Add a little warmth to those cool nights

One of the most anticipated aspects of summertime in Canada is being able to use our outdoor spaces to their full extent. There's nothing like retiring to the deck or patio after a busy day with a refreshing drink and your loved ones. 

June evenings can still be a little cool, however. Fortunately, there are a number of beautiful ways to add some warmth to your outdoor living spaces. 

A fire pit or outdoor fireplace is a great way to add heat and ambiance. Sitting around a blazing fire with family and friends, roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories, is a great way to make memories that last a lifetime. Building a backyard-friendly fire pit is fairly simple and can be accomplished in a day with a few hardware store purchases. Step-by-step instructions can be found online. A portable fire pit is a less permanent option and there are a variety of styles and designs available. Be sure to keep your fireplace or pit at least 10 metres from your house and away from sheds, gazebos and trees. Also, check with your local bylaws first, as open-air fires are illegal in some towns and cities. 

Patio heaters are becoming increasingly popular for backyard living spaces. Fuelled by propane, natural gas or electricity, these heaters come in a variety of styles and provide a lot of warmth to small spaces.  You can even find tabletop models that are safe for use under umbrellas or gazebos. 

To really heat things up, a hot tub is a fantastic addition to any backyard. Hot tubs today come with a variety of awesome features, things like relaxing jets, iPod docks, soothing lights and aromatherapy systems. The main factor to consider when it comes to purchasing a hot tub is space. They do take up quite a bit of square footage but can be installed on a deck to save space. If your backyard is large, consider creating a walkway to a designated hot tub area, perhaps under a screened gazebo or pretty pergola. 

Warm up your backyard and enjoy outdoor living - even when it's chilly!