If you’re planning to invest in a luxury outdoor living area, you should consider expanding its functionality with year-round heating. In this article, we’ll look at different ways you can heat your outdoor living space so you can find the solution that works best for you.
Why Outdoor Heating Ideas Matter for Your Patio or Backyard
Heating systems allow you to get much more use out of your outdoor living space than you normally would. Typical patios and backyards are mostly used during the summer, but when they’re heated, these spaces can be used at any time of the year. Depending on the layout of your outdoor living area, there are tons of possibilities here — you can hold cozy fire pit get-togethers in winter, host early spring events, and so much more!
Top Outdoor Heating Ideas to Consider
Heating an outdoor patio or backyard is pretty straightforward, but there are a few different ways of doing it. You can opt for heated flooring, standalone heaters, or fire-based features. Often, you can use these heating features together to get the most use out of your outdoor space.
Heated Patio Floors & Radiant Pavers
Heated floors and pavers are by far the most extensive and thorough options for heating patios and backyards. These systems involve installing heating cables underneath patio spaces, walkways, and driveways to keep surfaces warm and free of snow. These can be installed as part of a new build or a backyard renovation.
Built-In Outdoor Fireplaces: Luxury & Long-Term Value
An outdoor fireplace is an elegant solution for heating an outdoor living space. This approach brings the comfort of a living room to the openness of the outdoors, giving you the best of both worlds.
This luxury landscaping option creates a lovely centerpiece for your outdoor seating area, and it pairs well with other luxury elements like an outdoor bar. A fireplace also provides longer-term value by adding to your home’s worth. If you want to create the most premium experience for your guests, then an outdoor fireplace should be on your list.
Outdoor Patio Heaters: Flexible Heating Solutions
Other patio heating ideas include propane and infrared heaters. These are great for providing concentrated heat to a smaller area, and they can be used with fireplaces, fire pits, and heated floors to experience maximum warmth.
Propane Patio Heaters
Propane heaters stand out for their aesthetics. These heaters project columns of flame to fight the chill, making them visually compelling inclusions to any outdoor space. They’re typically freestanding and come in a variety of versatile designs.
Infrared Patio Heaters
Unlike propane heaters, infrared patio heaters use electricity to heat the space, making them slightly more affordable overall. Infrared heaters can also cover more ground than propane, though you lose a little in the aesthetics department.
Fire Pits & Fire Tables: Where Ambiance Meets Function
Looking for something a little more unique? A fire pit or table might suit your needs. These provide heat in style and feel especially at home in modern designs.
Wood-Burning Fire Pits & Chimneys
There’s nothing like a wood-burning fire feature to complete a cozy outdoor atmosphere. This option has its pros and cons — it’s potentially free if you live in a wooded area, but it requires more upkeep than other options. If you’re going for a classic outdoorsy vibe, definitely consider a wood-fueled fire pit or chimney.
Gas Fire Pits & Fire Tables
Gas-powered fire pits and tables are convenient and flexible, allowing for more controlled fire displays and simple operation. A fire pit is a timeless option that you can’t go wrong with and lends itself well to the fall and spring seasons. On the other hand, a fire table is a particularly captivating element that can upgrade any outdoor living space.
Safety, Codes, and Planning for Outdoor Heating
As with any backyard addition, it’s a good idea to check with your city or municipality to ensure you’re compliant with fire and building codes (and any additional safety requirements). If you’re going with something more involved like a fireplace or heated patio, it helps to have a professional team like Brothers Grimm install your heating system.
Energy Efficiency, Running Costs, and Sustainability of Outdoor Heating
No matter which of these outdoor heating ideas you go with, you should consider the various costs. Heating outdoor areas comes with both financial and environmental effects, and you’ll need to find a balance that works for you. Wood, gas, and electricity all have specific advantages and drawbacks, so there’s not one that’s inherently better than the others. It’s worth investigating each option in detail before you make any decisions.
Ready to Extend Your Outdoor Season?
Whether you’re looking for a brand new patio or planning an extensive backyard renovation, Brothers Grimm can help. We have 20+ years of experience with every kind of outdoor living space you can think of, and we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Schedule a free consultation today!
