Stay Cozy and Warm: The Best Ways to Heat Your Patio

A patio is one of the most inviting places within a home that lends itself to hosting, celebrating, and relaxing—even in the wintertime! The key element to a cozy and inviting backyard space is creating warmth within your environment, whether that be through the use of electric space heaters or fire pits. Not only is it important to incorporate heated energy in your patio space, but other elements such as furniture, decor, and lighting can all play a role in creating your own personal year-round retreat.

Why It's Important To Have A Warm And Cozy Outdoor Space

Our environments and surroundings have a direct effect on our mood and overall well-being. Taking time to intentionally plan your outside space will not only help your well-being but will also improve the appearance and value of your property. Investing in comfortable outdoor furniture, ambient lighting, fire pits, and intentional landscaping will create an atmosphere that encourages healthy social interaction with friends and family. Designing aesthetically pleasing outdoor patios and backyards has become increasingly popular due to the additional lifestyle benefits they provide individuals or families.

There are many choices when it comes to considering the best way to heat a patio, whether it is a covered or non-covered patio. You may consider building a permanent outdoor fireplace or wood-burning stove to add a stylish focal point to your designed space. However, you may also find that portable options such as chimineas or electric heaters are more suitable for your needs. Outdoor seating arrangements and ambient lighting placement are also key to developing a pleasant atmosphere that is more enclosed and appealing for all visitors.

Top Pick: Using a Fire Pit Table

Electric heaters, gas fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, or fire pit tables can all create a cozy and comfortable outdoor setting. Fire pit tables are some of the most modern and effective ways to heat your patio due to their functionality and versatility. These tables can be used throughout the different seasons of the year, making the investment worthwhile. Whether this means warming up by the fire after playing in the snow or having it nearby in the summertime for additional ambiance, the fire pit table is perfect for entertainment.

Most tables are fueled by propane or natural gas, which makes them fairly simple to use and maintain. We have carefully crafted each of our fire pit tables into concave bowl shapes with professional-grade lava rocks that allow for hours of even heat distribution, emanating warmth similar to a wood-burning fire. They are built with premium concrete materials, which make them highly durable and weather-resistant:

• Rook Fire Table - Natural Gas
• Rook Fire Table - Propane
• Rook Fire Table - Natural Gas
• Coupe Fire Table - Natural Gas

Using a Wall-Mounted Patio Heaters

If you have limited space or want to extend your outdoor surface area for enjoyment, installing a wall-mounted patio heater can effectively heat specific areas while also giving your environment a stylish and refined aesthetic. Wall-mounted heaters are relatively simple and have various models, including gas-powered, liquid-propane, and electric. The key advantage to wall-mounted patio heaters is that they increase usable square feet while still providing sufficient light and warmth to occupied areas of your patio.

Use A Chiminea To Increase The Temperature

One of the most effective ways to transmit heat on your patio, deck, or backyard is incorporating a chiminea. The term “chiminea” is derived from the Spanish word "chimenea," referring to a typical freestanding fireplace found in Mesoamerica with the shape of a chimney. This version of an outdoor fire is typically made from steel, cast iron, or clay, which helps transmit warmth in all directions.

Chimineas have a charming appeal, creating a designated focal point and inviting presence for entertainment. Chimineas provide a variety of fuel alternatives, including wood-burning options, easy-to-use propane, and natural gas models. The enclosed design allows oxygen to be drawn into the flames, which transmits heat more efficiently, making it most useful for small patios.

Electric Patio Heaters

If you want a heater that offers a convenient and eco-friendly option, then incorporating electric heaters into your patio design is your answer. Electric heaters refrain from using traditional fuel sources and simply require a plug to warm your outdoor space. They also come in various designs, including freestanding and tabletop models, catering to different preferences and creating options for portability.

However, it is important to note that electric heaters should not be located where they risk being damaged by direct rainwater. Electric patio lights are also innovative products that are more cost-effective than gas due to their reduced energy usage, which is attractive for homeowners.

Traditional Propane Patio Heaters

The attraction to traditional propane-fueled patio heaters is their ability to emit constant streams of heat, whether in large entertainment spaces or small, intimate patio settings. They do not require a direct power source due to their starter ignition capability, which makes them easy to operate and transport. Propane heaters are offered in various styles, including umbrella, cylindrical, contemporary, and pyramid, all with a cylinder-type contraption that creates radiant heat without flames.

Final Thoughts

An outdoor patio or backyard is an extension of the home, used for entertainment, building relationships, casually lounging, or a moment of self-reflection. This is why it is important to know the best way to heat your patio on those days when it’s especially cold.

Intentionally incorporating elements such as fire pits, electric heaters, lights, and furniture within your outdoor space will create a focal point and upgrade your aesthetic, adding value to your home and increasing your personal enjoyment. Define your outdoor space now by considering personal preferences, cost limitations, and overall convenience factors to design a cozy patio that invites you and your guests to sit, relax, and unwind.