You are having friends come over for a barbecue or garden party in the summer, and you want to make sure it goes off with a bang. One area to consider is external heating. As the sun goes down, it’s going to get cold, and the last thing you want is your friends and family getting chilly in the evening. So, here are some ways to heat the space safely and effectively.
Propane Heaters
Propane patio heaters are one of the most versatile and powerful ways to heat your outdoor space. They come in a range of styles, from modern, upright designs to styles that resemble lighting. For these to run as needed, you will have to look into propane providers to ensure that you get the right concentration of propane to heat the space as needed.
Fire Pits
Outdoor firepits became popular back in 2010, and they have only grown in popularity since then. Often resembling a metal basket or even a metal dish, these allow you and your guests to experience the beauty and the heat of a fire, usually with the protection of a domed, wired cover. These pits range in size, design, and colour, so they can be seamlessly blended into your home’s exterior décor.
Chiminea
Now, you may be thinking what the difference is between a chiminea and a fire pit? Chimineas tend to be encased, with the fire being in the centre rather than in the open, with a chimney to funnel the smoke. They can also be highly decorative, with many made from steel or even red clay with stylish carvings, to add an Aztec or other look to your garden space.
Ideally, they can burn wood or paper in them, and they will come with a metal grate to help prevent sparks and to keep everyone on your patio safe. As before, if you have children or pets, always be vigilant with them around fire pits or heaters and never leave them unattended with any of the items above.
Patio Covers
Now, compared to all the other items, a simple patio cover may not seem as though it will add much to the warmth of your outdoor space. However, if you are sitting out in the garden on a spring day with your family, and it is a bit windy, a patio cover with an awning will block the wind and keep you warmer. As is the way with awnings, based on where you live, you may need to get planning permission to put one up, so check beforehand.
Electric Patio Heaters
Electric patio heaters come in a range of shapes and sizes, with the majority of them being attachable to garden table umbrellas, or even to the wall above the garden door. Some of them even resemble standing streetlamps, which can give a vintage look to the space.
Either way, patio heaters of this nature will usually require electric wiring and linking to the home’s circuitry to work, so it’s recommended that when these are fitted, you call an electrician to ensure that they are correctly connected. You can get solar options, but these are usually not as powerful.