Oklahoma winters can go from pleasant to brutal in a matter of days. A hard freeze, ice storm, or extended cold snap can damage outdoor kitchens, crack masonry, split wood, and ruin outdoor furniture if you haven’t properly prepared. This guide from VistaScapes Design & Build walks you through winterizing every element of your outdoor living space before temperatures drop. Questions? Call us at 918-779-1317.
1. Winterize Your Outdoor Kitchen
Your outdoor kitchen needs the most attention before winter. Here’s what to do:
- Shut off the gas supply valve at the source — both natural gas and propane lines should be closed when the kitchen is not in use during freezing weather
- Disconnect and store propane tanks in a covered, ventilated area away from direct sunlight
- Drain the water lines to your outdoor sink completely — residual water will freeze and crack copper or PVC lines
- Blow out the water lines with compressed air if you have an air compressor, then shut the supply valve
- Cover your grill with a fitted, weatherproof cover — don’t use a plastic tarp that traps moisture
- Remove and store the grill grates after cleaning and oiling them to prevent rust
- Empty and unplug the outdoor refrigerator — most outdoor fridges are not rated for operation below 40°F ambient temperature
- Clean and dry all stainless steel surfaces before covering — salt from cooking and humidity accelerate corrosion
2. Protect Your Outdoor Fireplace and Fire Pit
- Inspect the mortar joints on masonry fireplaces for cracks — freeze-thaw cycles worsen small cracks into large structural problems
- Apply masonry sealer to natural stone, brick, and mortar if it hasn’t been applied in the last 2 years
- Cover gas fire pits and gas fire tables with a weatherproof cover to prevent water intrusion into the burner
- Clean wood-burning fire pit ash completely — wet ash is caustic and will stain and pit concrete over winter
- Check the chimney cap and spark arrestor on outdoor fireplaces — birds and squirrels love to nest in uncapped chimneys over winter
3. Care for Your Patio and Hardscape
- Seal concrete and pavers before winter if they haven’t been sealed in 2+ years — proper sealer prevents freeze-thaw water infiltration that causes spalling and cracking
- Clean paver joints and top off polymeric sand where needed — solid joints prevent weed growth and reduce water infiltration
- Clear debris from drainage areas around your patio — clogged drains lead to ice dams and water pooling against your home’s foundation
- Avoid rock salt on concrete or natural stone — it accelerates surface deterioration; use sand or calcium chloride instead
4. Protect Your Pergola and Shade Structures
- Inspect wood pergola posts and beams for rot, cracks, or checking — treat with penetrating oil sealer
- Remove shade sails and fabric covers — wet, heavy material tears and the hardware rusts
- Tighten all hardware on aluminum pergolas — thermal cycling loosens fasteners over time
- Clear snow promptly from pergola roofs — Oklahoma ice storms can load several hundred pounds on a pergola roof
5. Store or Protect Outdoor Furniture
- Store cushions in a dry indoor location — mold and mildew set in fast on wet foam
- Cover metal and wicker furniture with breathable covers, not plastic tarps
- Stack chairs and store tables upside down to prevent water collection
- Apply teak oil to teak or wood furniture before storing
Need Help with Your Outdoor Living Space?
VistaScapes Design & Build offers outdoor living maintenance, sealing, and repair services in Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Collinsville, Sand Springs, Owasso, Jenks, Bixby, and surrounding areas. Call 918-779-1317 to schedule a consultation or repair estimate before winter sets in.
