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There’s something about a gorgeous backyard gazebo that just draws you in – you want to be inside it, peering out on a misty morning sunrise with a large cup of joe, pondering what the day has in store for you. Maybe it’s the solitude, maybe it’s the romance of the setting, but nearly everybody loves spending time in their backyard gazebos.
Though you can find gazebos that have amazing scrollwork and details adorning their haughty exterior, gracing some of the finest homes in the country, others are little more than sticks with a top on them. The mighty gazebo originated in Egyptian gardens and have been around since the olden days (I’m not talking about the George M. Cohan “olden days,” but the really olden days of about 5,000 years ago). No matter what style or type of gazebo you have, they are a welcome getaway to hide from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.
Here at Patio Heat and Shade we love our outdoor time more than just about anybody and have dedicated our working lives to making our customers comfortable in their outdoor spaces, whether it be an inlaid brick patio, ornate redwood gazebo, or simple backyard dining space. So many of our customers have wanted to extend their gazebo-gazing long into the evening hours, and have asked us if they can use a patio heater under a gazebo that we asked our experts to put together some tips to share with the rest of the class…
Ah, here we get to use one of our favorite answers – Yes’ish. Generally, patio heaters (both electric and gas) are built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors (as long as they are under a covered are and out of the effects of direct water) and can be used inside of a gazebo. Gas patio heaters require significant ventilation – and a gazebo’s wide-open walls are just the ticket for eliminating potentially harmful gasses from your patio heater. With this being said, there are still some safety issues to be aware of to get the most of your patio heaters in your gazebo.
Since most gazebos are made of wood (which really likes to catch on fire), it’s best to avoid patio heaters with open flames. Look for infrared patio heaters (either electric or gas) to minimize the open flame issue.
The key element in selecting and placing your patio heater is clearance – does your heater have enough space when operating to keep it, and you, safe? Many of our customers prefer to have a freestanding patio heater for this very issue – it’s easier to place it away from combustible materials when you can easily move it around.
Generally speaking, if you’re buying a patio heater for your gazebo, we would suggest that you look at electric patio heating options, and for good reason…
Let’s talk about the basic difference in patio heaters: electric vs. gas heaters. This is a much-visited topic of discussion among our customers… so much so that our patio experts put together an amazing guide called Radiant Heaters: Gas vs Electric and How to Choose. Generally, gas heaters are cheaper to run and project more heat, and electric heaters have lower maintenance, allow you to have shorter clearances and are more impervious to wind. That last point is critical in long-term gazebo happiness – electric infrared heaters heat the things directly in their path (people, furniture, sparky the dog…) and are unaffected by changes in the wind.
Ceiling mounting your electric infrared patio heater can be an excellent choice to free up space under your gazebo. Because electric heaters have better clearance requirements, they can be safely mounted with as little as 15” of space on the gazebo ceiling. Make sure that you read and follow the manufacturer’s recommended clearances to be sure you’re going to have the best experience.
Many of our customers prefer the freedom of moving their heater around their gazebo, providing just the right heat in just the right space. We’ve got some solid options in both the liquid propane portable heaters (remember to avoid those with open flames) as well as portable electric patio heaters to get your heat on-the-go.
Again, back to that safety thing. Because natural gas and propane heaters create potentially harmful gasses in their normal daily operation, airflow is critical. Make sure that your gazebo has sufficient airflow to keep your party going long into the night.
Still not sure what is best for you? Give us a call, and our patio experts will walk you through the process every step of the way. Count on us at Patio Heat and Shade… we promise to treat you like family.
Take a good look at your gazebo… larger areas just scream for a larger patio heater. If your gazebo is extra-large, multiple smaller sized heaters mounted strategically can give a solid blanket of warmth to all your guests. If you lean more toward the freedom-loving freestanding heaters, a few of these nomadic workhorses may serve your needs. No matter which type of heater you’re considering, be sure to check out the manufacturer’s specs to check the coverage area of that particular heater.
Though it may be a cliché, safety really is first. Although wood burning fire pits or wood burning heaters (think wood burning stove) are romantic and cast an amazing light on your friends and family, they are unsafe for use under a gazebo. As always, check the manufacturer’s specifications for safe distances and clearances for any heat source you’d like to include in your gazebo wonderland.
Our patio experts (the sharpest in the industry) suggest leaning toward electric infrared heaters for warming your family and friends under your gazebo. The low maintenance and resistance to wind make them the ideal candidate for your gazebo gazing evenings. If you select a natural gas or liquid propane heater for your gazebo, make sure that there is sufficient airflow to keep the area safe. Finally, no matter which solution you prefer be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on clearances and other safety issues.
We can’t spend enough time under our gazebos and adding the right patio heating solution will add precious hours together with your family and friends. Getting the right gazebo heating solution is easy… start with a wide selection of products (all at the best prices on the Internet), add in the knowledge and helpfulness of the smartest patio experts in the industry, and you’ve got a recipe for outdoor happiness that can’t be beat.