Ways to Warm Up Your Outdoor Living Spaces

If you spent last summer building a deck, you want to spend as much time as possible enjoying the space. A deck, porch, courtyard, or patio can still be made comfortable when the temperatures drop. Warm up your outdoor living spaces and put this square footage to use year-round.

Build a Fire Pit to Warm Up Your Outdoor Living Space

Purchase a fire pit – or build one – to add some warmth to your patio, courtyard, or deck. It’s easy to build one by stacking concrete pavers in a circle. Your local hardware store will have other options for pre-made fire pits.

You might choose a metal bowl or a terra cotta chiminea to help warm up outdoor spaces. Keep your fire pit at least 10′ away from the house and from patio furniture, curtains, and other flammable objects. Never use a fire pit in an enclosed space like a screened-in porch.

Add Fabric

Wooden and wicker patio furniture are smart choices for colder weather that will feel warmer than metal chairs. Add comfortable blankets and throw pillows to help warm the space. Purchase cushions for the chairs and add a rug over the floor. Fabrics provide warmth and insulation from chilly temperatures.

Create a Windscreen

If your outdoor living spaces are breezy, install a windscreen in cooler weather. You could construct your own fabric screen from PVC pipe and cloth. Plant shrubbery that will grow tall enough to act as a windbreak. Alternatively, you might build a windscreen from recycled pallets or old wooden shutters.

Hang Curtains

Lightweight gauze curtains look great in the summertime. In the winter, switch out thinner fabrics for thick drapes. Velvet, cotton canvas, and wool are great choices for cold weather curtains. These fabrics will help block the wind and keep the area warmer by containing the heat generated in the space.

Use a Space Heater to Warm Up Your Outdoor Living Spaces

An easy way to warm up your outdoor living spaces is by using a space heater. There are several models available for outdoor use. Purchase an electric heater if you have a power outlet nearby. Propane-powered models are good choices for extra heat without using electricity. Make sure you turn off the heaters when no one is in the space and keep flammable materials several feet away from the heat source

Soak in the Hot Tub

The outdoor temperature really doesn’t matter when you have a tub of warm water to soak in. Install a hot tub on your deck or patio to provide a cozy place to enjoy the chilly days and nights. Add non-slip steps and a towel rack for keeping bathrobes and towels within reach.

Five Stars Home Inspection provides inspection services to customers in Boston, MA, and surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.