Best Patio Heaters 2025
A selection of the best types of heaters to warm your patio all year round
In regions of the country that experience cold and snowfall in winter, enjoying your deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen is an activity that usually remains off-limits until warmer weather arrives.
You can heat an outdoor deck using various methods, including traditional fire pits, electric heaters, gas fire pits, chimineas, and more. You can also think outside the conventional methods by using blankets, sitting in a hot tub, and lights to add a warm feeling to your wooden or composite decking.
Here are some things you can do to make your deck a great place for living and entertaining even in the winter months.
Best ways to heat an outdoor deck safely
1. Gas Heaters
Gas heaters come in many forms. There are free-standing patio heaters that can be used on decking, portable gas heaters, and gas fire pits.
Free-standing heaters typically offer 360 degrees of heat and are powered by a gas canister hidden inside, which you replace when empty. You can control the level of heat output by turning a dial, much like you would on a gas barbecue, for instance.
Thanks to a piezo ignition, portable gas heaters are compact and easy to light; however, they typically only give off heat in the direction you point them.
These gas heaters are best for non-covered decking areas, as the build-up of carbon monoxide produced from the burning could cause some issues. They are only best for open-air decking areas.
EAST OAK 48,000 BTU Outdoor Patio Heater with Steel Burner and Wheels
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This 48,000 BTU outdoor heater heats an 18-foot diameter, is durable with double-layer heating mesh, features easy assembly, safety protections, and a patented round table design for added convenience.
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2. Wood Burning Fire Pits
Fire pits are a great way to heat a deck, and they are great for any outdoor space.
There are a couple of different types. The most affordable are wood-fuelled fire pits, while gas fire pits have a higher initial cost than traditional methods.
When using wood-fuelled fire pits on a deck, you will want to protect the decking area under and around your fire pit so as not to burn it if it’s wood or melt it if it’s composite decking.
You can quickly achieve this by using spare patio tiles, a heatproof fire pit mat, or some stone in some way.
Gas fire pits look and feel more luxurious than traditional pits. They use glass beads or lava rock to spread the heat evenly.
TIKI 25-Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit, Wood Burning
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Enjoy a smokeless, cozy outdoor experience with the TIKI fire pit. Crafted from durable stainless steel, it offers warmth, ambiance, and easy portability. Includes a stand, cover, and optional accessories.
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Related: Outdoor Heating Safety Tips.
3. Outdoor Electric Heaters
Electric heaters are one of the more eco-friendly outdoor heaters you can buy. They are great for covered decks and are cheaper to run than other options.
These come in many forms. You can get wall heaters, free-standing heaters, and infrared heaters, all powered by electricity, offering directional heat that can heat up to 2 meters away depending on the heater’s power output.
Electric heaters are typically smaller than gas-fuelled heaters as there’s no gas canister needed to store them. Plug in and go, wait a little while, and you’ll get heating. You can sometimes control it at the click of a button.
For the safest option, you’ll want to ensure that any electric heater you buy has an overheating safety cutoff, a fall-over cutoff, and a cord long enough to fit your outdoor socket.
The only real downside to electric heaters and gas heaters, for that matter, is that you’ll need to store them properly, and we wouldn’t advise using them in wet weather unless it is under a covered decking area where any weather can’t get to them.
Patio Heater for Outdoor,1500W Electric Infrared Radiant Heater with Remote
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This 35" infrared heater warms up instantly, covers 250 sq. ft., and features adjustable power settings, a 24-hour timer, safety protections, and eco-friendly, electric-only operation for indoor and outdoor use.
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4. Clay or Cast Iron Chimineas
Like fire pits, chimineas offer another heating option for your decking space.
Typically fuelled by wood or BBQ charcoal, chimineas are a good-looking alternative to fire pits. They are slightly safer because the flames are contained within the chiminea itself.
Chimineas can be made from clay or cast iron and can retain some residual heat even after the fire has been put out, so be careful not to touch or move them directly after use.
Much like fire pits, you’ll also want to protect your decking with a fireproof mat or stone tile to prevent it from melting or burning.
You can also use them for grilling with some added attachments like a grill rack.
Just be sure to cure your clay chiminea before use to protect it against cracking and the elements, and place a cover over it when not in use. A good maintenance routine will also help it last longer.
