What is the cheapest way to heat a garden office?

The cheapest way to heat a garden office is to combine good insulation with an efficient heat source such as underfloor heating or a vented propane heater.

Can you use propane to heat a garden office safely?

Yes, propane can be used safely if you install a vented heater, ensure proper airflow, and follow safety guidelines provided by the propane supplier.

Is underfloor heating suitable for garden offices?

Underfloor heating is ideal for small garden offices connected to household power or a generator, offering even warmth without taking up wall space.

Do garden offices need insulation for winter use?

Yes. Proper insulation is essential for maintaining warmth, reducing heating costs, and making a garden office usable year-round.

Home Improvement

How To Keep Your Garden Office Warm Ideas for Fall and Winter

— Practical and affordable ways to heat a garden office and stay comfortable while working from home.

By Emily Wilson Published: January 19, 2026 Updated: January 19, 2026 7760

Garden office workspace with winter heating and insulation

When you work from home, you may be looking for a space to work in that is your own.

For some people, this can be the spare bedroom, but if you don’t have a spare bedroom, then it may have crossed your mind to set up a garden office. These are great and can add a lot of value to your home, without being overstated.

However, one thing that many people overlook is how to heat this space in the cooler months with minimal cost. So, here are some ideas to think about.

Propane

OK, so when dealing with propane, you need to think about safety.

As the garden office is likely going to be off-grid, the safety features are paramount, and the safest option for a garden space is a vented propane heater. This will require either a freestanding or a fixed unit, which you may want to place on the outside of the office, but you will also need to ensure that there are a lot of vents. Based on the type of propane you get, it may be wise to talk to the propane company you purchase it from about the best way to vent it and to use it as a heating system.

Insulation

Of course, any outdoor space that you intend to work in is going to need to be insulated, especially if you live in an area that is notorious for cold winters. There are many options to choose from, such as insulation boards, insulation spray on foam (a very affordable option), mineral wood, which is also good for soundproofing, and polyurethane insulation. Ideally, you will need to have the space insulated and then heated with a separate option as well, but you should check the size of the space and the insulation needs based on the materials that the garden office is made from.

Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating is a great option if you are able to connect your garden office to a separate generator or to your house.

Using small wires and tubing, this is an ideal option for people who may have a smaller garden office and also want to maintain the chic look. These wires will need to be protected from external weather, but can add a cozy feel to the office space and work perfectly with wooden or laminated flooring.

Log Burners

If you want a heater that can also double as a centre piece (and is very visually dramatic), you can opt for a log burner. Much like the propane heating, you will need to follow safety procedures to prevent accidents and injury, but these are great for adding character and also have an incredible heat output. You will need to ensure that your garden office has a chimney of sorts, and for a traditional log burner, you may need to spend several thousand dollars to ensure that it can warm the entire space. So, break out the measuring tape, and it may be worth looking for second-hand options, as these can get very costly to purchase.