Summer may be on its way out the door, but this does not in any way mean that it is time to hang up the coat for outdoor entertaining. Whether you want to throw small get-togethers on the weekends, have an intimate meal with your significant other or have the boys over to watch football, you can still use your patio or deck during the cooler months. However, you need to first make sure you have the proper heating solutions installed, which will also help extend the life of your patio or deck while keeping you and your guests warm while you’re having fun. So, without further ado, here are a few ideas that will help ensure you stay snug while entertaining outdoors:
Fire Pits and Fireplaces
If you love how inviting a natural fire is, then a fireplace or a fire pit is the obvious choice for heat on your patio or deck. In fact, these are probably the most popular heating options. You can be as simple or as elaborate as you would like in terms of design. For the fire pit, you can choose to have a freestanding fire pit or you can have one built into a table.
Propane Heaters
These propane heaters are generally tall and are designed with a topper that helps to direct the heat toward the ground. The ones that are smaller are designed to be used on top of a table. You could purchase a couple of different ones so that they can be placed in different areas of the patio/deck to cater to the varying needs of your guests. When looking at the models, make sure to look for ones that are not top-heavy since they can catch fire if they are knocked over.
Ceiling-Mounted Heaters
If you’re worried about an open flame or a freestanding heater that could cause a dangerous fire if knocked over, you may want to consider an alternative. A heater that is mounted directly out of harm’s way in the ceiling is a perfect solution. These ceiling-mounted heaters are specifically designed for use outdoors, look very similar in nature to baseboard heaters, and will force heated air down. They can use either propane or natural gas, or some models are electric.
For more ideas on heat features for outdoor entertaining or to see how we can incorporate one of the aforementioned features into your existing deck or patio, give us a call at Structure Remodeling.