As the frost blankets the patios and chilly winds sweep through the lawns, many outdoor lovers abhor the loss of garden lounging. It seems unfair to coop yourself indoors, leaving a gorgeous patio unused for months.
However, you can extend your outdoor unwinding sessions only with a bit of planning. No matter what the mercury reading says, there is always a way to make outdoor sitting spaces comfortable for hanging out with your loved ones.
In this article, we have some tips on how to keep a patio warm for your winter lounging sessions. So, you do not have to delay your get-togethers until next spring.
8 Simple Solutions for Keeping Your Patio Warm in winter
Planning an aesthetically pleasing yet functional sitting area is not as hard as one might think. It is all about making the best out of the simplest things and creating magic moments until the next season. No matter what your lifestyle is, you will find a suitable idea for yourself in our list.
1. A Fireplace or a Fire Pit
Fireplaces might sound traditional, but they are the best way to heat a patio in winter. From being a mere camping adventure to homeowners installing them in backyards, fire pits have come a long way.
Every outdoor furnace provides warmth by generating flame; the fuel source for the flame can vary based on the type of furnace.
Remember, you want your fireplace to be more of an aesthetic addition to your house rather than a smoke apparatus. So, drop the idea of a wood-stuffed fireplace, no matter how good it looks. You can consider installing an electric fireplace for its eco-friendliness, convenient installation, and easy use. However, if you are a DIY enthusiast, you can spend some time building your own smokeless fire pit for a more fun experience.
2. Block the Winds
Blocking winds is the best way to heat an outdoor patio and maintain a cozy temperature.
If you do not want to erect walls around the area, use thermal curtains to block the cold. The insulating fabric of these curtains helps retain heat inside your patio, thus making it bearable for winter lounging.
A cheap alternative to thermal curtains is the use of a tarp. While wind-breaking might not be their original purpose, tarps can trap heat to a significant extent. Clear tarps make a better choice for such DIY solutions so that you do not have to miss out on the light on a sunny day.
3. Invest in Heating Floors
No one wants to break their back shoveling their deck throughout the frigid winter. A snow-melting heated mat can be the best way to heat a patio and prevent ice from accumulating on the floor.
The snow-melting mats are cost-efficient heating equipment made of rubber with a heating technology inside. These mats maintain a constant temperature to melt the existing snow while preventing new snow from piling there.
If you live in an area where it does not snow that often, you might assume that a heating mat is optional. That is not an excuse to neglect the floor because the cold air sinks, making it the most chilled part of the patio.
4. Consider a Hot Tub
Installing a hot tub might not be the least expensive, but it is our favorite suggestion on how to keep the patio warm in winter.
For many, cold months do not only come with the physical stress of cleaning snow and driving on icy roads but also a mental health strain. Spending time in your bubbling tub can soothe your muscles, relieve your stress, and help you sleep better.
Hot tubbing in cold temperatures is the most underrated and understated experience out there. There are many ways to make it more fun, like adding scented candles or soft music in the background, sipping your favourite hot beverage, etc.
5. Electric Blankets
If you want to go the extra step to keep yourself warm and toasty while hanging outdoors in winter, consider buying an electric blanket.
The small wires running through the fabric of an electric blanket draw power from the electric circuits of your house to keep you comfortable. Don’t worry about them poking you because they are thin enough and encapsulated in a thick fabric that does not let them bother you.
While electric blankets may not be a high-end solution to outdoor cold, they always feel cozy. Besides, they are great for couples who want to enjoy each other’s company on a Saturday evening, snuggling and enjoying the sunset.
6. Add a Roof
One of the best ways to keep a patio warm and snow off your face is by putting a shade over it. Having a pergola or a gazebo will ensure your lounging area has permanent protection from rain, winds, and snow.
But those are not necessarily the only types of shade that you might use. If you like soaking some sun from time to time, consider a retractable shade over a permanent one. Retractable shades either require manual labor to fold or use a motor to operate.
It is a huge misconception among many that shades can only protect you from heat. A shade or roof can play a significant part in keeping your patio toasty by containing the heat that your patio heating elements produce.
7. Outdoor Heaters to Cozy Up the Space
Speaking of gear to keep your patio warm during winter, we cannot skip the most productive one – a heater. Your winter patio will be incomplete without one of these:
● Propane Heaters: When it comes to portable patio heaters, propane heaters are a favorite to many. Moreover, they are incredibly low-maintenance and heat up a small space within minutes, which makes them a convenient choice.
● Electric Heaters: An electric heater are another convenient space heating option, mainly due to its size and portability. You can easily place them on a tabletop and expect them to cozy up your small sitting space just well.
● Infrared Heaters: Most of infrared heaters feature heating elements encapsulated by a metal grill. These heaters warm up a space without heating the air, thus making an excellent patio heating solution. The best thing about them is that the temperature of your surroundings determines the radiation they emit.
● Hanging Heaters: Hanging heaters are perfect picks for large spaces with permanent or semi-permanent overhead shelters. They can either use electric or infrared radiation to heat your space and look aesthetically pleasing.
8. Fluffy Cushions, Faux Plants, and Soft lighting
Adding heating equipment is not enough to cozy up your outdoor sitting space. Sometimes, creating an atmosphere of warmth can also make a difference.
● You can use fluffed-up cushions and wool coverings on your patio furniture to add a warm vibe to the overall layout. The rugs will also help in the same way by adding texture.
● Soft lighting and lanterns can also create a cozy atmosphere, especially if your space is too small to accommodate a fire pit.
● Greenery in any setting can look pleasing to the eyes, but plants tend to produce a cooling effect. In winter, replacing real plants with faux flora can be the best way to heat a patio.
4 Reminders for Keeping Your Patio Warm in Winter
When you spend a fortune collecting all the heating gear for your outdoor lounge, it is natural to want to make the best out of it. You can make that happen by taking appropriate measures, such as:
● Extra Care: Never leave any heating element unattended, whether it is switched on or off. The best way is to extinguish the fire when you are not around and cover these objects, especially if you have children and pets in your house.
● Be Mindful of the Fuel Costs: Adding fire pits and other heating elements to your house brings a great need for check and balance. Do not forget that fuel comes with price tags. Be mindful of the costs, no matter if you use electricity, propane, or natural gas.
● Layer Up: While fretting about how to keep your porch warm in winter, you must not forget the importance of dressing appropriately. Wrap a scarf around your neck, wear socks all the time, and do not forget to throw on a shrug.
● Treat Yourself with Hot Beverages: In addition, treat yourself to a mug of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee to keep your body’s extremities warm while sitting outdoors.
Enjoy Your Cozy Outdoor Space All Season Long
Finding a way to sit outdoors in winter is not about fighting the cold but rather embracing it. No matter what the mercury reading shows, there is always a way to make the weather work in your best interest.
As long as you know your options, there is no hard science in how to keep a patio warm in the winter.
VEVOR has all the necessary elements that you can use to breathe life into your dry outdoor space amidst frigid frost. So, let’s not let the end days of the summer mark the end of your barbecue parties and get-togethers.
