While spending some time outdoors is an enjoyable activity for Huntsville families, sometimes the heat and humidity can make a deck or patio less than inviting. While enclosing your patio or outdoor space might seem like the perfect solution, this gives you reduced access to the great outdoors, and can be cost prohibitive. It takes a little creativity to stay cool and comfortable when the humidity in Huntsville is at a record high, but your efforts will pay off with increased enjoyment of your outdoor space.

Patio Options

One of the best ways to cool off outdoors is to add shade. Building a gazebo, adding some umbrellas or install an awning over your deck helps to reduce the temperature in your yard and decrease exposure to the sun’s damaging rays. While some coverings are more permanent, such as gazebos or awnings, many are easy to purchase on a limited budget and simple to take down or replace as your style changes.

When adding a new deck to your Huntsville home, consider painting it white. Light colors reflect sunlight, and they do not absorb heat like darker colors do. White boards help to keep your deck cooler, and they make it more comfortable to walk on with bare feet, socks or slippers. You can make your patio similarly inviting by painting the concrete white or light grey to keep the space cooler on hot summer days. If your deck or patio is already a darker color, lay some outdoor friendly, light colored rugs throughout your space to increase the comfort level and add to its appeal.

Electricity Availability

If you have a covering over your deck or patio that includes electricity, consider installing ceiling fans to keep the conditions in your Huntsville outdoor living space cool and comfortable. Ceiling fans make the air around you feel cooler, and they can also help to keep away pesky flies and mosquitoes. If your space is not set up with a covering that includes electricity, you can achieve a similar result by plugging in a stand-alone oscillating fan and using an extension cord to allow it to reach your deck or patio.

Trees throughout your yard will provide you with shady spots to enjoy and help to make your Huntsville home more enjoyable during summer’s humid months. If you do not have a lot of trees throughout your yard or close to your patio or deck, consider adding several large potted plants. Sizable potted plants around the perimeter of your seating area will reduce the harsh rays of the sun and still let a comfortable breeze pass through. This can help you to feel comfortable both during the day and at night, and it also adds some beautiful decorative features to your outdoor space.

When these tricks simply are not enough to keep your Huntsville outdoor livings space cool and comfortable, call on the experts at Alair Homes. They can help you to design the perfect deck and patio for year round enjoyment for less than you might expect to pay.