exterior solar shades to keep the harmful UV rays out of your face, while keeping your patio or deck area cool. Select Blinds is all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you all the helpful resources you’ll need to make your life (and projects) easier, because your success is our success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you will save plenty of money and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something special.
Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.
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