Outdoor living isn’t just for summer. There are many other reasons to enjoy it. The beauty of autumn and the crisp, cool weather are two reasons to enjoy outdoor living beyond summer. You can save big on entertainment and dining out by enjoying great food, drinks and company at home.

While the sun sets earlier in fall on outdoor living spaces, it shouldn’t restrict the hours that you use your deck and patio. You can party and relax after dark by adding low-voltage or solar outside lighting fixtures. You can also use these fixtures to light up your dining tables and grill surfaces as well as underwater in swimming pool.

Low-voltage fixtures can be attached to a 12-volt cable that is connected to a transformer. The transformer plugs into a 120-volt outlet protected by GFCI. Light-sensitive controls, such as a timer, automatically turn lights on or off. A kit that includes eight LED step lights as well as 12 hardscape lights would cost around $3,000.

The only thing you need to connect solar outdoor lighting fixtures is a transformer and cables. After dark, they automatically turn on. Each fixture can be staked into the ground, or secured to an exterior surface or deck. The bulb is powered by a solar-charged battery, which will help you save energy. Six solar light fixtures are $188-$231 and cost between $167 and $271 to install.

A fire pit or portable fireplace can add warmth and style to your outdoor space. They are great for warming up, roasting marshmallows, or gathering around. There are many options available for fueling your fire, including gas, propane, wood, and gel cans.

A fire pit can be described as an open dish, pan, or bowl that measures 24″ x 40″. You can find a fire pit on a stand, some with wheels, or nestled into a tiled top. To prevent flyaway sparks, choose a model that has screening. Wood-burning firepits typically cost $500 to $1,300, while gas firepits range from $900 to $31,800, including installation.
A portable outdoor fireplace (104-488) has a chimney that allows smoke to be vented up to the sky. Some portable fireplaces allow 360-degree viewing of the fire.

Popular choices include the smokeless stove or fire pit. Although they don’t produce as much smoke as a wood-burning firepit, they do not emit as much ash. They cost between $90 and $600.

A portable patio heater can increase the temperature of your outdoor living space by up to 15-25 degrees in the spring and fall.

Freestanding units resemble large floor lamps. They can be placed anywhere that is suitable for their height (7- to 8-foot). Some models come with wheels to make them more mobile. Depending on the fuel source and heat output, you can expect to pay $153-$887.

A tabletop patio heater is placed on top of a bench, table or garden wall. These units produce less heat than taller, freestanding models. The prices range from $72 to $148.

Wall-mount or ceiling-mounted patio heaters are ideal for freeing up floor space and table space. They emit heat through a halogen light. Prices range from $112 to $866.

Consider how much outdoor living space you have and whether you would like a model that runs on electricity, natural gas, or with a propane tank. This will allow you to move around.

Original Blog: https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/yard-patio/extend-outdoor-living-season/?site_ref=spotlight