Winter doesn’t mean an end to outdoor entertaining. Your patio, courtyard or balcony can be a welcoming winter sanctuary for children to play, you to read or have a dinner party with friends even when it’s a little chilly or rainy.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
To help create the inviting space you need, you need to close off the space to the elements with some blinds and add some creature comforts such as heating, lighting and seating.
Bunnings national outdoor heating buyer Kristen Beer says heating is a must to ensure the outdoor space is practical and useable.
“Each outdoor area is unique and will require a different style and size of heater,” Kristen says. “The alfresco heater is ideal to keep the winter chills at bay.”
Once the basics are in place, accessorise the space with warm lighting, a wood-fired pizza oven and comfortable lounges for a cosy winter haven, ideal for entertaining.
Kristen’s tips to keep your outdoor area warm this winter include:
- Consider style: If you have a big space outside and plan on entertaining large crowds, a patio or area heater will provide radiant heat to keep the entire area warm. If the area is smaller and you plan to entertain intimate groups, a chimenea, fire pit or flame heater will add character while warming guests. For an ultra-modern heating solution, try overhead electric heaters which can be mounted and angled to suit the area.
- Go gas: Depending on the space, gas heaters can be a great choice as they don’t require a power lead, allowing them to be placed anywhere in the garden and moved around as desired. Remember not to move gas heaters while they are on or still warm, so make sure to place them in your desired position prior to starting.
- Add blinds: Use blinds on outdoor areas to keep heat in and chilly winter breezes out. Choose clear options, such as bistro-style blinds, so you can still enjoy the view while blocking out the cold. Remember to keep safety as a priority and ensure adequate airflow through the area when using gas or wood heating methods.
- Safety first: Make sure gas heaters are operating as they should be by ensuring the flame is burning clean and no smoke is being produced. If in doubt consult the product’s instruction manual. Remember to position heaters a safe distance away from flammable objects and ensure good ventilation and airflow.
- Turn it off: Always remember to switch off the heater when it’s not in use, or for gas heaters always turn off the gas. This will reduce energy bills and help avoid gas leaks.
- Protect it: Protect your heater and keep it looking shiny and new by using a heater cover when it’s not in use. Choose a cover that is water, rot, mildew and UV resistant to keep your outdoor heater dry and in the best working condition for winters to come.
