Unlike decks and patios that are usually exposed to the elements, a porch that is screened and/or covered can extend your autumn and winter time outdoors even if it’s a tad chilly outside. There are plenty of ways to keep your Columbia, SC, porch warm and toasty this fall with some clever ideas that will keep your screened porch family-friendly in cold weather.
Adding a fireplace as part of your porch build is a terrific way to inject ambiance and real warmth into the space. Whether it’s wood burning or gas, you can enjoy the cooler weather with the allure of the flicker of flames and the heat it provides. It is possible to add a fireplace to an already existing porch as well, and Archadeck of Central South Carolina can certainly help you do that if your previous builder did not put one in initially. A fireplace brings instant atmosphere to a porch and is the perfect spot to enjoy marshmallows and hot chocolate with the kids or a delightful outdoor dinner with wine for some romantic time with your love. A fireplace turns your porch into a true outdoor room that is an extension of your indoor space and adds lots of value to your home.
If budgets are tight or space does not allow, gorgeous outdoor space heaters give you the vibe of an outdoor fireplace with a smaller footprint and a modern flair. You can use an electric or gas one to get the job done in an attractive way that adds plenty of interest on a porch. These affordable heaters come in all shapes, sizes and styles—from traditional to modern—to fit any decorating scheme. There are those that are floor standing and others that you can pop on the table. Some are even ingeniously disguised to look like a lamp if you are worried about aesthetics. The key is to select one that is rated for outdoor use and specially designed to use in a covered area such as a porch.
Custom wall/ceiling -mounted infrared heaters.
Infrared electric heaters can be mounted onto the ceiling or even a wall so they are up and out of the way and push heat down into an open space. You may have noticed these in outdoor restaurant patios in colder temps, but these are now available for residential use, too. They work by using light to directly heat people within the space instead of heating the air itself, so they are the perfect solution for an open air situation. Instead of wasting money heating the entire area, infrared heaters simply warm those sitting near them. When strategically placed, they are economical and fairly efficient as well.
An outdoor fireplace can add rustic appeal to your outdoor room and keep the space warm in the cooler months.
Since a porch is either open all around or screened in to protect from nasty bugs and poor weather, Archadeck of Central South Carolina gives you the option of turning your existing porch into a three or four season room. We can add a special enclosure that allows for a four-track panel window. This area can be heated in many different ways, from an economical space heater to a ductless heating system with a slim streamlined design or we can even integrate an outdoor fireplace into your porch design. If you want to enjoy a breeze on a beautiful day, you simply slide the window panels open and you are back to feel of a porch again. You get the best of both worlds!
The Archadeck of Central SC team – Mike Reu, Marshall Reu and Tucker Reu
For more ideas on utilizing your porch and screened porch year-round, contact Archadeck of Central South Carolina today at (803) 603-2160 or via email at centralsc@archadeck.net. We have many options available to suit your needs and budget and keep you loving outdoor living season after season!
