Using the patio in winter: what really helps
Most people start with a patio heater. That is the third step, not the first.
First: a roof
Without a roof, the patio is wet, and no one sits on wet furniture. A louvered roof from Renson – Camargue or Algarve – is what makes the area usable in the first place. Another benefit of a louvered roof is that you can open it in winter when the sun is low.
Second: wind protection
Cold is rarely the problem; drafts are. Side screens or sliding glass elements turn a breezy spot into a windless one. The perceived difference is greater than what an additional patio heater provides.
Third: heat
Only now is a patio heater—specifically an infrared unit—worthwhile. It warms people and surfaces instead of the air, which is why it also works in drafty areas. ExtremeLine heaters are available for wall, ceiling, and freestanding mounting; which one is right depends on the height, wind exposure, and how you sit.
Fourth: the things you forget
Warm lighting. A blanket in a basket. A rug to cover the cold floor. These little details determine whether someone chooses to sit outside, and they cost almost nothing.
And the furniture?
Teak and aluminum can stay outside. Cushions and pillows should be brought inside to stay dry, as should anything with electronics. For furniture sets that overwinter outside, there are protective covers—it is important that they remain open at the bottom so that air can circulate.
To the collection: louvered roofs and patio heaters
