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Are Patio Heaters Safe for Use on Wooden Decks?

Are Patio Heaters Safe for Use on Wooden Decks?

Staying warm outside is more challenging in the colder months, causing your home’s outdoor space to get less use during the winter season. However, patio heaters are a great way to keep your outdoor space warm so that you can still enjoy it in the wintertime. But are patio heaters safe for use on wooden decks? We’ll explain how to properly utilize these heaters on your deck.

Proper Placement

Patio heaters are safe to use on wooden decks, but you’ll need to follow a few essential guidelines. The proper placement is necessary if you plan to have an outdoor heater on your deck. For example, you should always keep your heater at least three feet away from combustible objects and items. You should place the heater at a safe distance from furniture, potted plants, grills, and any other belongings you may have on your deck. You want the heater to keep you warm while you’re sitting in your outdoor area, but you must take care not to have it too close to your deck furniture and seating areas.

Correct Use

It’s also essential to understand how to correctly use your patio heater if you plan to have one on your deck. Improper use of a heater can cause severe safety hazards and potential accidents that you want to avoid. Therefore, it’s beneficial to read your instruction manual carefully to ensure you thoroughly understand the directions before use. Not all patio heaters work the same way, so you need to determine which kind you have. For example, there are electric, propane, and natural gas heaters. Figuring out how to power your outdoor heater is one of the main components of understanding how to use it properly.

Safety and Security

Safety and security are crucial elements when using outdoor heaters on your wooden deck. You should always take proper safety precautions when using these kinds of devices, and it would also help to fireproof your deck. Depending on the design of your heater, the wind outside can cause it to sway, tilt, or topple over, so you’ll need to ensure it’s secure. Your heater should be on a flat surface, away from heavy foot traffic. You can use bungee cords or sandbags to weigh your heater down and keep it securely in place. You should never touch the heating element of your patio heater to avoid getting burned. It’s also a good idea to keep your cords safe and out of the way so that they don’t present a hazard to others.

Now that you know how to use patio heaters on wooden decks safely, you can utilize these safety precautions and strategies in your own home. Mr. Spindle has everything you need to make your deck the outdoor sanctuary of your dreams, including deck posts that will add style and security to your space.