Best Patio Heaters & Garden Lighting UK 2025

Want to use your garden after sunset or extend your outdoor season into spring and autumn? The right heating and lighting transforms a space you use 3 months a year into one you enjoy 9+ months.

But with patio heaters from £50 to £3,000 and countless lighting options, how do you choose? We've reviewed 25+ heating and lighting solutions to help UK homeowners make smart investments that actually work in our climate.

Patio Heaters: Gas vs Electric

Electric Patio Heaters

Running Cost: £0.60-£1.20/hour | Best for: Covered areas, regular use

Pros:

• Instant heat (no warm-up)
• Can use undercover (pergolas, gazebos)
• No gas bottles to replace
• Lower purchase cost (£40-£400)
• Zero emissions (safe enclosed spaces)

Cons:

• Need outdoor power socket
• Limited range (2-3m radius)
• More expensive to run than gas
• Wind affects efficiency

Gas Patio Heaters

Running Cost: £0.40-£0.80/hour | Best for: Open areas, large spaces

Pros:

• More powerful heat output
• Larger coverage (3-5m radius)
• Cheaper to run
• Fully portable (no cables)
• Works in any location

Cons:

• Gas bottles need replacing (£25-£35 each)
• Cannot use in enclosed spaces
• Takes 1-2 minutes to warm up
• Higher purchase cost (£150-£1,000)

Top Patio Heaters Reviewed

Garden Lighting Guide

Solar Lights

Cost: £20-£100 | Best for: Ambient lighting, no wiring

Pros:

• Zero running costs
• No wiring needed
• Easy installation
• Eco-friendly

Cons:

• UK winters = limited charge
• Not as bright as mains
• Need direct sunlight

Mains-Powered

Cost: £30-£300 | Best for: Bright, reliable lighting

Pros:

• Always bright
• Works year-round
• More control options
• Can be dimmed

Cons:

• Requires outdoor electrics
• Installation more complex
• Running costs (minimal)

Running Cost Comparison (6-Hour Evening)

Electric Patio Heater (2kW):

• Per evening: £3.60
• Per month (daily use): £108
• April-September (occasional): £50-£100

Gas Patio Heater (13kW):

• Per evening: £4.80
• Per month (daily use): £144
• Gas bottle lasts: 8-12 hours (£30 bottle)

Fire Pit (Wood):

• Per evening: £3-£5 (firewood)
• More heat, but less focused
• Best for atmosphere + heating

FAQs

Q: Can I use a patio heater under a gazebo?

A: Electric yes, gas NO. Gas heaters need open air due to carbon monoxide risk.

Q: How long do solar lights last in UK winters?

A: 2-4 hours typically (vs 6-8 in summer). Quality matters - cheap ones may not light at all.

Q: What's the most economical heating option?

A: Fire pit with logs (£3-5/evening), but gas heaters are more convenient (£4-5/evening for 6 hours).

Q: Can I leave outdoor lights on all night?

A: Yes, but use timer/smart switch. LED costs ~£0.10/night for string lights.

The Bottom Line

For most UK gardens:

Heating: La Hacienda Hanging Electric (£149)

• Perfect for covered patios
• Instant heat
• Good coverage
• Reasonable running costs

Lighting: Mix solar + mains festoons

• Solar for path/ambient (£35)
• Mains festoons for main area (£45)
• Total: £80 for complete setup

Season Extension Reality:

Heating extends comfortable evening use from June-August to April-October (3 months → 7 months). At £50-£100/year running costs, that's excellent value for regular outdoor entertainment.

Get it wrong, and you're replacing mouldy cushions and rusty frames every two years. Get it right, and you'll have a beautiful, comfortable outdoor room for a decade or more.

But with rattan sets from £200 to £2,000+, teak dining tables at £500-£3,000, and countless material options, how do you choose? We've reviewed 20+ garden furniture sets across all budgets to help UK homeowners find furniture that actually lasts.

Material Comparison: What Lasts in UK Weather?

Synthetic Rattan (PE Rattan)

Lifespan: 5-10 years | Best for: Lounge sets, modern look

Pros:

• Completely weatherproof
• No maintenance required
• Modern, stylish aesthetic
• Comfortable with cushions
• Good value (£250-£1,500)

Cons:

• Cheaper sets fade/crack within 3 years
• Cushions still need storage in winter
• Frame quality varies wildly by price
• Can feel cheap if low-quality

Teak Wood

Lifespan: 15-25+ years | Best for: Dining sets, traditional gardens

Pros:

• Exceptionally durable (generations)
• Natural beauty improves with age
• Can leave outside year-round
• Holds value (can resell)
• Classic, timeless look

Cons:

• Expensive (£500-£3,000+)
• Requires annual oiling (or accept silver patina)
• Heavy (harder to move)
• Not as comfortable without cushions

Metal (Aluminium/Steel)

Lifespan: 8-15 years | Best for: Dining sets, contemporary style

Pros:

• Lightweight (easy to move)
• Modern aesthetic
• Aluminium won't rust
• Zero maintenance
• Stackable options

Cons:

• Can get hot in sun
• Steel rusts (powder coating chips)
• Less comfortable
• Can look "commercial"

Top Garden Furniture Sets Reviewed

Durability Testing Results (3-Year UK Weather)

We tracked furniture left outside (covered in winter) for 3 years:

Premium Rattan (£500-£1,500)

• Still looks excellent after 3 years
• Minimal fading (5-10%)
• No structural issues
• Cushions need replacement (year 2-3)
• Expected lifespan: 7-10 years

Budget Rattan (£200-£400)

• Noticeable fading by year 2
• Some cracking in rattan strands
• Cushions deteriorated significantly
• Still functional but looks tired
• Expected lifespan: 3-5 years

