Can my balcony be used all year round? Even in winter?
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Have you ever wondered how to make the most of your balcony during the winter months? Even when the dark nights start to creep in, and the temperature begins to drop, the benefits of having a balcony in the winter cannot be dampened. You do not have to retreat inside just because summer has ended as, with a little bit of winterproofing, a balcony can be enjoyed all year round! Below we suggest seven ways to customise band adapt your balcony to suit the winter months.
1. Invest in weatherproof furniture
Your balcony furniture will need to be durable to withstand the changing weather conditions throughout the year. Metals or treated natural materials are equipped to deal with frost and rain, so you can leave your furniture outdoors throughout the winter, knowing that it will survive for many more years to come.
If you live by the coast or in a highland area, a cover should be used to provide extra protection for your furniture. Furniture is more vulnerable to wear in areas with diverse elements therefore weatherproofing your seating with a cover ensures that it doesn’t become weathered and increases its lifespan. We recommend you spend time researching the most hard-wearing furniture before making a purchase.
2. Get a heat source
To really get the most out of your balcony during the winter, consider adding a heat source. The addition of a heater or fire will undeniably improve your time spent on your balcony, making it warmer, cosier, and more inviting.
For larger balconies, a freestanding heat lamp is an apt option as they can disperse heat to a wide-reaching area, giving even more reason to invite your family and friends over for an alfresco dinner. Lamp heaters also have the added benefit of providing a rich glow that will light up your space long after the sun has set. Heat lamps are either fuelled by burning gas or more commonly, they use electricity. A gas heat lamp can be moved around without worrying about being close to an electric outlet; however electric heaters are more energy-efficient and cheaper to run.
For smaller balconies, a chiminea is a compelling option for heating your outdoor space. A chiminea is an aesthetically pleasing, vase-shaped wood burner that adds a rustic feel to your outdoor area, perfect for getting cosy on those chilly winter nights. Emitting earthy and woodsy scents, the chiminea evokes the distinctive smells of winter. Even though firewood is the most common fuel used, chimineas can be cast from a variety of materials therefore it is essential that you research and choose the most appropriate fuel for the chiminea you have.
3. Add mood lighting
Even though the nights are getting darker and longer, it doesn’t mean that you can’t spend time outside on your balcony. Ambient lighting lets you make the most of your balcony when the dark nights draw in. String fairy lights, lanterns and candles can be used to effortlessly illuminate your space with a soft warm glow creating a snug and enchanting outdoor space. And if you’re concerned about an open candle flame, there are convincing flickering candle LED alternatives available.
4. Make it cosy
Your balcony is an extension of your home, a place where you can spend time unwinding and socialising, so why not keep your style flowing outdoors by adding cosy furnishing. Invest in blankets, cushions and even a rug to transform your space into somewhere you can brace the morning chill and watch the sunrise with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Paired with an outdoor heater, your soft furnishings will keep you toasty and snug, making you more inclined to spend time on your balcony during the colder months.
5. Plant winter flowers and evergreen shrubbery
Plants can be the perfect way to beautify and brighten your balcony on drab and grey winter days. Your summer blooms will not survive the harsh winter climate; however, you can spruce up your balcony with some low maintenance evergreens or potted plants like Witch Hazel or Heather that will flower even in winter. Horticulturalists recommend raising your potted plants up off the ground on ‘feet’ to ensure water can drain through the exit holes protecting the compost against frost.
6. Grill on the BBQ
A barbecue is an innovative way to turn an ordinary household meal into a special occasion. Not only are they great for cooking, but they also keep everyone warm. Cold-weather barbequing doesn’t need to be a challenge, most dishes can be started in the kitchen and then finished on the balcony barbeque which adds some smoke and charcoal-flavour through the meal. Barbequing outside is an opportunity to spice up the dull evenings and get the whole family outside to socialise together on the balcony.
If you live in an apartment or multi-occupied residential building that has a balcony, it is important to check with your lease or landlord whether a barbeque is permitted on your balcony. There are no laws against having a barbeque on a balcony, but they might be strictly prohibited depending on how much space is available or the quality of your building’s cladding. If you are unsure, then do not risk the safety of yourself and other residents by having one.
Complying with fire safety measures is vital when having a barbeque on your balcony. Below we share some tips that help keep you, your family, and friends safe whilst barbecuing:
• Position your barbecue on level ground and keep it well away from anything that may catch fire (garden furniture, blankets, sheds, fences, trees etc.)
• Keep children and pets away from the barbecue.
• Don’t be intoxicated whilst using a barbeque.
• Never use a barbecue indoors or in an unventilated space as there is a risk of creating dangerous Carbon Monoxide gas.
• Ensure careful disposal of the barbeque and the fuel (coal, wood) since they stay hot for a long time.
• Have a bucket of water, sand, or fire extinguisher nearby for emergency use.
7. Consider a Hot Tub
Just like your balcony, a hot tub isn’t just for summer, it can be appreciated all year round. A winter’s evening dip into a hot tub can be a therapeutic way to enjoy your balcony. The warm waters soothe aches and pains of flare-ups brought on by the wintry weather by relaxing muscles and diminishing inflammation. And with party season round the corner, take hosting to the next level by serving hors d'oeuvres and champagne to your guests while they are soaking in the balmy, bubbling water on your balcony.
Don’t forget to check the maximum weight your balcony can safely support before adding the hot tub onto the structure. Remember that the weight will increase once you add water and people into the tub so also take this into consideration!
