Autumn Outdoor Living

We've been gathering around fire since the beginning of mankind. When it starts to get chilly we tend to go inside because we're used to our indoor heating and electricity. Why not create a warm and lighted area outside and gather around the fire? There's a crispness in the air, the mosquitoes are gone, there's no humidity; so let yourself really enjoy it! Here's the basic components on how to create a comfortable outdoor living space when the summer's over.

Heat Options for Your Patio

Outdoor heaters need little maintenance and are weather resistant. There's a few options for outdoor heaters: natural gas, propane, infrared, and electric. The model styles are diverse: standing, wall-mounted, ceiling, tabletop, and umbrella heaters. Yes, they make heaters that easily attach to the pole of any standard outdoor patio umbrella. For just under $300.00 you can heat up to a 20 foot area with a propane standing heater. For around $160, you can heat up a 10 foot area with a tabletop heater.

Infrared patio heaters are big energy savers and are made as standing or ceiling mounted. If you get a ceiling infrared heater, I suggest having a licensed contractor install it for you.

Outdoor fireplaces are the most natural and green way to go for heat. They're usually steel and are wood burning. If you don't have your own fire pit you can purchase a stand-alone fire place like a chimenea or hearth.

Lighting Your Patio

Candles are the most green source of light, and they're romantic. To protect a pillar candle from wind, glass hurricanes are the solution. There's no spilling wax and they're less likely to tip over than top-heavy lamps. Solar-powered lights and nylon, weather-resistant Chinese lanterns are other options.

For special occasions, consider placing Fire Rocks on your table or non-flammable patio floor. They're hand painted concrete "stones." Not interested in open flames? Hanging lanterns are a step up from simple strings of lights.

Cozy Patio Décor

Treat your patio like another room in your house by making it cozy and creative. Choose furnishings made of wicker, metal, durable fabrics and wood that can handle weather changes. For a casual feel, hang a hammock to bundle up and really relax. To add a roomy touch to your patio, add an outdoor clock, a sculpture and wind chimes. A weather-resistant outdoor rug will define the seating area and to create softer footing - it adds a decidedly indoor look to an outdoor area.

It's cold out, but don't let weather get in the way of enjoying your patio. The patio add value to both your lawn and home so enjoy the best of both worlds!