Outdoor heating systems come in all shapes and sizes, which can make picking the right one for your deck or patio a challenge. The three options below are all good choices, although there are benefits and drawbacks to each. With this quick overview, you should be able to get a better idea of which outdoor heating systems would work best as you design your deck.

Design Your Deck with Outdoor Heaters

Perhaps the simplest way to heat your outdoor deck area is with an outdoor heater. Outdoor heaters are normally powered by electricity or propane. You may have seen them in outdoor restaurant areas. These outdoor heating systems look like parasols with a long pole and an umbrella-like dome at the top. This dome is designed to direct heat back down to the ground. Outdoor heaters come in table top varieties, as well as taller versions.

Outdoor heaters are certainly the safest type of outdoor heating systems for use on wooden decks. There are no embers to worry about, and the chances of starting a fire are very low. However, they don’t output as much heat as other options. If you consider outdoor heaters as you design your deck, keep in mind that you may need to purchase multiple units to heat your patio sufficiently.

Outdoor Heating Systems: Chimineas

Chimineas are traditional outdoor ovens that can be used for heating decks and patios. These outdoor heating systems burn dried out wood or special chiminea fuel. In addition to providing heat, chimineas can also be used as an alternative to a barbecue. There are a few different choices in chiminea materials, although a clay chiminea is traditional. These chimineas are reinforced with a wire mesh.

Chimineas can also be made from iron, but they tend to rust. Although rust will not affect the performance of chimineas, some people find it unsightly. They are also available in copper or aluminum styles. Chimineas can burn with leaves and logs from your own backyard, making them cheap outdoor heating systems. Chimineas have all of the perks of an outdoor fireplace without the construction hassles. These units are freestanding, so you can place them anywhere.

Design Your Deck with Outdoor Fireplaces

For a more permanent structure, you can opt for an outdoor fireplace. These outdoor heating systems can be made of brick, stone or concrete. They are incorporated as you design your deck, or it can be added on to your existing deck.

Unlike other outdoor heating systems, you’ll need to check with your city and county to determine the rules for building an outdoor fireplace. In some places, you may not be able to use a traditional wood burning stove. The best way to get an outdoor fireplace on your deck is to use a pre-fabricated fireplace.