3 Tricks To Make Your Outdoor Space Warmer As Temps Cool

If you have an outdoor space, you know how great it feels to end your summer night sitting on the patio, enjoying the warm weather as the sun goes down. It's been scientifically proven that being outdoors actually has several health benefits. Relaxing outdoors and being surrounded by nature can reduce your stress and cortisol levels, heart rate, and muscle tension, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It can also improve your mental health by diminishing the risk of depression, speeding up psychological stress recovery time, and increasing focus and attention.

However, as the weather cools off, you might be tempted to ditch the patio and head indoors; but just because the temperature is changing doesn't mean you still can't appreciate your outdoor patio. After all, you spent a good amount of money and time putting the patio together, so why not enjoy it as much as you can? We have three tips to make your outdoor space warm and comfortable on those chilly days.

If your outdoor space doesn't already have a fire pit, you might want to think about purchasing one. Having a fire pit will make sitting outside in the cooler temperatures much more tolerable; and as an added bonus, you and your family can end your night with a round of s'mores! Now, you could go all-in and build a fire pit from the ground up, but that will run you anywhere from $700 to $1,400. If you're on a budget, or want something low-maintenance, purchase a premade above-ground pit for about $300, Home Advisor says.

Fire pits that sit in the ground are much safer than those located above ground, Wood Splitters Direct states. They are typically smaller and do a better job of containing the flames; however, if you have small children, you should consider the option of a portable fire pit, as they are more difficult to fall into.

Patio heaters are another excellent option to make your outdoor space warm in cooler temperatures because they are able to heat large areas, which is exactly why most restaurants use them during the colder months. Unlike fire pits, patio heaters have temperature control, so if you get a little too warm, you have the power to adjust the heat. Because they don't contain sparks or embers, patio heaters are safe to use around pets and children, Portable Fireplace explains.

If you're having trouble deciding between a heater or a fire pit, consider the ambiance of your outdoor space. Patio heaters tend to have a more commercial appearance, which may throw off the aesthetic you are trying to achieve. In that same vein, there aren't many designs to choose from, but if the design is not a major concern for you, then we suggest giving patio heaters a shot.

The final (and, perhaps, the most expensive) tip we have for warming your outdoor space is installing heated floors. Forbes explains there are five types of heated floors: hydronic, electric, solar, geothermal, and propane. Heated outdoor floors will melt snow the minute it hits the ground, and you don't need to worry about ice forming either. The heat from the patio floor rises and permeates both tables and chairs, so you can stay warm even if you're not standing up, Bob Villa says.

Keep in mind that a heated floor comes with a hefty price tag. The price per square footage varies by heating source, but as a general estimate, you can expect to pay anywhere between $6 to $25 per square foot. Heating an entire patio can get expensive, but if you have an open budget, you can ensure you and your family will stay toasty even on a snowy day.