A patio heater cover is the single biggest factor in how long your patio heater lasts. An uncovered propane heater rusts at the burner head and the gas connection within one season; a covered heater can run for 8 to 10 years on the same unit. The cover is the cheapest insurance you can buy for a piece of equipment that costs $150 to $500.
This guide covers how to size, pick, and use a patio heater cover, with the measurements and material specs that actually matter when you compare options.
Why a Cover Matters
Outdoor patio heaters fail in three predictable ways:
- Rust at the burner head. Rain that puddles in the reflector seeps into the burner. Once the orifice corrodes, ignition becomes unreliable.
- Gas valve corrosion. Brass and zinc fittings tarnish under salt or humid air. Connections leak.
- UV degradation. Powder-coated paint chalks and fades; plastic control knobs get brittle.
A cover blocks all three. It does nothing for the fuel inside, so you should also disconnect or close the propane tank for long storage. For propane handling between sessions, see our propane safety outdoors guide.
How to Measure Your Heater for a Cover
Most cover returns happen because the buyer measured wrong. The correct measurement workflow:
- Height. Measure from the ground to the top of the heater, including the reflector hood at its widest tilt.
- Diameter (or width). The horizontal distance from the front of the reflector to the back, straight through the center. For mushroom heaters this is the reflector hood diameter; for glass-tube heaters use the widest point of the burner cap.
- Base depth. The diameter of the base. Many heaters have a wider base than reflector — check both and use the larger number.
- Add 1-2 inches. Cover should fit slightly larger than the heater so air can circulate underneath, preventing condensation and mold buildup.
A common universal cover size for full-height standing mushroom heaters is roughly 87" H × 34" W × 19" D. Glass-tube and pyramid heaters need narrower covers (around 24-30" diameter). Tabletop heaters need short, compact covers (24-32" tall).
Cover Size by Heater Type
| Heater Type | Typical Heater Dimensions | Cover Size to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Standing Mushroom (full-size) | ~86–90" H, 32–34" reflector dia. | 87–90" H, 33–36" diameter |
| Glass Tube / Spiral Flame | ~71–82" H, 18–24" widest | 72–84" H, 20–26" dia. |
| Pyramid Glass-Tube | ~89–91" H, 22–24" base | 92–95" H, 24–26" dia. |
| Tabletop | 24–38" H, 10–14" dia. | 26–40" H, 12–16" dia. |
| Wall-Mounted Electric | Varies (often hard-mounted) | Optional — weather-rated electric units may not need covering |
Material: What Actually Holds Up
Cover specs use a "denier" (D) rating to describe fabric thickness — higher numbers mean thicker, more abrasion-resistant fabric.
- 600D polyester — the residential standard. Thick enough to resist tearing, lighter than canvas, holds water-repellent coating well. BALI OUTDOORS covers use 600D polyester.
- 420D Oxford — mid-range. Adequate protection, lower price, slightly less durable than 600D.
- 210D polyester — entry-level. Fine for occasional storage, not for season-long outdoor exposure.
- PVC-coated polyester — heaviest waterproof option. Effective in heavy rain, but traps moisture if the cover does not include vents.
- Canvas — durable but heavy and slow to dry. Less common for residential.
Coatings to Look For
- PU coating — polyurethane on the inside face. Adds waterproofing without making the fabric stiff.
- UV inhibitors — slows fade and fabric breakdown in direct sun.
- Anti-mold treatment — useful in humid climates.
Features Worth Paying For
- Air vents. Mesh-grommeted vents at the top reduce condensation, prevent mold growth on the heater body, and stop the cover from ballooning in wind.
- Elastic hem cord or drawstring. Keeps the cover snug against the base in wind. A loose-fitting cover acts like a sail.
- Buckle straps. Some covers include nylon straps with click-buckles for additional wind resistance.
- Reinforced seams. Double-stitched or heat-sealed seams prevent water seepage at the most common failure points.
- Storage bag. Folds the cover neatly when not in use, prevents abrasion against shed walls or garage floors.
Installation Tips
- Wait until the heater is fully cool. Hot reflector against polyester fabric can melt or fuse the cover.
- Drop straight down from above. Lifting from the side bunches the fabric and tears the seams.
- Tighten the hem. Pull the elastic cord or strap so the cover sits flush against the base. A loose hem invites wind to billow the cover overnight.
- Direct vents to the side. Position vent panels to the leeward side of prevailing wind so rain does not blow into them.
- Inspect monthly. Off-season storage still benefits from a quick check — water accumulating in a folded section is the most common silent failure.
Care and Lifespan
- Rinse with a hose. Once or twice a season. Avoid pressure washers, which strip waterproof coatings.
- Spot-clean with mild soap. No bleach, no harsh detergents.
- Air-dry only. Do not put a polyester cover in a dryer.
- Re-treat with waterproofing spray every 12-18 months to restore the original DWR (durable water repellent) coating.
- Replace when the seams fail or the fabric tears. A typical 600D polyester cover lasts 3-5 years of full outdoor exposure.
Common Mistakes
- Buying the wrong shape. A standing-heater cover does not fit a tabletop and vice versa. Match form factor first, dimensions second.
- Sizing too tight. A cover snug to the dimensions of the heater traps moisture against the metal. Aim for 1-2 inches of slack.
- Sizing too loose. A cover much larger than the heater flaps in wind, abrades against the surface, and accumulates water in low spots.
- Skipping vents. Sealed covers in humid climates trap condensation. The metal underneath sweats, then rusts.
- Covering a hot heater. Burns the fabric, voids the warranty.
- Leaving propane tank installed in the base. The tank itself does not need to be covered, but it is safer to disconnect for long storage.
BALI OUTDOORS Heater Covers
BALI OUTDOORS makes a heavy-duty 600D polyester cover designed for round patio heater bases and similar fire features. Specs:
- Material: 600D polyester
- Dimensions: 21.26" L x 21.26" W x 44.1" H
- Cover style: round, fits glass-tube and mid-height heater designs as well as fire pit features in the same dimensional range
- Weather rating: waterproof, UV resistant, snow/dirt resistant
- Warranty: 12 months limited
- Cross-compatible with: Endless Summer, Blue Rhino, Hampton Bay, Hiland and similar fire feature models within the size range
This cover is not sized for full-height 86 in. mushroom standing heaters — for those, look for a cover labeled in the 87 in. + height range. For glass-tube models, fire pits, chimineas, and shorter heaters, this is a strong fit.
See the heater cover collection. For matching covers to other fire features, see fire pit covers, fire table covers, and chiminea covers.
Bottom Line
Get a cover the same week you buy the heater. Size it 1-2 inches larger than the unit's outer dimensions, look for 600D polyester with PU coating and air vents, and tighten the hem before walking away. A $30 cover often determines whether you replace the heater in 4 years or 10.
