Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Plan Your Spring Outdoor Living Project

The holidays are behind us, and while it may seem early to think about outdoor projects, winter is actually the ideal time for homeowners to start planning spring hardscaping. Whether you’re dreaming of a new patio for summer entertaining, a pool surround upgrade, or a complete backyard transformation, starting now gives you significant advantages over waiting until spring arrives.

Here’s why planning your outdoor living project in winter sets you up for success—and how to get started.

Beat the Spring Rush 

When warm weather hits, contractors’ schedules fill up fast. Homeowners who plan ahead get:

  • First choice of contractors – The best builders book up months in advance
  • Better scheduling flexibility – Choose your preferred start date instead of waiting weeks or months
  • More attention to your project – Contractors have more time for design consultations and planning during winter months
  • Installation ready when the weather breaks – Your project can start as soon as conditions allow

Homeowners who book spring projects in winter typically see their installations completed 4-6 weeks earlier than those who wait until March or April to start planning.

More Time for Design and Decision-Making 

One of the biggest benefits of winter planning? You can take your time getting everything right.

  • Explore design options without the pressure of an approaching deadline
  • Visit showrooms and suppliers to see materials in person
  • Get multiple quotes and compare contractors thoughtfully
  • Make material selections when product availability is at its peak
  • Secure permits before the spring application surge
The decisions you make now—from paver patterns to stone selections to layout details—will impact your enjoyment of the space for decades. Winter gives you the breathing room to choose wisely.
Material Availability and Selection
 
Natural stone, premium pavers, and specialty products can have lead times of several weeks, especially during peak season. Planning now means:
  • Full access to product lines – See complete collections before popular items sell out
  • Custom orders have time to arrive before installation
  • Color matching is easier when you can view multiple options
  • Better inventory of specialty items like coping, veneers, or unique stone cuts
If you’re considering natural stone for its timeless beauty and durability, or high-end porcelain pavers for a modern look, securing these materials early ensures you get exactly what you want.

Budget Planning and Financing
 
  • Winter planning gives you time to get your financial ducks in a row.
  • Accurate quotes from contractors who aren’t rushing between active job sites
  • Time to explore financing options if needed
  • Opportunity to phase your project if budget requires (hardscaping first, outdoor kitchen later, for example)
  • No surprise spring price increases – Materials and labor costs sometimes rise as demand increases
Many homeowners also receive holiday bonuses or tax refunds in winter and early spring, making it an ideal time to allocate funds for outdoor improvements.

Popular Spring Projects to Consider
As you dream about your outdoor space, here are some of the most requested spring projects:
 
  • Patios and Outdoor Living Spaces
    Create an extension of your home with a beautiful patio using natural stone, pavers, or porcelain. Perfect for dining, entertaining, or simply enjoying your morning coffee outdoors.
  • Pool Surrounds and Decks
    Upgrade your pool area with natural stone or porcelain that stays cool underfoot and elevates the entire aesthetic. Travertine, sandstone, and porcelain are popular choices for their durability and beauty.
  • Walkways and Driveways
    Enhance your home’s curb appeal with elegant walkways or a stunning paver driveway. These features blend functionality with visual impact.

  • Retaining Walls
    Solve drainage issues or create terraced garden beds with attractive retaining wall systems that add dimension to your landscape.

  • Fire Pits and Outdoor Kitchens
    Turn your backyard into an entertainment destination with a custom fire feature or fully equipped outdoor kitchen. These high-impact additions extend your outdoor season and create memorable gathering spaces.

Getting Started: Your Winter Planning Checklist

Ready to move forward? Here’s how to start:
 
Define Your Vision
  • Browse inspiration online (Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram)
  • Identify must-have features vs. nice-to-haves
  • Consider how you’ll use the space (entertaining, relaxation, play area)
  • Think about maintenance preferences
Set Your Budget
  • Research typical costs for your desired project type
  • Determine your comfortable investment range
  • Explore financing if needed
  • Build in a 10-15% contingency for unexpected items
Find the Right Contractor
  • Ask friends and neighbors for referrals
  • Read online reviews and check credentials
  • Interview at least 2-3 contractors
  • Ask to see photos of completed projects and talk to references
Visit Material Suppliers
  • Tour showrooms to see materials in person
  • Ask about product durability and maintenance
  • Bring photos of your home to help with selection
  • Request samples to view at your property in different lighting
Schedule Consultations
  • Meet with contractors at your property for site evaluations
  • Discuss design ideas and get professional input
  • Request detailed proposals with material specifications
  • Clarify timelines, payment schedules, and warranty information
The Investment That Keeps Giving
 
Quality hardscaping isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in your home and lifestyle. Well-designed outdoor spaces:
  • Increase property value – Outdoor living features can recoup 50-75% of their cost in resale value
  • Extend your living space – Gain usable square footage without a costly addition
  • Reduce maintenance – Hardscaping requires far less upkeep than lawn or garden beds
  • Improve functionality – Solve drainage issues, create level entertaining areas, and define spaces
  • Enhance quality of life – Enjoy your outdoor space more when it’s beautiful and functional

We’re Here to Help

At Outdoor Living Supply, we work with homeowners and contractors to bring outdoor living visions to life. Whether you’re just starting to explore options or ready to select materials, our knowledgeable team can guide you through product choices, connect you with quality contractors, and help you create the outdoor space you’ve been dreaming of.

