As the chilly months creep up, most of us tend to retreat indoors where we’re sure to find a warm reprieve from the cold. Instead of relaxing on the patio as we did during the warmer seasons, we leave the back yard behind. But the good news is that we don’t have to abandon our patios in the winter!
There are myriad solutions for your porch, patio and back yard that will empower you to reclaim your outdoor abodes while keeping cozy even in the frosty months. Remember to keep plenty of extra blankets and pillows no matter what patio amenities you have – they’ll always come in handy. Just in case those aren’t enough, we’ve got another handful of suggestions here for you.
Patio Sun Porch
The temperature outside may be chilly, but you can always harness the sun’s warmth with a cozy Sun Porch. Most sun porches will have a clear glass covering, built beneath open sky where the sun’s rays can shine in and warm up the space. A transparent wind-break screen is often used on the sides of the porch to keep the biting breeze from ruining the warmth. You’ll still enjoy the fresh air and all the outdoor amenities you love. The best part – no electricity or natural gas cost for all that warmth!
Outdoor Fireplace
While it’s nice to capture the sun’s natural heat for your cozy winter patio, sometimes we want to enjoy our outdoor space at night. And let’s face it – the sun doesn’t always shine, even during the day, in the winter months. That’s when you turn to the tried-and-true winter warmth solution – The Fireplace. An outdoor patio fireplace is a must-have for any backyard gathering area. They can be custom designed, big or small and fit exactly how you want them to in regards to your patio setup. Wood-burning fireplaces offer the classic ambiance and crackling coziness of the old fashioned home hearth. A natural gas fireplace is an alternative solution that’s incredibly efficient, super easy to use and creates no mess.
Patio Fire Pits
Similar to a patio fireplace, a Fire Pit provides resounding warmth with either natural gas or natural wood/charcoal fuels. Fire pits can actually offer greater variety in form and function than traditional fireplaces. They can be installed central to seating areas and provide warmth to an entire room all around it. You could shape your fire pit in almost any imaginable way, large or small and craft it to fit your patio or back yard with style. Furthermore, you can use your fire pit for cooking – whether roasting hot dogs on a stick or placing a grill top over the flames to sizzle up a savory steak.
Outdoor Patio Heater
One of the most common and elegant solutions to warming up your patio in the winter is an Outdoor Heater. Both natural gas and electric patio heaters are available and provide an excellent source of warmth. Patio heaters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so you are sure to find one that’s just right for the heat you need and a style that fits your outdoor décor.
About the Author: Clay Adams is a home DYI lifestyle blogger for Dream Retreats and other home improvement sites
October 14, 2016