With just a few easy upgrades, your deck, porch, or patio can be a comfortable, cozy, and inviting extension of your home. From high-cost investments to low-budget fixes, it’s not difficult to warm up outdoor living spaces for year-round enjoyment.
Warm Up with a Chiminea
A chiminea is a type of outdoor fireplace that adds warmth and a pleasing aesthetic to your deck or patio. These structures are available in rustic terra-cotta, modern steel, or classic cast iron to suit your decor. Because they have a chimney built in to the structure, they are considered safer than an in-ground firepit and they are better for small spaces. The base of the chiminea gives off heat, while the chimney funnels the smoke upwards and away from your guests.
Use Patio Heaters to Warm up Outdoor Living Spaces
Patio space heaters are available in both electric and gas-powered models. Propane heaters should only be used in an open environment, so make sure you have adequate airflow on your deck if you choose this style of heater.
Electric patio heaters take longer to warm a space but they are safer in more enclosed areas, like in a small courtyard or on a covered porch. The portability of an electric patio heater is limited by its distance to the nearest GFCI power outlet.
Fire Pits
If you have a large enough backyard, you can safely install a fire pit. Fire pits are a relatively easy DIY project you can build in an open area. The fire pit needs to be at least 15 feet away from the house and other structures, and never install a fire pit beneath overhanging branches. You’ll need a supply of dry wood and the skills to build and maintain a fire. You must also make sure the fire is completely extinguished after every use.
Warm-up Outdoor Living Spaces with a Propane Table
Propane tables cost a bit more than other kinds of outdoor heaters, but for people who want to warm up their outdoor spaces, such an appliance can be well worth the investment. With a propane table, you can easily adjust the height of the flames for ambiance and warmth. Propane tables give you all the coziness of gathering around a campfire without the hassle of actually building one. You can even roast marshmallows and make s’mores.
Install a Hot Tub
One of the best ways to warm up while outdoors is by soaking in a heated spa. Not only will this add value to your home, but it will provide a great way to enjoy being outside. There are many hot tub options available for every space. Go with a large model if you plan on frequently hosting guests. To further boost the heat, install a stone paver patio warmed by radiant heating to keep your feet warm when you step out of the water.
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