Outdoor Living

Sure, awnings must be retracted, pools must be covered and water features must be winterized, but adding patio heaters, outdoor firepits, chimineas, a fire ring or any other outdoor warming device can keep the good times rolling out back all year long!

Patio heaters are available fueled by propane, electric or gas. Each has its pros and cons. You will often see these types of heaters outside bars and restaurants warming the huddled masses. They consist of a burner on top of a column and are sometimes called mushroom heaters or umbrella heaters. If you’re environmentally oriented though, this style has recently come under fire (no pun intended) for being wasteful and excessive. One of these emits around 50kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year and there are tens of millions of these out there heating the open air.

An outdoor fireplace can be a less wasteful and costly alternative – though plenty of outdoor fireplaces are fueled by gas logs. Gas logs produce a lot of heat, even outdoors. And if you are on a budget, there are gas logs that don’t require ventilation.
Obviously outdoor fireplaces can also be fueled by good-old-fashioned wood. The following outdoor heating options are all fueled by wood:

A chiminea (also spelled “chimenea”) originated in Mexica as a free-standing terra cotta oven and heater. The style was imported to the U.S. and immediately became a decorative and functional hit in backyards everywhere. Chimineas are front-loading with a bulb shape and vertical heat and smoke vent. They are also available made from cast iron, copper or cast aluminum.

A fire ring is a great and basic option for a bigger backyard. One of these is all you need to make your own backyard fire pit . Fire rings are made from copper, cast iron or cast aluminum. They are made in a circular shape with venting holes around the perimeter. Fire rings are designed to contain the fire logs and coals from escaping onto the grass or surrounding area.

An outdoor fire pit can easily be made by procuring a fire ring. You can also purchase large wok-shaped bowls that will contain all of the fuel and coals for extra safety.

Firepit tables have also become popular with outdoor décor: a firepit table is a glass surface with aluminum extrusions. You can buy the actual firepit separately to be placed on top of the table using what is called a crystal fire: fueled by a tumbled glass liquid propane burner. This style is all the best parts of having a campfire without the smoke in your face and embers flying through the air.