This outdoor patio season is coming to an end, but it doesn’t mean it’s time to neglect your outdoor space. Even though the time of year for out-of-doors decorating and hosting is ready to take a break, you need to do a number of things to make certain your deck and patio swivel bar stools stay in decent shape for next year. Winter months also presents a great time to take care of some projects that will make your outdoor space look even better when the warm weather returns.

Before the temperature gets too frosty, you’ll want to make sure you take care of a thing or two to protect your deck or patio from Old Man Winter. Work with this checklist as you plan ahead for winter:

* Clean your resin wicker patio furniture before putting anything away for the season. If you don’t have a place to store furniture inside, you can cover it with a tarp to protect it from the elements.

* Bring flower pots and other containers used to hold your greenery inside, as ice or freezing temperatures can cause them to fracture.

* Whether you have a concrete patio or a wooden deck, it’s a good idea to clear it of leaves and other organic material, as it could cause mold, rot, discoloration or mildew if it is left there all winter.

* The time before winter provides a great time to freshen up and stain your patio. Staining your deck will help protect it from the elements and the process works best when the temperatures are around fifty degrees.

Remove dirt and debris. If old deck coating is peeling, you need to remove it using stain stripper. Prior to staining, apply wood deck cleaner generously and permit to stand for five to 10 minutes. You may have to scrub areas with hard-to-remove-stains. Rinse with a hose and slightly sand the surface after it has dried (recommended 24 hours after rinsing), removing dust before applying stain. If using a solid colour, apply two coats of stain. If using a clear or translucent stain, one coat will be enough. Always “back brush” for maximum penetration and consistency. Stay away staining in the sun or when the surface is hot.

When the wintry weather sets in, it’s a good time to head over to your garage to work on some do it yourself projects that will improve the look of your deck in the springtime. Here are some suggestions:

* You can make some rolling plant caddies to keep your plant containers from sitting directly on your deck, which can cause stains, mildew and decay.

* Stain wood furniture or other wood products that you display on your patio. If you have left-over stain that you used on your deck, this is a terrific way to get more use from it. If you’re going for a more colorful look, be creative, stains are also available in a wide range of earthy colors.

* Build planters for flowers or other botanical plants so they will be ready to go on your deck this Spring.

Spring will be here before you know it. With just a little Winter prep, you’ll be ready to enjoy your patio and outdoor living that much sooner.