Colorado’s natural beauty and abundant sunshine make it an ideal place for outdoor living. From crisp autumn evenings to snowy winter mornings and bright summer afternoons, Colorado offers year-round opportunities to enjoy your patio, deck, or backyard. But with that beauty comes weather that can be unpredictable—and extreme.
Designing an outdoor space that stands up to intense sun, sudden hailstorms, and heavy snow requires careful planning. With the right materials, furniture, and protective features, you can create a space that remains inviting and durable through all four seasons.
Understanding Colorado’s Climate
Colorado’s high elevation means greater exposure to UV rays, significant daily temperature shifts, and rapid weather changes. In many areas, it’s not unusual to experience sun, rain, and snow all in the same day. This unique climate puts outdoor materials to the test.
When designing your outdoor space, it’s essential to choose elements that can handle this variability without fading, cracking, or deteriorating.
Choosing Durable Outdoor Furniture
The right furniture forms the foundation of a year-round outdoor space. When shopping for weather-resistant pieces, prioritize materials that perform well in both extreme heat and cold.
The best furniture materials for Colorado are:
- Powder-coated aluminum – Lightweight, rust-resistant, and able to withstand temperature swings, aluminum is an excellent all-weather material. Powder coating adds another layer of UV and moisture protection.
- Teak wood – Naturally resistant to moisture and rot, teak can handle snow and sun—though regular sealing helps preserve its color and finish.
- Resin wicker (HDPE) – A synthetic alternative to natural wicker, HDPE resin is UV-resistant and doesn’t crack in the cold. Look for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) over low-cost PVC versions.
- Steel (galvanized or stainless) – Steel offers strength and stability, though it should be powder-coated or galvanized to resist rust.
Cushions should be made from solution-dyed acrylic fabrics (like Sunbrella) which are fade-resistant, quick-drying, and mildew-resistant. Choose cushions with quick-drain foam cores to prevent water retention.
Plan for Shade and Shelter
With the intense Colorado sun, integrated shade structures are key to outdoor comfort and furniture protection. Consider:
- Pergolas with retractable canopies or louvered roofs offer customizable shade and ventilation.
- Motorized awnings allow you to extend or retract shade depending on the weather.
- Freestanding umbrellas with UV-resistant fabric can also protect furniture from fading.
Adding windbreaks, such as privacy screens or tall planters, also helps protect your space from sudden gusts.
Weather Protection and Storage Tips
Even the best outdoor furniture benefits from some protection when not in use. To extend the life of your furniture:
- Use furniture covers made from breathable, waterproof fabric. These should be easy to secure and remove.
- Store cushions in deck boxes or a waterproof storage bench when storms are in the forecast.
- In winter, consider moving furniture to a covered area like a garage or shed, or elevate it on wood slats to prevent snow damage.
Incorporating Cold-Weather Comfort
To truly enjoy your outdoor space year-round, consider adding elements that make it more inviting in colder months:
- Patio heaters or fire pits create warmth and ambiance.
- All-weather rugs add a layer of insulation underfoot.
- Enclosed pergolas or gazebos with curtains or screens can shield your space from wind and snow.
With these features, your outdoor space becomes a cozy destination—even in the middle of winter.
Learn More
Designing an outdoor living area in Colorado means thinking beyond aesthetics—it’s about smart material choices, protective design, and year-round functionality.
By selecting weather-resistant furniture, incorporating sun and snow protection, and using storage solutions that keep your pieces safe, you can enjoy your outdoor space through spring sunshine, summer storms, autumn breezes, and winter snowfalls.
With thoughtful planning, your patio or deck won’t just survive Colorado’s four seasons—it will thrive in them. To learn more, contact Outside Wholesale today to schedule a consultation. Our friendly and knowledgeable team looks forward to working with you.