Enjoy The Patio And Deck Longer With The Help Of Outdoor Heating

By Brian Walker

Those people that live in colder climates usually dread when cold weather comes around because they can no longer enjoy activities that are done during the summer on their deck and patio. Those days are over and there are ways of extending the outdoor living space far into the fall and early in the spring. The only thing that is needed is an outdoor heating system. There are many options that can be considered including building a fireplace on the patio. The outdoor space can be enjoyed even when the temperatures at night go low.

Heating units used for outdoor heating can be fueled by many different substances. They can burn wood. They can also use electricity or natural gas or gain power by the use of propane tanks, gasoline or kerosene. There are many products on the market today that will heat up the patio or a back porch that can be bought in different stores.

Propane heaters are probably the most effective. They are safe and easy to use and use propane much in the same way as it is used in outdoor grills. Some propane heaters have an interesting look to them. They are very tall often up to 10 feet high and have a thin stem with a lamp like top that looks somewhat like a very tall mushroom. The heat is created inside the cap and is forced down. This is why they are so tall but they are also very effective. They heat an area fifteen to twenty five feet in diameter. These heaters are very portable and can even be folded down in order to put in a car or store. You can have a party on your deck even when there is snow on the ground with these units. You can find them for about $200 but the price can go up to $500.

Another option is a fire pit or outdoor fire place. Fire pits can be found in many different retail stores and are very popular. They are portable and can be moved around. Most are made with a bowl or box that will contain the burning wood that is raised up on legs. This will enable them to be used without threat of burning through a wooden deck. They also have mesh screen covers in most cases that keep the embers in so they will not fall out to damage a wooden deck.

Fire pits are not all wood burning. There are those that are made to use propane or can be tapped in to the natural gas of the house. They run cleaner and do not produce any smoke. There is a fire pit model on the market that has a table surrounding it. You entertain on your patio with the warmth of your fire pit far into the fall and winter.

It is possible to build a fireplace right on a deck or patio. These have chimneys just like indoor fireplaces so be sure they are situated where there can be no damage to the roof of the house. Outdoor fireplaces are fueled by wood or gas. They can not be moved so if portability is desired you may want to try a Mexican Chimerea.

These began as ovens in Mexico and were made of clay in a tear drop design. The bottom part is bulbous and contains the fire while the chimney comes from the top to let smoke out. They are usually up on legs so they will not burn the floor. It is advisable to get a metal one in cold climate areas because the clay ones will crack in very cold weather. You can find them for about $100 and more and can either be about 3 feet high to 6 feet.

There are many options that will extend the time you can spend on your patio or deck. Outdoor heating is easy to find and reasonably priced. You can entertain on your deck much longer than you ever could before. - 30228

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here