How to Use Your Outdoor Living Space All Year Long

Posted December 21, 2023 in Attached Roof System, Blog, Covered Patio, Decks, Design/Build, Fire Feature, Furniture, General, Infrared Heater, outdoor appliances, outdoor design, Outdoor Kitchen, Patio and Walkway, Phantom Screen, Pool, Videos

Outdoor living spaces have the potential to greatly expand your home’s footprint when done right. So, whether it’s for relaxation, recreation, casual dining, or hosting gatherings– it’s really up to you and how you envision yourself using the space! But, it’s even better when you can use your investment all year.

By working with the right partner and implementing a well-thought-out design and plan, you can create an outdoor living area that seamlessly complements your home while allowing you to reconnect with nature’s revitalizing essence, regardless of the season. However, without incorporating features that prioritize your comfort and well-being, you may find yourself less inclined to spend time outdoors. So if you want to use your outdoor space all year long here are some features to consider:

  • Attached roof structure 

To create a truly sustainable and versatile outdoor living space, consider adding an attached roof structure to your new patio or deck. This will not only provide shelter from the elements but also enhance your space’s overall functionality and aesthetic appeal. Adding an attached roof structure over your new patio or deck will not only provide relief from the summer heat and unexpected rainstorms but also shield your furniture and other features from the elements.

When planning a new covered deck or patio in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, talk to your designer about capitalizing on the comfort options available. Heaters, feature walls, Phantom Screen systems, and passthrough windows are a few features that will bring more comfort and utility to your space!  It all depends on your comfort goals.

  • Add a fire feature

Adding a fire feature to your outdoor space, such as a fireplace, fire pit, or fire table can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the space since you can stay cozy even when the weather gets colder. A fire feature is not only eye-catching but also functional, providing you with a spot to relax with a cup of hot chocolate or gather with your loved ones for s’mores. However, before you proceed with building a fire feature, it is essential to consider its practicality since it could be a pricey investment and will take up a lot of room in your new space.

So, if you anticipate using a built-in fire pit or other fire feature infrequently – perhaps only once or twice a year – it may occupy valuable space on your new deck or patio unnecessarily. This is why careful consideration of your expected usage is crucial. At MasterPLAN, we prioritize designing your backyard based on your specific needs and preferences, so before you commit to a design we will have an in-depth discussion about how frequently you and your family intend to utilize each feature. This valuable information allows us to guide you toward the most suitable and practical options for your backyard.

Outdoor Heating Options: Warm up those Autumn Nights!→

  • Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters are constructed from premium materials to deliver outdoor heating options that provide the perfect balance of performance, reliability, and elegance. It’s important to work with a reliable and experienced design/build professional who can assess your space as a whole to ensure the efficiency and safety of your custom heating options.

Infrared heaters are weather-resistant, but not completely waterproof. They can be exposed to the elements, but as with any outdoor product, the better the care, the longer the life. Your trusted MasterPLAN designer will analyze the outdoor layout to prevent fire hazards by designing the infrared heaters a safe distance away from walls, ceilings, furniture, carpets, or any other flammable materials and guiding the warmth in directions that will be used the most. This is why it is important to work with someone who is experienced in installing and working with infrared heaters to ensure efficiency and safety.


Are you looking to build a new outdoor kitchen in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania to enjoy a summer of meals outside, remodel and renovate your existing pool in Allentown, Pennsylvania so your grandkids can enjoy it all summer, or build a custom outdoor living space that will create lasting memories? If so, then look no further. Because we understand the importance of getting value for your investment and want you to avoid having the hassle of coordinating with multiple crews or dealing with complicated plans, permits, or approvals. That’s why we are proud to partner with homeowners in the Lehigh Valley to help them avoid wasting time, money, and space when it comes to transforming their backyard into a custom outdoor living space.

Our award-winning design/build process ensures that all engineering, project management, contractor scheduling, inspections, permit applications, and other essential details for your new custom outdoor living space in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania are taken care of for you by experienced, reliable, & trustworthy professionals. You’ll never have to worry about communicating with your HOA or township either. So relax and watch your dream outdoor living space come alive as we handle all of the heavy lifting so that you can focus on planning how you will enjoy your new custom outdoor living space.

Here’s how you can get started today:

Call: Schedule your meeting!

Collaborate: Create your perfect plan!

Construction: With an approved design, construction starts!

Celebrate: Raise a toast to your transformed home and the new life that comes from it!

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR DESIGN MEETING!

(610) 628-2480

If you’re considering a custom outdoor living space, we have the perfect resource for you. For a limited time, download an exclusive copy of  “Your Guide to Building a Custom Outdoor Living Space,” and rest easy knowing you’re making the right investment in your home. With this tool, you can stop worrying and start creating the custom outdoor living space of your dreams today!

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