If you’ve lived in Minnesota for more than a year, you know that the North Star State is known for snow just as much as it is for its hot dishes and “Minnesota Nice” culture.
And, you also know that snowfall isn’t limited to just the winter months. In fact, it’s been known to snow as late as June and as early as August on occasion.
With such unpredictable winter weather patterns, especially in cities like Brainerd Lakes and St. Cloud, you may be left wondering if it’s worth it to invest in an outdoor space for your home if you’re only going to get use out of it for a few months every year.
Good news! This guide will walk you through some of the ways you can make the most out of an outdoor space so you can enjoy it year-round, and will highlight all the features you need to create a Megadeck for your home and your family.
Think About Each Season
The first step is to think about each season and decide how your family would like to use the space during any time of the year.
This can help you come up with versatile ideas for the space that work no matter what the date on the calendar says. A little brainstorming about the ways you want to use your outdoor space every season can help you decide how you want to move forward with your project.
Once you’ve got your list you can then work on creating your dining areas, lounging areas, lighting, decor, and more that work for your perfect outdoor-living vision. Here are a few examples of other ways you might use an outdoor-living space during each season.
Spring
Host a “garden party” by serving finger foods and tea, and decorate with beautiful florals to set the scene. If a pesky April rainshower appears, you won’t have to worry about getting wet.
Summer
Have friends over for a barbecue complete with grilled burgers and yard games like cornhole. When the sun gets to be too intense, your guests can move under the covered space to enjoy the shade.
Fall
Gather the whole family together for a pumpkin carving contest outside! You’ll enjoy seeing everyone’s creative carvings and with a deck made from a durable and low-maintenance material like TimberTech, clean-up will be a breeze.
Winter
Is your backyard perfect for sledding? After you spend some time out enjoying the snow, set up a hot chocolate or coffee bar on the deck so everyone can warm up before heading inside. Utilizing a three-season or all-season porch is the perfect way to capitalize on your space no matter the season. Being able to heat your room, sit by a fireplace, or cozy up in a blanket on a couch will help you not only embrace the cold weather but enjoy it.
Incorporate Your Interests and Hobbies
Another thing you’ll want to incorporate into your outdoor space are your hobbies. Do you love reading? Consider adding lounge chairs or even a hammock, so you have a designated reading spot on beautiful days.
If you love staying active, you might want to leave space on your deck for impromptu workouts, like a HIIT session. Or leave a space to roll out your yoga mat so you can connect with nature during your practice.
And, plant lovers will want to incorporate plants and flowers in the design of an outdoor space, whether on the deck, within the landscaping, or both.
Just like your home is a reflection of who you are, your outdoor space should be the same. By incorporating some of the things that make you happiest, you’ll find yourself wanting to spend as much time as possible outside.
Consider Unique Ideas for Upgrading Your Outdoor Living Space
Are you looking for ways to take your outdoor space from ordinary to extraordinary? By incorporating a few of these upgrade ideas, you can maximize your deck and get more use out of it, no matter the time of year.
Fire Pits & Fireplaces
Not only do fire pits look great, but they can make chilly nights spent outside a little more comfortable. You can build one into your yard, or consider buying one that can sit right on your deck. With so many different styles available, you’re sure to find something that fits your design aesthetic.
Grill
Who doesn’t love firing up the grill for a barbecue? If you really enjoy cooking outside, consider going a step further with a full outdoor kitchen space, perfect for making any meal. With both a grill and a fire pit, you can extend your outdoor eating season well into the fall.
Dining Area
Like we mentioned above, adding a dining table and chairs to your deck is one of the best ways to transform your outdoor space into a place the whole family will enjoy. Consider adding portable heaters to your deck during the fall and winter, so you can enjoy al fresco dining even when it gets chilly.
Seating Area
A great outdoor space is ideal for lounging around on lazy days, so don’t forget to add comfortable seats and loungers to your deck. If you enjoy entertaining, this will also make your outdoor space more inviting to guests.
Lighting
Once the time changes in the fall and the days get shorter, it might be tempting to spend less time outside. But, putting up beautiful, functional lighting can help you get more use out of your space during the fall and winter. Consider using solar lights, so know they’ll always turn on when you need them.
Multi-Season Porches
If you really want to get the most out of your backyard during the winter, consider adding an enclosure, with walls and windows to keep out winter’s chill. Three-season and all-season type porches typically allow you to regulate the temperature regardless of the season, and they can be a great alternative to an open porch, especially in the colder months. You can even have a dual deck space that is partially enclosed and partially open, that way you can enjoy the best of both worlds, depending on the weather.
Hot Tub
Turn your outdoor space into a spa-like experience with a hot tub! Not only will the warm water help melt away the stress of the day, but it will keep you comfortable once the temperature starts to drop. If you don’t want to handle the logistics of building an inground hot tub, you can find plenty of options that can sit right on your deck.
Combine all these factors into a Megadeck for all Your Wants and Needs
No matter what you call it — a Megadeck, Year-Round Deck, or All-Season Porch / Deck — these combination outdoor living spaces allow you to bring the outdoors in. Whether simple and functional or luxurious, spacious design, these additions are for every budget, with a return on investment that can’t be touched with interior designs.
These beautiful outdoor living spaces take everything above and combine them all into one amazing all-season addition to your home. Custom Megadeck projects take all your interests and hobbies along with incorporating stunning design features to create one project that meets all your wants and needs. Want to learn more about what a Megadeck is? Read more here.
Let MN Contractor Pros Transform Your Backyard
Now that you have a better idea of the ways to maximize your outdoor space year-round here in Minnesota, it’s time for the fun part to begin: planning your deck project.
Our team at MN Contractor Pros is here to design an outdoor living space that meets all of your needs, that you can enjoy for years to come. Schedule a free consultation with one of our outdoor living experts to learn more about how we can turn your backyard dreams into a reality.
