Heat Things Up! How to Keep Warm, in the Cold

Originally Published on November 21, 2016. Last Updated on June 23, 2021.

The chill is on! Well, not quite, but it’s coming… and you’ll need to make preparations now so you can continue to enjoy your outdoor living space through the fall and winter.

Below are some of our favorite ways at Trex® Outdoor Furniture™ to create a toasty atmosphere throughout the cold weather seasons.

Light a Traditional Fireplace or Fire Pit

We love the look of a traditional outdoor fireplace with a pair of Trex® Outdoor Furniture™ Yacht Club Rocking Chairs placed in front of it. Or a fire pit surrounded by an Adirondack Cape Cod Conversation Set. (Check out our firepit how-to post here.)

firepit

While there isn’t always space for a fireplace or fire pit, there are plenty of additional heating options that allow you to continue hosting outdoor football gatherings or holiday dinners.

Fire up a Propane Patio Heater

To warm up open outdoor areas like an uncovered porch, patio, or deck, select a traditional propane outdoor heater. The portable heaters often come with wheels, so you can move them around where needed, and most propane heating selections also have a natural gas option.

We love the AZ Patio Heater, a full-size heater, which gives off 10 to 12 feet of warmth for an average of eight to 10 hours.

azpatioheater

For smaller areas, AZ Outdoor also offers Tabletop Patio Heater selections. This stainless steel version is perfect for a side or end table and uses propane or butane to give off heat.

tabletopheater

Plug in an Electric Heater

Looking for a way to warm your covered porch, screened-in room, or covered patio? If you have electrical outlets nearby, skip the propane tank and choose an electric heating option. They’re stylish, affordable, and come in floor-lamp and tabletop model styles.

This Endless Summer New Orleans Tabletop Heater is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, heats up to 115 square feet, and fits nicely with any decor.

electricheater

Hang a Wall-Mounted Patio Heater

Perfect for smaller spaces, like a terrace or balcony, wall-mounted heaters radiate warmth while taking up very little space. The heaters employ directional infrared technology, meaning they target the heat where it needs to go — toward people and objects.

We recommend the Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat 300 Series, which runs on propane or natural gas and heats up to 120 square feet of space. It uses three burners to evenly release warmth through a ceramic medium and even withstands winds up to 11 mph.

bromicwallhanging

For a more cost-efficient option, we like the Stiebel Eltron CIR 150-1 0 SunWarmth Infrared Outdoor Radiant Heater. Perfect for a garage, patio, workshop, or porch, the heater warms a 150-square-foot area with an infrared heat bulb via a standard 120-volt outlet. These wall-mounted options are ideal for adding instant heat indoors and outdoors. They’re commonly used in commercial spaces, like auto repair shops and restaurant patios, and can be angled to get the heat where it needs to go.

stiebelwallhanging

Heat Up Your Flooring

If you live in a colder climate and still plan on maximizing time outdoors this winter, you may consider adding a heated outdoor patio, which can help prevent the accumulation of snow and ice. Radiant floor heating mats or cables, like those from WarmlyYours, can be installed in concrete, mortar, and beneath stones and pavers. Check with your big-box retailer or local outdoor patio specialists for more information and pricing options.

Add in Upholstery

When all else fails, don’t discredit the warmth of a good throw and some added outdoor upholstery. When you have company, offer guests a flannel, fleece, or cashmere throw to keep them comfortable. Top your benches and chairs with outdoor cushions and throw pillows, and choose an outdoor area rug to further warm your space.

blankets

With these tips and your delightful, all-weather Trex® Outdoor Furniture™, you’ll crave outdoor living even when the weather outside is frightful.

Blog Post Updated June 23, 2021

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