Big Timber Pellet Patio Heater Size Guide

The Big Timber Patio Heater delivers 90,000 BTU per hour on premium 1/4 inch diameter wood pellets, the higher-output of the two Timber Stoves heaters we carry. The 18 inch reflector at the top of the 84 inch tall cabinet radiates heat down and out from head to toe around the unit. Effective coverage depends heavily on outdoor conditions: a calm 50°F evening on a covered patio delivers a comfortable heat envelope for 6 to 10 people in typical seating; an open windy patio at 35°F reduces the effective comfort zone substantially. Use the Big Timber when the heat needs to reach a wider seating arrangement around the unit.

• Larger patios (300 to 500+ sq ft). The 90,000 BTU output handles a wider seating arrangement and reaches more guests.
• Decks with 6+ person seating. Larger decks with sectional sofas or multiple seating clusters benefit from the higher heat output.
• Covered patios with overhead structures. Heat reflects off pergolas, gazebo roofs, and patio covers (still 36 inch clearance required from combustible materials), keeping more heat at seat level.
• Outdoor entertaining areas. Hosts who routinely entertain 6 or more guests outside during shoulder seasons.
• Cold-climate shoulder seasons. The higher BTU output extends the outdoor comfort window further into the cool months in IECC zones 5 to 7.

• Indoor or enclosed spaces. Outdoor use only per the owner's manual. Never in a vehicle, garage, screened porch, gazebo, or any building.
• High-wind conditions. Do not use if wind velocity is greater than 10 mph. Wind disrupts the natural draft and can blow embers from the firepot.
• Small condo balconies under fire codes. Many municipal fire codes restrict open-flame outdoor heaters on condo balconies. Check local code before installation.
• Commercial or food service use. Commercial use voids the Wood Pellet Products LLC warranty.
• Tight outdoor spaces under 150 sq ft. The 90,000 BTU output is sized for larger areas; for smaller patios, the Lil Timber (72,000 BTU) is the appropriate choice.
• Below-zero winter blizzard heating. The Big Timber is a shoulder-season patio comfort device, not a substitute for indoor heating in winter weather. Use in safe outdoor conditions.

• Best in calm conditions. The natural-draft pellet design performs best in low-wind weather. Slight breezes are fine; sustained winds above 10 mph are prohibited per the manual.
• Cool to cold ambient temperatures. The Big Timber is most useful at outdoor temperatures of 30°F to 55°F, where its 90,000 BTU output keeps a typical patio comfortably warm.
• Rain and snow. The heater is stainless steel and rated for outdoor use, but the manual recommends storing upright in a sheltered area away from inclement weather, and using a cover in particularly wet climates.
• Cover when not in use. A protective cover extends the cosmetic life of the stainless cabinet, the firepot, and the spark arrestor mesh.

The Timber Stoves Elite Safety Cage is a separate accessory designed to surround the Big Timber, preventing direct contact with the hot stove pipe and firebox during operation. The safety cage is strongly recommended in three scenarios:

• Households with children. The 84 inch tall cabinet has hot surface areas at child-height; the cage adds a physical barrier.
• Households with pets. Curious dogs and cats can brush against the hot firebox or stove pipe; the cage prevents direct contact.
• High-traffic outdoor areas. Restaurants (warranty-voiding), event venues, and busy patio spaces where guests may not be aware of the heater.

Even with the safety cage installed, the standard 36 inch clearance to combustibles still applies. The cage is a contact-prevention barrier, not a clearance-reduction device.

• Partial assembly is done at the factory. The Big Timber ships with major components partially assembled.
• Tools required. Phillips screwdriver (or drill with Phillips bit) and a crescent wrench, per the owner's manual.
• Basic mechanical skills. Final assembly involves attaching the stove pipe, the top reflector, the spark arrestor, the door, the hopper, the ash pan, the heat shield, and the feet (or optional wheel kit). Each step is documented in the manual with hardware tables and photos.
• Peel protective vinyl. Some parts are covered in protective vinyl. Peel this off before first burn.
• Watch the assembly video. The owner's manual references a QR code linking to an assembly video from Wood Pellet Products on YouTube.

• Verify the heater is on a level, stable, non-combustible surface (or a heat pad on wood/Trex).
• Confirm 36 inch clearance to combustibles on all sides.
• Check the weather: outdoor temperature, wind under 10 mph, no rain.
• Fill the hopper with PFI-certified premium wood pellets.
• Pour a small amount of alcohol firegel onto the pellets in the firepot.
• Light with a long-stem match or lighter; do not lean over the firepot.
• Open the damper for clean light-off, then close down for maximum heat once the fire is established.
• Never leave the heater unattended during operation.

• Hardware stores and home centers. Most major hardware stores stock 40 lb bags of premium wood pellets during heating season; availability tightens in summer.
• Look for the PFI Premium rating. Bags marked PFI Premium meet the density, ash, and moisture specifications required for the Big Timber.
• Avoid soft or dusty pellets. Pellets that are soft, contain excessive amounts of loose sawdust, have been wet, or are wet will reduce performance and may damage the heater per the owner's manual.

• Store pellets in a dry place. Sealed bags only. Moisture causes pellets to swell, break apart, and lose heat value.
• Covered patio storage works well. A weatherproof storage bench, deck box, or garage corner is appropriate.
• Avoid storing pellets directly on concrete. Concrete wicks moisture from below. Use pallets, a tarp, or shelf.
• Rotate stock. Use older bags first; pellet quality degrades over multi-year storage.

• Open the damper for cleaner combustion. The manual notes that more oxygen produces a cleaner burn. If the heater is producing smoke or burning dirty, open the damper slightly to improve oxygen flow.
• Close the damper for maximum heat. Once the fire is established and burning clean, close the damper dial to keep heat in the firebox rather than venting up the stove pipe.
• Clean the firepot regularly. After each burn and once the heater has fully cooled, clean ash from on top of the firepot, between the firepot bars, and from the ash pan.
• Clear the spark arrestor. Airflow through the spark arrestor must be unobstructed. Clean regularly with canned air or a soft brush.
• Inspect the glass. Clean stove glass only when the heater is off and fully cooled. Wipe down with a wet rag; for stubborn buildup, a razor blade can scrape away creosote. Do not operate the stove if the glass is broken.