Inspiration
Planning Snow Day Patio Fun!
Story Highlights
Snow days provide another opportunity for creating unique outdoor memories on your patio. Because snow creates unique challenges, it's essential to be prepared so that you can make the most of the experience.
In this article, we provide the tips needed to properly prepare for a fun snow day on your patio.
REstock & Cover your
Firewood
Gathering around a fire is arguably the best snow day experience you can have on your patio.
If your fire feature is wood-burning, you won't be able to have a snow day fire without firewood. When snow enters the forecast, make sure that your firewood is fully stocked.
Additionally, if your firewood is exposed to the elements, make sure to cover it so that it remains dry. Damp wood is difficult to start and results in a smokey fire.
while you're covering things,
Cover your Furniture
When gathering around a snow day fire, you'll want a dry place to sit. If you don't have furniture covers, you can pull seats together and cover them with a tarp. Or, if you haven't already, simply bring the cushions indoors.
Stock up on the essentials
Prepare for S'mores
A snow day fire experience would not be complete without S'mores. When stocking up before the storm, be sure to include graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars on your shopping list.
and don't forget the...
Hot Chocolate
Along with S'mores, don't forget to pick up everything you need to make another snow day essential. Whether it's an instant mix (Swiss Miss anyone?) or the ingredients for your preferred recipe, be sure that hot chocolate is also on the shopping list!
Prevent scuffs & scratches
Get a Plastic Shovel
Though metal shovels are often great for cutting through ice patches, they should never be used on paver patios. Metal shovels will permanently scuff and scratch your pavers, causing irreparable damage. If you want to clear snow off your paver patio, be sure to have a plastic snow shovel.
know your materials
Are they de-icing salt resistant?
De-icing salts can permanently damage concrete and inexpensive pavers. Before applying any de-icing products to your outdoor space, research your materials to ensure you won't cause irreparable damage.
At Outdoor Dreams, we proudly use quality, durable Techo-Bloc pavers that are resistant to de-icing salt damage.
When the Snow Falls
Start Small
When the snow day arrives, be sure to start small with the fire. On really cold days, it's important to allow your fire feature to warm up. Starting off with a large, hot fire could cause your masonry work to crack. Even refractory brick (manufactured to withstand high temperatures) can crack if it goes from extreme cold to extreme heat too quickly.
Now that you're prepared, always remember:
The best memories are made outdoors...
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