Outdoor heat lets you enjoy the garden into autumn evenings.
Fire pits and patio heaters suit different needs.
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Fire pits
Wood-burning fire pits create atmosphere but produce smoke and need clear space. Gas fire pits are cleaner and easier to control.
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Patio heaters
- ✿Electric infrared — efficient, instant heat, good for covered areas
- ✿Gas — powerful but higher running costs and emissions
- ✿Wall-mounted — save floor space
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Safety
Keep fires away from fences, trees, and buildings. Never leave unattended, and check local rules on smoke.
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Neighbours and air quality
Wood smoke affects air quality. Burn only dry, seasoned wood and consider neighbours.
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Running costs
Electric infrared heaters heat people and objects directly and are efficient for covered or sheltered areas, but in open, windy spaces much of the heat is lost. Gas heaters produce more heat but cost more to run and emit carbon dioxide. Wood is cheap if you have a supply, but buy kiln-dried or seasoned wood and avoid treated timber. Use timers to avoid heating empty patios.
This is general landscaping and garden information, not professional advice. Costs, regulations, and plant suitability vary by location. Call before you dig to locate buried utilities, and consult a licensed landscaper or engineer for retaining walls, drainage, and structural work.