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Enjoying some of your leisure time outdoors might seem like an unorthodox idea in winters but you can have a really good time if you know how to have fun outdoors. Technology has made most of us ‘indoor lovers’ thanks to Playstation, Netflix and other such inventions. However, none of this can match the quality of spending a nice evening outdoors. And how do you make it more exciting, especially when the weather is cold? The answer is a nice fireplace that keeps the environment warm and also adds to the ambience.
According to famous architectures, fireplace features are among the most popular outdoor elements when it comes to designing the perfect outdoor room or kitchen. In this article, we are going to discuss in detail how you can have a great time outdoors by making good use of fire pits and fireplaces.
EXTEND YOUR SEASON
Americans are spending generously on outdoor spaces, finding ways to make them more luxurious to enjoy every winter season. People are now looking to install fire pits with higher BTUs (British Thermal Unit) from 50,000 to about 100,000, so that they can enjoy a cozy environment while being outdoors, especially when the weather gets harsh.
Just imagine your house covered in snow; you go out, enter your outdoor room, light up the firepit/fireplace and immediately feel the warmth. Before you know it, you are completely at ease and relaxed. How does that sound?
Fire pits can emit as much as 150,000 BTUs, which is enough to warm up a big area. A square foot of space usually needs 30 – 50 BTUs of heat to get warm; however, several other factors also play a vital role in how your room reacts to a fireplace. It is better to get the room inspected by a professional before you invest in fire pits. Generally speaking, 150,000 BTUs is considered a commercial-grade firepit/fireplace and it’s quite sufficient to keep an outdoor space warm and cozy.
Fire pits and fireplaces are also a great way to improve your outdoor ambiance, making it more attractive and lively. You can also enjoy some quality alone time while cherishing the warmth they provide. Since there are a number of fireplace options out there, we thought we’d discuss a few for your benefit.
Here’s a look at the most popular outdoor heating ideas recommended by HPBA :
OUTDOOR FIREPLACES ― BRING CHARM TO YOUR PLACE
Outdoor fireplaces are usually comprised of pure stainless steel and can be complemented by stone, tile, granite or any other material that blends well with the design of your house. These fireplaces don’t require a chimney as they use natural gas, propane or wood as the primary source of heat.
However, since people are experimenting with unique and interesting designs, it’s up to you how you want your outdoor space to be. Be ready to spend at least $2,000 and up for an outdoor fireplace installation and remember that these fireplaces are installed permanently in your outdoor room.
CHIMNEYS ― INEXPENSIVE AND SUFFICIENT
If you’re looking for an inexpensive type of outdoor hearth, you should go with chimneys. They are the oldest kind of outdoor hearths and rest next to a traditional campfire and are made of clay (though some can be cast-iron). However, chimneys are not recommended to be installed on wooden decks as they can damage the deck.
Chimneys are not only an inexpensive but also alternate way of enjoying the warmth and ambiance of a fire and boast an elevated and portable outdoor hearth on your outdoor space.
FIRE PITS ― MOST POPULAR WAYS TO ENJOY THIS FALL
Fire pits are one of the most popular ways to enjoy an old-fashioned campfire in fall. They usually cost between $300 and $700, and produce anywhere from 50,000 to 75,000 BTUs of heat; ideal for an average-sized outdoor space. Due to their portability, convenience and beauty, most homeowners prefer to have fire pits installed as an outdoor element.
Fire pits are generally used to create a cozy environment and enhance the atmosphere of a room/area, but they can also be used for cooking, as some of them come with grills. Notice that they’re only ideal for outdoor use and should never be used indoors, as the risk of a fire breakout is high. If you want to install a fire pit on an outdoor deck, consider reading the manual or calling a professional to see if it’s feasible.
PATIO HEATERS ― BETTER THAN FIREPITS?
Patio heaters are relatively new on the market but gaining popularity very quickly. This is because they are known to produce 35,000 to 45,000 BTU’s of heat and radiate heat up to 25 feet in all directions ― that’s noticeably farther than a firepit. Prices range between $300 and $700 on average. Patio heaters are comprised of stainless steel (just like fire pits), painted steel or cast-aluminium.
CONCLUSION
While it might seem like an odd idea to spend a good chunk of your time outdoors in fall/winters, most Americans have started to shift their preference. Technology continues to take giant leaps day by day and new products are being manufactured to produce more heat, provide better ambiance and add other features in your outdoor lifestyle. In the midst of it all, you just can’t help but give serious thought to spending your time outdoors as the weather gets cooler.