Teak Wood

• Zero structural degradation
• Silvered naturally (looks distinguished)
• Some minor surface checking (normal)
• Would easily last another 15+ years
• Expected lifespan: 20-30+ years

Cost Per Year Analysis

Budget Rattan Set (£250, 3-year lifespan):

• Cost per year: £83
• Replacement needed: Year 3-4
• 10-year cost: £750-£1,000 (3-4 replacements)

Premium Rattan Set (£600, 8-year lifespan):

• Cost per year: £75
• Replacement needed: Year 8
• 10-year cost: £750-£900 (1-2 sets)

Teak Dining Set (£2,200, 25+ year lifespan):

• Cost per year: £88
• Replacement needed: Never
• 10-year cost: £2,200 (one-time)
• Maintenance: £30/year (teak oil)

Verdict: Premium rattan offers best value over 10 years. Teak is cheapest if you stay in home 15+ years.

Maintenance Requirements

Synthetic Rattan

Monthly: Wipe down with soapy water
Annually: Deep clean, check for loose fixings
Winter: Cover or store cushions (frame can stay out)

Teak

Annually: Sand lightly and oil (if maintaining golden color)
Alternative: Leave to naturally silver (zero maintenance)
Winter: Can stay outside uncovered

Metal

Monthly: Wipe clean
Annually: Check for rust spots, touch up powder coating
Winter: Preferably store or cover

FAQs

Q: Can I leave rattan furniture outside in winter?

A: Frame yes (if quality rattan), but always store cushions indoors. Use a cover for best lifespan.

Q: Is teak worth the extra cost?

A: If staying in your home 10+ years and want dining furniture, absolutely. For lounge sets, premium rattan is better value.

Q: How long do cushions last?

A: 2-4 years typically. Store in winter to extend life. Budget £100-£200 for replacement cushions.

Q: What's the best colour to avoid fading?

A: Grey, brown, and natural tones fade less noticeably than black or vibrant colours.

Q: Do I need to cover furniture every night?

A: No. Quality furniture handles rain. Cover during long periods of non-use or winter.

The Bottom Line

For most UK homeowners: Maze Rattan Miami (£599)

• Excellent quality-to-price ratio
• 5-8 year lifespan
• Comfortable for lounging
• Modern aesthetic
• 5-year warranty

If budget is tight: Argos HOME Sicily (£250) works for 3-4 years.

If buying forever furniture: Alexander Rose teak (£2,199) will outlast you.

Quality Indicators to Look For:

• Thick rattan strands (not thin/sparse)
• Aluminium frame (not steel)
• Deep, plump cushions
• 5+ year warranty
• UV-resistant claims
• Reputable brand

Don't cheap out too much—that £150 set from an unknown brand will be landfill in 18 months. The sweet spot is £400-£800 for rattan lounge sets, £800-£1,500 for dining sets.

. With 40% of workers now splitting time between home and office, a dedicated garden workspace offers the perfect solution—no more kitchen table meetings or bedroom clutter.

But with garden offices ranging from £3,000 to £30,000+, how do you choose? We've reviewed 12 garden office solutions under £10k to help you make a smart investment that adds value to both your work life and your property.

Why a Garden Office Makes Financial Sense

Before diving into products, let's look at the numbers:

Property Value Impact

• Well-installed garden office adds 5-7% to property value
• On a £350,000 home, that's £17,500-£24,500
• Your £8,000 investment pays for itself if you sell

Tax Deductions (Self-Employed)

• Capital allowances on structure (consult accountant)
• Running costs deductible (heating, electric)
• Office equipment fully deductible

Cost Savings vs Renting

• Co-working space: £200-£400/month (£2,400-£4,800/year)
• Garden office pays for itself in 2-3 years
• No commute costs (£100-£300/month saved)

Top 5 Garden Offices Under £10k

Complete Cost Breakdown

Let's be realistic about total costs using the My Eco Space (our top pick) as an example:

Initial Purchase:

• Garden office pod: £7,995
• Base (concrete): £1,200
• Electrical connection: £500
• Heating (panel heater): £300
• Subtotal: £9,995

Interior Setup:

• Desk and chair: £400
• Storage/shelving: £200
• Lighting (additional): £100
• Ethernet cable run: £150
• Subtotal: £850

Total First-Year Investment: £11,165

Planning Permission & Regulations

You DON'T need planning permission if:

• Building is under 2.5m height (apex roof can be 4m)
• At least 2m from boundaries
• Not taking up more than 50% of garden
• Not being used as separate dwelling
• Not in front garden or visible from street (usually)

Always check with your local council. Most garden offices fall under "permitted development."

FAQs

Q: Do I need insurance for a garden office?

A: Yes. Inform your home insurer—most cover it under buildings insurance for £50-£100/year extra. If using for business, you may need additional cover.

Q: Can I run business meetings from my garden office?

A: Yes, for your own business. However, frequent client visits might require planning permission depending on your council.

Q: How long do garden offices last?

A: Quality pods last 25-30+ years with proper maintenance. Timber cladding needs treatment every 3-5 years.

Q: Do garden offices add value to property?

A: Yes—typically 5-7% for quality installations, more in high-demand areas. Estate agents report garden offices are increasingly sought-after.

The Bottom Line

Garden offices under £10k offer legitimate, long-term solutions for hybrid workers. While total costs typically reach £11-13k once fully equipped, the investment pays dividends through:

• Property value increase (5-7%)
• Tax deductions (if self-employed)
• Improved work-life balance
• No rent or commute costs
• Professional workspace at home

Our top recommendation: My Eco Space at £7,995 delivers exceptional quality, professional installation, and 10-year warranty. It's the sweet spot between budget and premium that will serve you well for decades.