CRITTENDEN, Ky. — As home renovation season ramps up, outdoor heating and kitchen company Napoleon said it is seeing an uptick in homeowners requesting exterior fire features and kitchen setups.
“Fireplaces continue to be a centerpiece of modern home design — not just a source of heat, but a focal point that elevates any room,” said Garry Scott, vice president of marketing at Napoleon. “At the same time, outdoor heating is transforming how folks think about their backyards, making it possible to entertain and enjoy fresh air year-round.”
Outdoor heating products have come a long way from the traditional wood firepits of yore, and with exterior spaces becoming fully appointed extensions of the home, today’s fire features play a much greater role.
According to the International Casual Furnishings Association’s most recent outdoor living survey, firepits and outdoor fireplaces rank among the top items consumers have on their outdoor wish list. And more than two-thirds of consumers say they wish they could use their outdoor space more.
Scott said that because homeowners want to extend the use of their decks, patios and backyards well beyond the summer months, they’ve designed a number of solutions that make that possible.
The company introduced its Phantom Freestand Electric Patio Heater to offer a portable, zero-emission plug-and-play way to add warmth without permanent installation. And electric fireplace models like Napoleon’s Elevation X Electric Fireplace reflect a growing interest in more immersive fireplace experiences, combining advanced virtual flame technology with integrated crackling sounds that recreate the ambience of a traditional fire without the need for venting or gas.
And according to Scott, now is the time to act to add heat to an outdoor space, as earlier planning affords consumers greater flexibility in product selection, design customization and installation timing. Encouraging customers to schedule installations in winter or early spring can help them avoid peak renovation periods while ensuring projects are completed on time.
“Whether you’re dreaming of a statement fireplace wall or a fully heated outdoor entertainment area, the best results start with early preparation,” said Scott. “A thoughtful plan now ensures your home will feel more functional, comfortable and ready for four-season living in 2026.”
