Are you struggling to avoid the heat in your backyard? Tired of sweating up a storm every time you step foot on the patio? It’s time to learn how to keep an outdoor patio cool once and for all!
You’ll first want to plan your furniture and hangout areas under trees, structures, a pergola, an awning, or a patio umbrella. Next, utilize refreshing liquids in the form of pools, an outdoor bar area, or a misting system. If you have some spare cash, you could even invest in an evaporative cooler. Finally, add touches like cooler flooring, fans, or a retractable screen to lower the temperature even more.
Let’s dive into each option in more detail.
1. Design Around the Shade
If you haven’t completed your backyard yet or have patio furniture you can move around, and search for the area with the most trees or shade.
You’ll want to be on the lookout around the time you plan to use your patio the most. Go outside at this time to check out which place has the best shade.
Move your patio furniture, grill, or “hangout” items to this area. You’ll be able to keep them out of the sun naturally, instantly creating a cooler space to relax in your yard.
Wondering which plants create the most shade? Check out the weeping Podocarpus, spartan junipers, white spruces, southern live oaks, and buckthorns.
2. Utilize a Patio Umbrella
You can find great deals on patio umbrellas, especially at the end of summer. You can also opt for a secondhand one at a thrift store, on eBay, or on Facebook Marketplace.
Patio umbrellas instantly give your backyard a classier look while protecting your skin and furniture from the sun’s damaging rays.
These umbrellas can be easily closed up to permit sun when needed and rolled to other areas if you feel like changing the layout of your patio altogether.
3. Create an Outdoor Bar
There’s nothing that cools down the summer heat quite like an ice-cold beer or spiked seltzer. Why not create an outdoor bar area to change your overheated patio into a tropical vacation spot?
You can create a uniquely designed bar with professional help, buy a prefabricated bar for $100+, or create a do-it-yourself (DIY) bar out of things like old wooden pallets or repurposed wood.
Stock your bar with ice-cold drinks and a Bluetooth speaker to create a party in your own backyard.
4. Get a Pool
Few things will cool you down faster than having a midday swim. You don’t need to invest in an expensive underground pool for this idea – even a small kiddie pool to lay in can get the job done!
If you have kids, this idea will be even more popular. An even cheaper alternative would be to invest in a Slip n’ Slide or any ol’ garden sprinkler to run through.
5. Use a Rug for Hot Surfaces
There are specific outdoor rugs that are built for handling the heat and lasting in outdoor conditions. Wood and concrete can reach temperatures near the 100° mark, whereas most outdoor rugs never reach such temperatures.
If your rug is waterproof, you could even spray it with water to create a larger cooling effect for those walking on it.
If you’re wondering how to keep an outdoor patio rug clean, just shake it, vacuum it, and scrub it with water and a mild detergent now and again.
6. Choose Flooring that Stays Cool
If your patio area needs new flooring, choose a material that has a higher Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). This means more heat will be reflected off of it, keeping it cooler.
Some options for cooler patio flooring include:
- Artificial turfs
- Concrete with cooling paint
- Natural stone tiles
- Composite decking
- Outdoor patio tiles
- Rubber flooring
- Natural grass
- Wooden deck with cooling paint
7. Buy a Fan
Sometimes, the old-school way is the best. Buy a large outdoor, oscillating fan and let it cool the air around you and your guests.
8. Utilize a Mister or Misting System
Many people wonder if misting systems are worth it. This depends on the climate in your area and how much you enjoy a refreshing mist cool-down.
For those with plenty of patio plants, a misting system will also double as a water system.
If you’d prefer a smaller option, you can opt for a fan mister instead of a whole misting system.
9. Invest in an Evaporative Cooler
Evaporative coolers are like large patio air conditioners. These portable outdoor cooling systems blow cold, moisturized air onto your patio, considerably lowering the temperature up to 25 degrees!
They’re easily wheeled around and great for patios, decks, screened-in porches, and more.
10. Install a Pergola
Pergolas create a shaded walkway, sitting area, or passageway within your backyard. They provide shade while improving airflow through the openings on the top.
Not only do they cool down any patio, but they can also be used to hang lights, flowers, and other decorative items.
11. Add on a Retractable Screen
Retractable screens lower the temperature of an area by blocking the sun’s heat without blocking all of the sun’s light. You’ll be protected from further heat, the sun’s glare, insects, and snooping neighbors all in one.
12. Try Out an Awning
Awnings are a great investment if you plan to have consistent action out on your patio. They protect you from up to 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, lowering your patio’s temperatures by up to 20°. Plus, they act as a shield from any unexpected rain storms.
Final Thoughts
Many patios offer a summer oasis for family, guests, and fun.
To keep things cool – both literally and figuratively – try to incorporate more shade, patio umbrellas, a pergola, retractable screen, or awnings into your yard.
You could also cool down through an outdoor bar, pool, misting system, fans, or a cooling system.
Don’t let your patio become a heated torture zone. Use these tips to cool it down and enjoy your backyard to the fullest today!
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