Wiosi Medium Clay Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace with Chimney Rain Lids and Solid Metal Stand
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This medium 16"x16"x32" clay chiminea adds rustic charm and warmth to your backyard. Handmade for durability, it’s perfect for outdoor gatherings, providing both decoration and practical use.
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5. Other ways to make your deck usable all year round
If the above outdoor heating options aren’t for you, then there are a few other ways in which you could make your decking warmer.
Use Cozy Blankets and Rugs
Blankets can be a great way to heat your guests on your decking if you’re on a budget. Use them to cover yourself to keep you warm, or add them to the metal or plastic decking furniture to take the chill out of it.
Blankets come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing warm colours like red, orange, and deep yellow can add to the warming effect.
Equally, rugs are a great addition to any deck any time of year, but in the winter, they can shield you against an icy deck floor.
Add LED Lights for Warmth & Coziness
Lights are an excellent option for adding warmth to any indoor or outdoor space. Grab yourself some string lights with warm white bulbs to provide a warming glow around your decking area.
Find LED lights with lower power consumption than standard light bulbs and halogen ones to help reduce the cost of running them.
100FT Brightever 3 Color in 1 LED Outdoor String Lights with Remote
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Control brightness from 25%-100% with included remote, adjust colors (warm white, neutral, daylight), and use the timer or dynamic modes. Weatherproof, energy-efficient LED string lights for indoor and outdoor use.
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Add a Hot Tub
If you have some extra cash to splash, adding a hot tub to your decking could be a great way to keep warm on your decking all year round and through the winter months.
Dipping in a thermally regulated hot tub can add a little luxury to your outdoor space and keep you warm while taking a plunge.
Be careful not to splash too much, as your decking can become slippery when wet.
#WEJOY Portable Hot Tub | Person Inflatable Outdoor Heated Hot Tub Spa with 120 Bubble Jets
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Enjoy a 120-jet Jacuzzi spa with digital controls, rapid heating (up to 104°F), and dual filtration. Inflates quickly, seats 2-4, and features durable construction for lasting relaxation. Perfect for any space!
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Add a Roof/Cover
To add extra warmth and protect your decking from the elements, adding a cover or roof to your decking area can be a great way to make your decking useable even when it’s raining outside.
The added roof will help keep the heat from escaping into the atmosphere a bit and provide you with a warmer environment in which to entertain and enjoy.
Adding a decking roof or gazebo-like structure can cost anywhere between $1,000+ (£800+), depending on the size of the deck area and the type you choose.
Summing Up
Whether you’re looking to heat an outdoor deck using gas, electric, or wood-fuelled heaters, you will have found a few interesting solutions.
Electric heaters are the most efficient heating method for running costs. However, gas and wood fire pits have the potential to produce more heat output, making them better for a larger decking area.
You can always combine an electric wall heater or free-standing heater with a fire pit on your deck to provide a warming campfire environment while keeping you warm, even if you’re not close enough to the fire.
Combining standard heating options, blankets, and lights with your decking can offer a nicer-looking deck area and a warmer outdoor space on cold winter nights.
Whichever way you choose to keep your decking warm, have fun and enjoy.
FAQs
What are the best outdoor heating options for a deck?
The best outdoor heating options for a deck include patio heaters, fire pits, chimineas, and electric deck heaters. Each provides warmth and ambiance, with different benefits for your space and needs.
How can I heat my deck safely?
To heat your deck safely, choose heating methods with safety features like auto-shutoff, keep heaters at a safe distance from flammable materials, and ensure proper ventilation when using gas or wood-burning options.
Are propane heaters safe for outdoor decks?
Yes, propane heaters can be safe for outdoor decks when used properly. Always place them on stable surfaces, maintain proper clearance from combustibles, and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
How can I prevent damage to my deck from heat sources?
To prevent deck damage, use a fireproof mat under fire pits or grills, ensure heaters are raised to avoid direct contact with the deck surface, and choose heat-resistant materials for outdoor furniture and flooring.
What are the top safety tips for using a patio heater on a deck?
Top safety tips include keeping flammable objects away, positioning the heater on stable ground, ensuring proper ventilation, checking for gas leaks regularly, and never leaving it unattended while operating.
