Patio Heating Solutions to Extend your Outdoor Living Season

Winter tends to make us feel trapped, as we spend more time indoors. However, we don’t have to feel that way. With recent trends and advances in outdoor living, the ability to enjoy nature year-long isn’t just for the extreme weather outdoorsmen or mild climate dwellers. Portable and permanent outdoor heating options on the market today allow you to easily and comfortably enjoy a cup of hot coffee from your back porch or patio regardless of the season. Outdoor heaters create welcome environments for you and your guests allowing you to utilize your outdoor patio year long.


This outdoor fireplace acts not only as a source of heat on cool nights and winter days, but also
is an architectural focal point that draws attention and creates the feeling of an outdoor 'room'.

Outdoor heaters are available in a variety of sizes and styles, using different fuels, and across a wide range of budgets. One of them is sure to fit your particular needs. When shopping around for an outdoor heater, make sure to consider these needs: how large is the area you are looking to heat? What temperature range are you willing to battle? How many people will be using the heater at a time? Asking yourself these questions will help you determine which type of outdoor heater is ideal for your needs.

Electric heaters: Electric heaters use electricity with halogen elements to produce heat. This option is more efficient than anything else on the market, which makes it the economist’s choice as well as the environmentalist’s due to its zero carbon emissions. These reasons make electric heaters the best option for frequent usage. Electric heaters come in free standing or wall mounted appliances. Mounted heaters are an excellent option for limited spaces, whereas free standing heaters offer portability.

Gas heaters: Gas heaters can use either propane or natural gas and are best for heating large areas because they produce enough energy to heat up to a 15-20 foot radius which is attractive to those with large porches or patios. Most are run on propane gas although a plumber can hook it up to a gas main if you have one. Propane offers more portability than natural gas, so make sure you consider your needs prior to purchasing. However, keep in mind that is at or below 40 °F, propane starts to liquefy and will not give good performance.

Wood heaters: Available wood heating options can add a significant amount of beauty if you are going for a nostalgic look. Our custom designed and installed fireplaces and fire pits fall into this category and can provide year round enjoyment. Wood is fairly cheap and can be had without too much difficulty. This heating option is a versatile element in any landscape design, as it performs above and beyond its basic purpose. Stay warm during the winter, roast marshmallows during the summer, and enjoy the year round beauty and character that a fireplace or pit adds to your backyard.

Although outdoor heating solutions can prolong the enjoyment of your outdoor living area into the colder month, it is important to keep your expectations realistic. Remember that as the temperature decreases heat loss will increase. This means that on those really cold days, you will have to be within close range in order to stay warm, or sit in a more enclosed space.