A radiant area heater includes a columnar base with a hollow compartment and a heating column disposed on the columnar base. The heating column includes a control portion with at least one controller, a burner, and a sparker and a flame portion that includes a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is disposed on a cylindrical member that has at least one vent allowing air to circulate to the burner and within the combustion chamber. The heating column further includes at least one heat emitting screen disposed above the flame portion that radiates heat outwards from the heater. A cover is disposed over the heating column to direct heat outwards and away from the heater.