Deck Heating Options: Chimeneas, Fire Pits, and Heated Furniture

Chilly or otherwise inclement weather can prevent you from getting the most out of your deck during many moths of the year. With some integrated heat sources, you can keep your deck parties from being cut short by less than ideal weather.

There are many different heating options for your deck, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Homeowners should consider these pros and cons before investing in a heating option for their deck. Here are some of those options, as well as a look at what they're most appropriate for.

Deck Heaters

For practicality, small portable heaters are your best bet. The traditional outdoor heating option is the radiant heater. These are the ones often seen in commercial venues where outside seating is available. You can also find natural gas deck heaters.

Increasingly, though, radiant and natural gas heaters are being replaced by newer infrared heaters, which are more efficient and safer for cedar decking. Retailers offer a wide selection of heater choices, so you shouldn't have trouble finding whichever style you choose.

Chimineas

A chiminea is a cross between a small chimney and a fire pit. Popular because of their aesthetic appeal and simple design, chimineas fit in almost every price range. On the low end, you can find relatively inexpensive chimineas that will provide a nice amount of heat for a reasonable price; on the high end, some cedar deck owners have constructed much larger chimineas that double as fireplaces built into the deck.

Heated Lighting and Furniture

If you really want to move into the 21st century on your cedar deck, retailers may offer heated furniture or lights. Heated Furniture is a recent trend - imagine a table or chair with small charged-electric heaters. This trend requires minimal installation and upkeep.

Heated lighting works in a similar way, which is perfect for those slightly chilly summer nights.

Fire pits

If you love a good campfire, you may want to consider a fire pit. These will give you the look, feel, and smell of a campfire. They come in many different styles and sizes, and can be either installed into the surface of your deck or be portable. You can also choose between a traditional wood-burning or gas-fueled fire pit.

A fire pit makes a great focal point and gathering spot for your outdoor living space. However, when considering a fire pit for a cedar deck, take care to prevent the decking material from catching fire. A good way to do this is by surrounding the fire pit (whether portable or built-in) with a non-flammable surface, such as deck tiles. In general, fire pits take up more space and require more care than other heat providers.

Other Considerations - Style and Ambiance

Take ambiance and style into mind when deciding how to heat your cedar deck. Homes with a more rustic style may not jive with futuristic-looking heated furniture, for example. chimineas and fire pits provide a different ambience than traditional deck heaters.

Outdoor Patio Dining - Make Your Outdoor Patio Elaborate

Frequently one of the most overlooked spaces in any home is the outdoor dining area. During warm months this space frequently serves as an extension of the home and, with the right outdoor patio dining furniture, can become one of the favorite gathering spaces for any family. There are so many options today, however, that it's difficult to decide unless a plan is created that takes into account what's on the inside of the home as well.

There are several tips that will maximize outdoor space and make it a retreat that reflects personal style and is worthy of sharing. Although many people will set up a few plastic chairs and whatever table is available, this often lacks the warm, welcoming feature most desired. With the choices available today this is no longer necessary. Tables with umbrellas, weatherproof cushions and furniture, and accessories like fire pits and water features can turn any space into an oasis.

Since designers have enhanced decorative style over the past few years, the outdoor space is now able to resemble an actual extension of the rooms in the home if it is done right. For instance, to have vibrant colors indoors then walk outside to find muted tones would not provide the cohesion between indoor and outdoor space that's most desired. Therefore, taking the décor theme from inside and utilizing it outside will make the outdoor space fit the aesthetics better.

The dining furniture selected will be the central feature, but it doesn't mean other things can't be added and, in fact, they can make the space appear homier. Adding potted flowers in accent colors and selecting lighting fixtures and statuary that's reflective of elements inside the home are great choices. However, it's important not to over-decorate. The table, placemats or tablecloth, plates, glasses, and silverware should reflect the accent colors without being visually overwhelming.

Another mistake many people make while decorating is overcrowding. If decorating a balcony on an apartment, for instance, a full size table would crowd the space making it look smaller than it really is. If you only have room for a bistro table and a couple of chairs, then make the most of the space you have. On the other hand, if the space allows then go for it. Many combination sets are now available that include sofa, chairs, and side tables all designed to complement the table.

Designing an outdoor space can be fun. It's important to remember that it needs to be functional, reflect the décor that's inside the home, and provide protection from glaring sun. With the options available today, the patio can become one of the favorite gathering spots for the entire family and often serves as a great space to entertain. With the right lighting and accessories it will be hard to tell that's it's not part of the home. However, keep in mind that the outdoor patio dining furnishings selected should set the standard for everything else chosen.