Not All Heaters Are Created Equal: How to Choose the Right Outdoor Heater for Your Space
When it comes to creating a comfortable outdoor living space in the Pacific Northwest, heat is essential. The crisp evenings, unpredictable rain, and long winters make warmth a priority if you want to enjoy your backyard year-round. Fire pits provide glow and atmosphere, but for consistent coverage—especially across larger spaces—outdoor heaters are the real game changers.
But here’s the thing: not all heaters are created equal. The right choice depends on your space, layout, and how you use your backyard. At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we help homeowners find heating solutions that blend seamlessly with design while providing maximum comfort and safety.
Here’s your complete guide to choosing the right outdoor heater.
Why Outdoor Heaters Matter
Before diving into heater types, let’s talk about why they’re worth the investment.
Year-Round Living: With heaters, your patio or deck becomes usable in spring, fall, and even winter.
Guest Comfort: No more “good seats” and “cold seats.” Heaters extend warmth evenly across all areas.
Design Flexibility: From portable models to built-in systems, heaters can be tailored to suit any backyard style.
Pairing with Fire Pits: Heaters provide coverage while your fire pit delivers ambiance—together, they create a layered heating solution.
In short, heaters transform your outdoor space into a four-season retreat.
The Three Main Types of Outdoor Heaters
1. Wall/Ceiling Mounted Heaters
Best for: Patios with limited floor space, covered decks, or pergolas.
Mounted heaters are installed overhead or on walls, delivering radiant warmth downward into seating areas. They’re discreet, efficient, and keep the ground clear for furniture and movement.
Benefits:
Perfect for compact or urban backyards where every inch of floor space matters.
Seamlessly integrates into pergolas, ceilings, or beams for a clean look.
Consistent, targeted warmth over dining tables or lounge areas.
Considerations:
Requires professional installation for safe wiring.
Works best in semi-enclosed spaces where heat isn’t lost to wind.
👉 For homeowners in Seattle with small patios or rooftop decks, wall/ceiling heaters are often the smartest choice.
2. Freestanding Heaters
Best for: Flexible layouts, larger gatherings, or renters who want portability.
These are the heaters you’ve likely seen on restaurant patios: tall, sleek towers that can be moved as needed. They run on propane or electricity and provide warmth exactly where you place them.
Benefits:
Flexible placement—move them as your seating changes.
No permanent installation required.
Available in a wide range of styles and sizes.
Considerations:
Takes up floor space, so may feel bulky in smaller patios.
Propane models require regular refills.
Less discreet than mounted or built-in systems.
👉 Ideal for homeowners who frequently rearrange seating areas or host gatherings of different sizes.
3. Built-In Systems
Best for: Permanent outdoor living spaces, high-end patios, and new construction projects.
Built-in heaters are the most seamless, sleek, and powerful option. Installed directly into walls or ceilings, they provide invisible coverage that blends with architecture.
Benefits:
High-end, polished look that complements modern outdoor designs.
Consistent, reliable warmth—no tanks or cords to manage.
Adds long-term value to your property.
Considerations:
Requires upfront investment and professional installation.
Best suited for permanent outdoor kitchens, patios, or living spaces.
👉 For homeowners investing in a luxury outdoor retreat, built-in heaters are the ultimate choice.
How to Decide Which Heater Is Right for You
Choosing the right heater comes down to balancing space, lifestyle, and budget. Ask yourself:
How big is your space?
Small patios: Wall/ceiling heaters.
Large open yards: Freestanding heaters for flexibility.
Covered outdoor kitchens: Built-in for seamless integration.
Do you want flexibility or permanence?
Flexibility: Freestanding models.
Permanence: Built-in or mounted heaters.
What’s your design style?
Modern, sleek: Built-in or mounted.
Rustic, casual: Freestanding pairs well with portable layouts.
How often do you entertain?
Occasional gatherings: Freestanding may be enough.
Frequent entertaining: Mounted or built-in ensure reliable comfort.
Pairing Heaters with Fire Features
While heaters are excellent at creating consistent warmth, fire pits and fireplaces provide ambiance and visual magic. The best outdoor spaces use both:
Fire pits as focal points: Gather for toasts, storytelling, or s’mores.
Heaters for coverage: Keep every guest warm, even those seated farther away.
Design layering: Combine firelight, string lights, and heaters to create a multidimensional, cozy atmosphere.
With this combo, your backyard transforms into a destination—not just a patio.
Outdoor Heating in the Pacific Northwest
Seattle and the Puget Sound region are uniquely suited to outdoor heaters. Our damp, cool evenings make them less of a luxury and more of a necessity.
Local Considerations:
Weatherproofing: Always choose heaters designed for outdoor use in wet climates.
Professional Installation: Hardwired heaters should be installed by certified electricians to withstand PNW rain and wind.
Burn Bans: Heaters aren’t subject to burn bans, making them an excellent supplement to wood-burning fire pits during restrictions.
By combining heaters with COR-TEN fire pits, you ensure warmth and ambiance 365 days a year.
FAQs About Outdoor Heaters
Are wall-mounted heaters safe under pergolas?
Yes, when installed professionally and at proper clearances. Always use weather-rated models.
Do freestanding heaters use a lot of energy?
Propane freestanding heaters can be fuel-intensive. Electric infrared models are more energy-efficient.
Can built-in heaters be retrofitted?
In some cases, yes—but they’re best installed during new construction or major renovations.
Do I still need a fire pit if I have heaters?
Heaters provide warmth, but only a fire pit delivers the glow, crackle, and ambiance people love. The two work best together.
Final Thoughts
Not all heaters are created equal—and the right choice depends on your space, style, and lifestyle.
Wall/Ceiling Mounted Heaters: Best for compact spaces with limited floor area.
Freestanding Heaters: Ideal for flexibility and gatherings of all sizes.
Built-In Systems: Sleek, permanent, and perfect for luxury outdoor living.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we don’t just sell products—we deliver, install, and tailor outdoor heating solutions to your unique backyard. By pairing heaters with our RB73 COR-TEN fire pits, you’ll create a layered, four-season outdoor experience that’s as safe as it is stunning.
🔥 Ready to bring warmth to your backyard? Explore our outdoor heating solutions today and let us help you design the perfect setup for Pacific Northwest living.
