Unless experiencing a very unusual weather pattern, winters here in Florida remain fairly pleasant compared to a large portion of the country. But if you tend to get chilly or we’re living through an El Nino kind of winter, here are some ways to keep warm that you might want to consider.
Bring the heat
If it’s really cold, then you’re probably going to have to supply the heat from something other than a warm beverage. The first thing you’ll need to do is figure out what can fit and what can be safely used in the type of structure you’re trying to use.
No matter what your heat source is, you have to make sure you keep the area around it free from flammable objects, and as strange as it may initially seem, you want to have ventilation. That’s especially true if you have any kind of combustible heat source.
Infrared heaters can cover a large area and keep you warm without emitting carbon monoxide. Infrared heaters can be mounted on structures with a sturdy frame and can also hang from the inside of the roof, but many of the models require some reliable electrical wiring.
We’re not talking extension cords running from the house here. If the type you have can be used outdoors, you might be able to run power to it safely, but make sure you’re not using indoor-only heaters outside. Portable stand heaters can cover even larger areas and crank out some serious BTUs and if it relies on combustion, it’s designed for outdoor use.
Double-check the ventilation before using your heat source.
Seriously. We’re not kidding.
Cover up
If you just want to cut down on wind chill, consider covering the gazebo or pergola with a tent or canopy. You can add to the atmosphere with a well-designed model and if the bite of the wind is all that’s keeping you from enjoying a winter evening in your structure, this can be an effective method of keeping warm. It won’t add to the heat unless you couple it with another method, but if you’ve got a professionally installed enclosure material, it might help retain the heat you give off better than a tarp.
Bundle up
Maybe you’re enjoying one of the mildest northern winter days or a fine South Florida afternoon and the temperatures are just barely chilly enough to make jackets and jeans a must. If you need a little extra, perhaps your gazebo or pergola furniture just needs some cozy covers. Blankets and pillows might do. If your furniture is made of iron, hard plastic, or even wicker, sitting down might not be as comfortable.
Sitting on pillows or a folded blanket might be the fix you need in these situations if it’s just the furniture that’s keeping you chilly.
Close it up
This might seem like one of the ritzier methods, but closing in your gazebo with glass and windows can make your outdoor space a place to enjoy year-round.
Sure, in the winter you’re concerned with keeping in the heat, but what about keeping out the pests in the summer? Enclosing the gazebo is certainly more of an investment, but instead of an igloo, it might feel more like a greenhouse with less wind to worry about and coupled with a heater, can turn the place almost tropical.
Start a fire
We wouldn’t recommend it INSIDE the gazebo—unless you don’t have a completely closed roof. If you’ve got an open style or pergola, you might get away with it, provided the rest of the structure isn’t flammable and you’ve got enough room. Since we’re talking combustion again, ventilation is the most important consideration. You could try a wood stove with a chimney leading outside, but that doesn’t mean you don’t worry about clean air. Gazebos are small spaces (even big ones) and carbon monoxide build-up is very dangerous. Detectors don’t cost that much anymore, so you should probably consider having one on hand, along with, of course, a fire extinguisher.
If you’ve got a closed roof and you still want to roast some marshmallows, what about installing a fire pit nearby? You can still have seating and refreshments inside the gazebo, but a fire pit can certainly heat a large enough area if the flames are properly watched. Never leave a fire unattended, but you already knew that, didn’t you? That would be as ridiculous as trying to use a propane grill as a heater.
Seriously, don’t do that either. That’s not what it’s meant to do.
Take a (warm) dip
Have a bunch of room in that gazebo? Is it professionally and properly wired? Have a hot tub?
How cool—pun intended—would it be to enjoy the warmth of heated water, therapeutic jets, and perhaps some bubbles? Your only concern then would be, “How close is my hot tub to the house” because making a run from the hot water in a towel to the house with wet clothes would not be fun. If you’ve got an enclosure, the steam might be building up on the windows and the heat might be enough to make it quite comfy inside. If it’s exposed to the elements, you might have to be a little more creative with your post-dip planning.
No matter how or when you choose to enjoy your outdoor structure this winter, staying warm doesn’t have to be too difficult. Whether it’s with electricity, flame, glass, cotton, or even water, you’ve got some options to enjoy the winter wonderland in comfort.