If you wish to shorten your patio heater, the best way to do it is by using a metal saw to cut it around the upper pole.
Once cut, it is important to drill new holes so you can secure the heating unit with screws.
After completing these tasks, your patio heater will look like new.
Do you ever feel like your patio heater doesn’t quite fit in with the exterior space of your home?
This is a common issue that many patio heater owners face, which is why some opt for smaller heaters that are easier to move around.
Patio heaters can be quite heavy and have an odd shape that makes them difficult to handle.
However, if you start with a tall patio heater, can you later shorten it to fit your needs?
Accomplishing the task of installing a patio heater may seem daunting, but it is certainly achievable with the right approach.
It’s essential to keep in mind that you don’t want your heater to look out of place on your patio.
Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the factors mentioned in this article before you begin the installation process.
This will help you stay on the right track and avoid any regrettable mistakes that could have been prevented.
Related Reading: How Tall Is Patio Heater?
Related Reading: Can Patio Heaters Be Used Under a Covered Patio?
Table of Contents
How to Shorten Your Patio Heater
If you are someone who is naturally handy, then cutting a pole for your patio shouldn’t be a difficult task, especially if you have the necessary knowledge and tools.
You should take your time, be cautious, and maintain orderliness to achieve the best results.
Remember, you need to cut the pole little by little and take your time to ensure a clean cut.
The end goal is to make your patio look as good as new.
If you wish to shorten the pole holding the heating unit, focus on the upper pole.
This is the area where the heating unit is typically mounted.
Once you have cut the pole to your desired length, drill four new holes to support the heating unit securely with screws.
Before starting the process, ensure that you take out the gas hose.
Cutting Tools to Shorten Your Patio Heater
You might think that cutting metal is an impossible task.
However, there are some tools that are available to you:
- You can use a steel cutting blade on a power saw.
- You can also use a steel cutting blade on a reciprocating saw such as a Sawzall. One that works very well is the Diablo blade.
- If you don’t have access to these power tools, you can use a hacksaw that features a metal cutting blade. It is an alternative that is both cheap and easy to handle. You just need to make sure that the teeth per inch, or TPI, is right for the type of metal that you’re working with.
It is strongly recommended to use a titanium drill bit for drilling the holes slowly.
Height Considerations
If you’re wondering about the ideal height for your patio heater, it ultimately depends on your lifestyle and intended use.
However, it’s worth noting that most patio heaters are sold with heights of approximately 90 inches.
This is because people typically want to feel comfortably warm without getting too hot while enjoying time on their patios with friends and family.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the clearance of any object shouldn’t be less than three feet above the ground.
Anything lower than that can pose a serious burn hazard.
It’s important to keep in mind that shortening your patio heater doesn’t mean you can’t use it at its original height later on.
There are plenty of stands available in the market that you can choose from.
These stands offer great versatility, especially if you have a large patio area, and need to adjust to different weather conditions and seasons.
Related Reading: Patio Heater Coverage Explained: How to Best Warm Your Space
For your convenience, here is a link to a variety of patio heaters.
Outdoor Patio Heaters (Affiliate Link)
Precautions To Consider Before You Start
It is essential that the center post remains in its original size as it acts as the backbone of the heater and bears most of the weight.
Keep in mind that this metal post is crucial for the proper functioning of the heater.
You can shorten your patio heater, but ensure it doesn’t affect function.
Taking apart a patio heater may seem like a simple task, but it can actually be quite complicated.
Many people who attempt it without proper knowledge and expertise often end up with a non-functional heater.
A helpful tip is to take notes of item locations for easy reassembly.
It is important to consider the risks before cutting the upper post of your patio heater.
- It is important to be aware that the weight of heavy equipment can make it unstable and cause it to fall over, potentially resulting in injury or even death. As a precaution, it is highly recommended to wear a hard hat at all times when working in close proximity to such equipment.
- It is recommended that you wear safety goggles and heavy-duty gloves to protect your eyes and hands during this type of work.
If you plan to shorten your patio heater, have someone assist you to prevent accidents and ensure proper cutting.
You should wear thick gloves and eye protection when handling the heater to avoid debris falling into your eyes.
Last but not least, remember to wear an appropriate mask if you don’t want to breathe in metal dust.
It’s important to consider purchasing a heater that is the appropriate size for your outdoor space.
While it may cost a bit more, investing in a patio heater is worthwhile for safety reasons, particularly if you have children in your home.
This will ensure that everyone stays warm while enjoying time outside without any unnecessary risks.
Related Readings:
- Replacing Patio Heater Parts: Discover the Best Options and Tips
- How to Manually Light Your Patio Heater Safely
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right height heater for your patio depends on various factors such as whether you will be sitting or standing while using it.
In case you want to shorten the height of your heater, it will be a challenging task that requires utmost care and attention.
Therefore, it is essential to approach the matter seriously to ensure that the job is done correctly.
You need to seek guidance from a professional if in doubt.
If you choose to shorten your patio heater, it is crucial to understand that it is a significant decision that should be taken seriously.
You need to approach the shortening process with utmost care at every step because even the slightest mistake can cause damage and compromise the integrity of the heater, making it impossible to repair.
Of course, you should consider all safety precautions before starting.
Be safe!!!
Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!