Visit your local Outdoor Living Supply store to see to see our extensive selection of natural stone, pavers, retaining wall systems, and outdoor living products. Let’s start planning your best backyard yet.

Why December Is the Right Time to Plan Your Spring Hardscaping Projects

Winter may have just begun, but for savvy contractors, spring project planning starts now. While your competitors are winding down for the holidays, the most successful landscapers and builders are already lining up their spring workload, securing materials, and positioning themselves to hit the ground running when the weather breaks.

Here’s why planning your spring hardscaping projects in December gives you a competitive advantage—and how to make the most of the off-season.

The Early Bird Gets the Best Projects

Homeowners and commercial clients who plan ahead tend to be your best customers. They’re organized, decisive, and ready to commit. By reaching out to past clients and prospects now, you can:

  • Lock in high-value projects before competitors even start their marketing
  • Build your spring pipeline with confidence, knowing you have work lined up
  • Avoid the spring scramble when everyone is competing for the same jobs
  • Secure deposits that improve your winter cash flow

Industry data shows that contractors who book projects 2-3 months in advance typically achieve 20-30% higher project margins compared to those taking last-minute jobs, largely due to better planning, material sourcing, and crew scheduling.

Material Availability and Pricing One of the biggest advantages of early planning? Securing materials before the spring rush drives up demand and potentially impacts availability.
  • Natural stone and pavers can have lead times of several weeks, especially for specialty products or custom colors
  • Early orders may allow you to take advantage of better pricing or avoid spring price increases
  • Product selection is at its peak during winter months, giving your clients more options
  • Delivery scheduling becomes easier when you’re not competing with dozens of other contractors for the same delivery windows
Working with your material supplier now means you can confirm product availability, explore new collections, and ensure you’re specifying materials that will be in stock when you need them.

Design and Estimation Time

Winter gives you the breathing room to focus on the details that make projects profitable and your clients happy.

  • Site visits and measurements are easier without the pressure of active job sites
  • Design revisions can happen at a comfortable pace, ensuring client satisfaction before breaking ground
  • Accurate estimates reduce change orders and protect your margins
  • Permitting and approvals can be obtained while you wait for installation weather

The time you invest in thorough planning now will pay dividends in smoother installations, fewer surprises, and better project outcomes.

Crew Scheduling and Subcontractor Coordination

Your best crews and most reliable subcontractors get booked up fast. Planning ahead allows you to:

  • Reserve crew time for your most important projects
  • Line up specialized trades for complex installations (outdoor kitchens, water features, lighting)
  • Create efficient routing between job sites to minimize drive time
  • Plan training opportunities during slower winter weeks to upskill your team

Contractors who schedule crew and subs in advance report fewer delays and better labor efficiency, both of which directly impact profitability.

Popular Spring Project Types to Pursue

As you build your spring pipeline, focus on projects with strong demand and solid margins:

  • Patio and outdoor living spaces – Homeowners want these ready for warm weather entertaining
  • Pool surrounds and deck upgrades – Premium natural stone or porcelain adds value and visual appeal
  • Walkways and driveways – Essential hardscaping that combines function with curb appeal
  • Retaining walls – Segmental retaining wall systems offer durability and design flexibility
  • Outdoor kitchens and fire features – High-margin projects that expand your service offerings

Getting Started

Ready to plan your spring season? Here’s your action checklist:

  • Reach out to past clients – Send a winter check-in email or postcard about spring projects
  • Review your project backlog – Follow up on quotes and proposals that didn’t close last season
  • Connect with your material supplier – Discuss product availability, new collections, and any upcoming promotions
  • Schedule design consultations – Use January and February for site visits and project planning
  • Book your crew calendar – Block time for your priority projects before you’re fully scheduled
  • Refresh your portfolio – Update your website and social media with recent projects to attract new clients

We’re Here to Help You Plan

At Outdoor Living Supply, we understand that successful spring seasons are built in winter. Our team is ready to help you source materials, explore new product options, and plan installations that set you apart from the competition. Whether you need natural stone, pavers, retaining wall systems, or design support, we’re your partner in creating beautiful, profitable outdoor spaces.

Contact your local Outdoor Living Supply store to start planning your best spring season yet. The time you invest today will pay off when the weather warms up and you’re already ahead of the competition.