Most of us need to close down our patio and deck spaces when the weather gets too cold, losing valuable usable space in the home, and cutting down on our ability to spend time in nature. However, with clever use of outdoor heating, you can keep your patio up and running for longer into the season, and open it up earlier in the year. You can also use these heaters to create focal points in the yard, zen relaxation areas where you can snuggle under a handmade blanket, and mini oases of warmth. This guide will give tips on how to keep warm outside.
There are several different options for providing convenient heat in an outdoor environment. Some look stunning and beautiful, while others are primarily focused on putting out the BTUs.
Patio Heaters
One of the most cost-efficient, simple, and practical ways to heat your patio is with a patio heater. There are several different styles available, from the stunning glass tube pyramid patio heaters, with flames coursing through their central column, to simple propane patio heaters.
Electric patio heaters are also becoming more and more common, though these heaters don’t put out a ton of heat. They do have their place, though!
More information on patio heaters.
Fire Pits and Fire Tables
Fire pits and fire tables are a great way to bring warmth to the patio, and to create an oasis of welcoming respite. Whether the fire pit is a gas fire pit or a wood fire pit, both provide solid heat and a comforting atmosphere. And you can even cook on them!
We especially love copper fire bowls, beautiful long-lasting outdoor fire features that will weather the outdoors like magic, and gradually look nicer with age.
More Information on Fire Pits and Fire Tables.
Chimineas
Chimineas are another great strategy for creating a comfortable island of heat in a sea of cold. The chimney design of these outdoor fire features sends smoke up and away from those sitting around the chiminea, which is a huge plus.
These typically burn wood, though there are some that can be adapted for propane tanks, or even for ethanol or gel use.
There are several really fantastic modern chiminea designs out there, as well as some classic clay designs as well. And many are surprisingly reasonable in price.
More Information on Chimineas
Outdoor Fireplaces
Outdoor Fireplaces are a natural choice for when you are building a brand new patio, or refurbishing an existing one. Purpose-built outdoor fireplaces can look fantastic and can be customized in a million different ways.
Some are tied into natural gas lines, while others are designed to use propane tanks or wood.
Custom building an outdoor fireplace is certainly the most costly path to go down when considering outdoor heating solutions, but when you need the exact setup for your patio’s design and decor, a custom built fireplace is a great option!
More Information on Outdoor Fireplaces
Ethanol Fireplaces
Ethanol fireplaces are an interesting option, as they can be used both indoors and outdoors. They typically don’t provide as much heat as other options for outdoor heating and are more for accent, though some of them can kick out the BTUs.
However, they will rapidly use up bio-ethanol fuel.
There are loads of very cool designs for ethanol fireplaces on the market now, from inserts to tabletop fireplaces to wall mounted units. All of these can be moved from the outside indoors when you’re ready and are sure to look great.
And they’ll give off a little heat, too.
More Information on Ethanol Fireplaces.
Keep Warm Outside!
We hope that this guide has given you a few ideas on how to use heaters outdoors. Depending on if you’re looking for ambiance, pure heat output, or a mix of both, with a few well-placed patio heaters, you can create a welcoming outdoor environment, even in the cold!
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