All the Great Ways To Mount a Patio Heater

Patios are among the most brilliant innovations ever created for family gatherings and hosting guests. But when the chill sets in towards the end of the season, people usually pack up the barbecue, switch off the lights, and bring the party indoors.

There's no need to stop enjoying the outdoors just because the temperature drops. Installing a heater on your patio can keep the fun and camaraderie going throughout the colder months. Restaurants have been using heaters for years, but modern patio heaters aren't just for dining establishments anymore. They're designed for personal backyards as well. These heaters work in any outdoor setting, whether it's a single-family patio or a shared space in an apartment complex.

We typically see patio heaters mounted on poles. It’s a visually appealing design that reminds us of garden lighting. However, pole mounts aren't the only option. There are several ways to install patio heaters, and the best choice depends on the specific space you're working with.

Installation Options for Patio Heaters

The type of patio heater you choose determines how it can be installed. Considerations include the shape of the heater and its fuel source—whether it runs on propane, natural gas, or electricity.

Mushroom Patio Heaters

Mushroom patio heaters are the classic style you often see in outdoor restaurants, with their circular tops perched on long poles or "stems." They emit heat in all directions. Most commonly, they run on liquid propane (LP), though some models use natural gas (NG).

Natural gas mushroom heaters are fixed directly into the ground, connected to your home's natural gas supply line. Propane-powered heaters have a sturdy base at the bottom of the pole to hold the fuel tank. Since they come with their own fuel source, you can easily move a portable mushroom heater along with its propane tank to different spots around your patio. Whether the party moves from one side of the patio to the other or you want to store it in the garage, you can simply turn off the heater, let it cool, and relocate it as needed.

While mushroom heaters are typically pole-mounted, they don’t have to be. You can also suspend them from a sturdy outdoor structure. Many people prefer this setup because it offers a sleeker appearance and frees up valuable floor space. Unless your guests look up, they may not even realize what’s keeping them cozy and warm.

Box/Rectangular Heaters

There are situations where a mushroom patio heater isn’t the right fit, such as a small patio where a pole would take up too much space or there’s no structure to suspend a heater from. That’s where box or rectangular patio heaters come into play.

Unlike mushroom heaters, box heaters don’t radiate heat in a full circle. Instead, they project warmth in a wide arc in the direction they’re facing. This makes them ideal for being mounted as outdoor wall heaters. They can also be attached to rafters and other solid structures.

Box heaters are either electric or natural gas-powered, which means they’re not portable. Once mounted, electric and natural gas heaters can’t be moved. Most people opt for this type of heater with the intention of keeping it in one place.

This kind of heater can be installed on any durable outdoor wall. It can hang from the ceiling or rafters, or it can be angled downward from the eaves. If your patio is adjacent to a house, the exterior wall is a natural spot. However, you can mount these heaters in any permanent structure in your backyard, like a pergola, gazebo, or even an awning. Some box heaters can be recessed so they sit flush with the wall, creating an attractive look that blends seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. They can also be inset into a ceiling using our flush mount kits.

Which Installation Method Is Best?

Whether you choose a pole-mounted heater, a suspended one, or a wall-mounted unit, none of these options is inherently superior to the others—it all depends on the space you have and the aesthetic you’re aiming for. For instance, if you have a large open patio and need the heat to reach the edges, one or more pole-mounted heaters might be the solution. If you have a wall or another convenient surface and only need the heat to flow in one direction, a box heater mounted on the wall could be the right choice. If the desired location for the heater is out of reach of natural gas or electricity, that limits your options. In such cases, you'll need to use a liquid propane mushroom heater, either on a pole or suspended.

Of course, if you have a spacious area or a patio with unique corners and nooks, there’s no rule against combining multiple types of heaters!

Facts About Patio Heaters

AEI Corporation offers a comprehensive range of patio heaters under brands like Sunglo, Patio Comfort, Sunpak, and Infratech. These heaters operate on natural gas, propane, or electricity. No matter the fuel type or installation method, we have a patio heater that will perfectly suit your space.

All fuel types are safe and cost-effective, and at least one of them will be suitable for your intended use. Regardless of the power source or the shape, these units generate infrared heat. Infrared heat is as natural as the sunlight that sustains life on Earth. It’s essentially the same form of energy. This means the rays don’t warm the air itself but pass through it. When they hit a solid object like glass, wood, or a person, they convert into heat. The surfaces then absorb this radiant heat and distribute it further.

Mushroom heaters feature aluminum reflectors, which you’ll see atop the "cap" of a mushroom heater. The reflective aluminum surface focuses the infrared rays and helps spread them to nearby people.

AEI Industries pioneered commercial patio heaters in the 1960s. We’ve remained at the forefront of the industry by using high-quality materials and continuously innovating. Today, our patio heaters are used in restaurants, clubs, and patios worldwide.

We offer all the accessories you need and maintain a full inventory of replacement parts, ensuring your heater stays reliable for years to come. Not only that, but the units look fantastic. Available in a variety of finishes and colors, they blend beautifully with any setting where you plan to install them.