Can You Fit a Heater Retrospectively to a Pergola?
Bought the dream aluminium pergola, but now you're shivering under it? Good news—yes, you can fit a heater retrospectively! From sleek infrared panels to pub-style gas towers, warmth is just an upgrade away. Read on for heater types, smart install tips, and real-life pergola glow-ups that'll toast your toes.
Yes, you can fit a heater retrospectively to a pergola!
So, you’ve finally built the perfect pergola—aluminium frame, comfy chairs, even festoon lights twinkling at dusk. But come nightfall, the chill creeps in and everyone suddenly remembers something urgent inside.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to start from scratch to enjoy warmth outdoors. You can absolutely retrofit a heater to your existing pergola—whether it’s freestanding, wall-mounted, open-roof, or covered. People do it all the time, especially here in Britain, where sunny evenings can turn brisk in a blink.
Let’s walk through your heating options, how to install them safely, and how to pick the right solution for your setup—without melting your budget or ruining your pergola’s look.
Types of heaters for pergolas
When it comes to heating your pergola, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your space, your style, and whether you’re sipping tea in your garden or serving wine in a commercial courtyard.
Let’s break down the options.
Electric heaters
Electric heaters are a firm favourite for pergolas, especially if you want something quick, clean, and hassle-free.
They’re perfect for aluminium pergolas because the frame often allows easy mounting—whether it's on the ceiling, walls, or even tucked neatly under a louvre.
Take Lisa in Reading, for instance. She added two slimline electric heaters to her patio pergola—both remote-controlled. Now, her garden dinners carry on well into November.
Electric heaters:
-
Work well in compact spaces
-
Can be controlled remotely or via timers
-
Don’t take up floor space
-
Must be IP-rated (ideally IP55 or higher) to withstand rain
Gas heaters
You’ve probably seen these in pub gardens—those tall, mushroom-style patio heaters that pump out serious heat.
They’re great for larger, open-air spaces, but a bit of a beast in smaller settings. Plus, they need regular gas refills and proper ventilation.
Still, if you’ve got the room, they deliver wide, even heat that can keep a group toasty well into the night.
Just note—they’re not the sleekest. But if function beats form, they might be your pick.
Infrared heaters
Now, these are clever.
Unlike traditional heaters that warm the air, infrared heaters warm people directly. That means no wasted heat drifting off into the breeze.
They’re energy-efficient, sleek, and great for the environment—and your electricity bill.
Perfect for:
-
Covered or semi-covered pergolas
-
Aluminium frames (easy mounting)
-
Quick, targeted warmth
A popular choice for cafés and wine bars alike.
Fire pits and chimineas
If you’re after that crackling, fireside vibe, these are hard to beat.
Fire pits and chimineas add ambience and warmth, but they’re only suitable for open pergolas with good airflow. You don’t want smoke trapped under your louvres.
Think of Jane in Devon, who added a small chiminea under her open wooden pergola. It became the family’s go-to marshmallow spot—even on frosty December evenings.
Just be cautious with clearances, and always have a fire extinguisher handy.
Installation considerations
Now that you’ve got a heater in mind, let’s make sure it goes in safely—and looks the part.
Safety and compliance
This is non-negotiable. Whether you’re retrofitting in a domestic setting or a commercial one, follow UK safety guidelines.
-
Always mount heaters high enough (at least 2m off the ground)
-
Keep them away from pergola curtains, soft furnishings, and wooden beams
-
If in doubt, get a qualified professional to install it—especially for hardwiring or gas lines
Power supply and gas lines
Electric heaters are easy if you’ve already got an outdoor socket—just plug in and go.
If not, you may need:
-
A weatherproof outdoor socket fitted
-
Or professional wiring into your pergola’s structure
Gas heaters need:
-
Access to bottled gas or a mains supply
-
Safe storage and easy access for refilling
This is where costs can add up, so plan ahead.
Ventilation and clearance
Whatever heating option you choose, it needs breathing room.
-
Don’t mount heaters too close to the ceiling or roof beams
-
Avoid hanging plants, curtains, or fabric canopies nearby
-
Gas and flame heaters must be in well-ventilated spaces
Your heater should enhance the space—not pose a fire risk.
Aesthetics and style
Let’s not forget the look.
A chunky gas heater plonked into your sleek aluminium pergola might ruin the vibe. Choose something that blends into the space.
Look for:
-
Matte black or brushed metal finishes
-
Slimline profiles
-
Hidden brackets or recessed mounting options
Want it to feel warm and look cool? Match your heater’s style to your pergola’s character.
Choosing the right heater for your needs
Let’s narrow it down further. What actually works best for your pergola?
Size and coverage area
First, measure up.
-
Got a 3x3m pergola? A single 2kW infrared unit could do the trick.
-
Larger spaces may need multiple heaters or higher output options.
Remember: a covered pergola holds heat better than an open one, so you might not need as much power as you think.
Heat output and efficiency
It’s not just about heat—it’s about how smartly it’s delivered.
-
Electric and infrared heaters are efficient, fast, and direct
-
Gas heaters cover a wide area but burn through fuel faster
-
Fire pits add visual charm, but aren’t the most consistent source of warmth
Look for adjustable heat settings, timers, or smart plugs if you want more control.
Budget and maintenance
Let’s talk money.
-
Electric heaters: Budget-friendly to install and maintain. Great value.
-
Infrared heaters: A bit pricier, but super efficient and stylish.
-
Gas heaters: Higher ongoing costs, plus you’ll need to store fuel safely.
-
Fire pits: Vary in price, but will need regular cleaning and maintenance.
Don’t forget installation costs—especially if you need to wire into your pergola frame or run a gas line.
Final thoughts
Fitting a heater retrospectively to your pergola isn’t just doable—it’s one of the smartest upgrades you can make.
Whether it’s for alfresco dinner parties, cosy cuppas on cool evenings, or extending your café’s outdoor service into the colder months, a heater can transform how—and when—you use your space.
And the best part? You don’t need to redesign your pergola or break the bank to make it happen. From plug-in electric heaters to statement flame towers, there's a solution for every space and budget.
Other articles our customers have found useful: