patio covers design guide | Austin Home Improvement Blog

patio covers

As summer approached, most people begin to think about spending more time outdoors and to the improvement of outdoor living space.

And if you have a covered patio or deck you will probably want to know the best way to provide shade and cover from rain and summer showers.

patio covers

Factors that should be considered when planning a patio cover include where you live and the prevailing meteorological conditions, like how long you spend out on the patio and what types of activities they usually enjoy outdoor living in your area!

patio covers

In this multi-part online guide for patio covers, we present an overview of options, followed by detailed ideas on all types and also how to build your patio cover.

Functional and decorative, you can build a custom wood patio cover for your home and landscape architecture.

patio covers

Types of Patio Covers

There are two basic types of patio covers can be considered permanent structures such as arbors, pergolas, gazebos or patios with removable cover, curtains, retractable fabric awnings and umbrellas.

patio covers

A patio cover will lead to more permanent commitment and cost, but can significantly improve your patio or other outdoor living space, allowing you to spend more time outdoors.

With the addition of a structure that provides both shade and protection from rain and inclement weather, it adds a new feature to your landscaping that helps add visual interest to your property and make your patio a more comfortable All season outdoor living.

patio covers

Build your own wooden patio cover is a fun do-it-yourself home improvement project, but you could also consider options such as a pre-fabricated aluminum patio cover or acrylic.

On the other hand, if all you want is to provide basic coverage of the elements of sun, rain and wind when you are on your patio, then the less expensive types of removable and patio covers are a great alternative. Something as simple as an umbrella keeps the sun off the inclement patio table and can be stored during the winter months.

patio covers

Other options include retractable blinds drawn up covering a larger area than umbrellas and easily when not in use, leaving the natural landscape and patio open and free of posts or other structures necessary to support standing patio covers.

Adding a permanent roof patio cover allows you to enjoy your patio even when it may be raining outdoors.Wood Patio Covers

If you want something built to withstand the elements, the construction of a permanent patio cover using timber has many advantages and add value to your home. While a building permit may be required in your area, you can easily find plans for wooden patio covers and do it yourself construction.

Be sure to examine options, such as whether or not you want to attach your wood patio cover, both with simple drop panels to protect your patio from wind and rain, or just use screens to keep out the biting insects.

Also consider if you want to install electrical cables to illuminate your patio and provide power for other electrical accessories, like you would do.

The obvious drawbacks of a wooden patio cover are the cost and time required to build and maintain a permanent structure.

Metal Patio Covers

Aluminum or wrought iron are also popular materials for the construction of a patio cover and require less maintenance than a wood structure, since it does not rot and usually have a coating to prevent rust.

Manufacturers of extruded aluminum frames offer that are easy and much faster to install than a wooden patio cover.

The disadvantages of a metal patio cover is that it can be damaged in high winds or storms, and are not hidden.

Pergolas and arbors

decorative pergolas and arbors offer no real protection from the other elements that provide some shade, but you can improve the beauty of your patio or other green areas.

You could also build a pergola or arbor to match your wood patio cover design elements to tie together nicely.

Tents, awnings and retractable canopy

A retractable awning provides shade although not easily stored away, when use.Canopy and retractable curtains are a great alternative to more permanent structures, such as wood or metal patio.

The great advantage of a retractable patio cover is that it can be easily rolled up and away when not in use, keep out of the site and well protected during storms and easily extended when you want shade on your patio.

A retractable awning will be more expensive than an aluminum or other media that will make your sailing generally more difficult to put on and take down.

She has a great selection of fabrics, styles and colors to choose from when buying a tent, canopy or retractable.

Convenient and simple, an umbrella offers shade on your patio without the expense and maintenance of the most elaborate patio covers.

Patio Umbrellas

The cheapest option of course is to simply use a patio umbrella to provide shade. Simple umbrellas mount through a hole in your table and have a weighted base to support the umbrella.

The disadvantage is that they provide shade umbrellas limited and without any real protection from wind and weather.

Source: http://www.soundslikeaustin.com/2011/06/02/patio-covers-design-guide/

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