What do you enjoy doing on your patio? It may be drinking a cocktail, reading a novel, or dozing off. Either way, a covered patio will improve the experience by providing protection from rain and the sun. The conditions of the patio are maintained so that you hang there as long as you want. This also provides an opportunity to play around with lighting and plants.
In this article, we will look at different patio cover ideas. When deciding on the best idea, try going for those that suit your needs. Do not go for an idea because your neighbor is using it. How big is your patio? How much lighting do you need on the patio? These are some of the questions you should probably ask yourself.
Below are some of the ideas you can apply when covering your patio;
- Using Waterproof Shade Sails
These are the most popular patio covers in the market. They are attractive, affordable, and durable serving you for years. The cloth is breathable thus there will be free airflow in your patio. Mostly, the cloth is hung on the roof to provide shade against the sun and rain. You can also use them on patio sides to provide privacy.
A waterproof shade sail is an advanced cloth in the market. The traditional ones would allow water to spill all over. The cloth consists of woven polyester yarn that is PVC-coated. The PVC prevents damages related to water and the growth of mold. There are varieties of sizes and colors to choose from to cover your patio.
- Use Umbrellas
Why would I use an umbrella to cover my small patio? If your patio size is small, I would recommend using umbrellas to cover it. Umbrellas are conveniently used to cover the seating areas in your patio. These include the coaches, chairs, and tables. It is a relatively cheaper method of covering patios compared to other methods.
There are different types of umbrellas in the market. The shapes include round, rectangular, and square umbrellas. Some common types of umbrellas include a commercial patio umbrella, cantilever umbrella, and half umbrella. Half umbrellas allow you to hang it on the wall if your patio is adjacent to the wall. Also, check on the fabrics of the umbrellas and make sure they are waterproof.
- Tin Roofs
Metal or tin roofs provide a good option for covering your patio against harsh weather conditions. These roofs suit areas that receive torrential rainfall and hot days. You have to first build a framework around the patio that will hold the roof. Most people use a pergola as the framework.
There is a range of metal types to choose from. Always try to look for the metals with a protective coating. Such will make them more durable and resist the harsh weather elements. Compared to other materials, tin roofs have proven to be stronger. The downside includes being expensive and their appearance may not be appealing to everyone.
- Corrugated or Flat Panels
These panels can be installed on any patio. The first step is to create a framework which in most cases is a pergola. If you do not want to keep out natural light completely, use tinted or clear panels. Solid dark panels are good options if you do not want the light on your patio. PVC, polycarbonate, and fiberglass are used to make the panels.
Fiberglass panels are very affordable among the three. The only concern is how they could easily change their appearance. PVC is a bit better, but they can be brittle sometimes. The polycarbonate panels are durable and the strongest of the three. However, they are expensive and hard to find.
Corrugated panels are preferred to provide cover against the rains. They tend not to become floppy like the flat panels. Also, it is easy to install them and water pours through the grooves. You will not have to deal with problems related to stagnant water.
- Waterproof Canvas Canopy
Canvas is a common material for waterproofing a patio. The canvas is tighter compared to shade sails. It can be treated with waterproof compounds to prevent water from getting into the patio. Ropes and screws are used to attach the canvas to walls to form a canopy. Concerns for such material include water being trapped in a crease or corners.
A retractable canvas canopy is a new trend. The canvas is installed over the patio with tracks. Ropes are used to pull it to one side when needed. This is a great option if you like enjoying the sun before the rain arrives. A series of battens are used to make sure there is a proper flow of rainwater on the canopy.
Patio Cover Materials
You have now chosen the method you wish to cover your patio with. The next hurdle includes choosing the material type. The material choice is crucial as it determines the quality of the patio cover. The materials need to be durable and keep you comfortable at the same time. Here are three common materials to help make a choice;
- Wood
Pros
- It has a beautiful appearance
- Available in different sizes, textures, and colors
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Regular maintenance needed
- Prone to peeling, rotting, and warping
- Vinyl
Pros
- Minimal maintenance required
- More durable than wood
- Weather-resistant
- Affordable
Cons
- Not visually appealing
- Can fade over time
- Available in a limited number of colors
- Aluminum
Pros
- Durable
- Minimal maintenance required
- Low cost of acquisition
- Strong but lightweight
Cons
- High heat retention
So, you should choose brands that try to combine the qualities of the above three materials. It could be strong like aluminum with the beautiful appearance of wood.
Conclusion
Having your patio covered allows you to spend more time outdoors. You can enjoy the beautiful outdoor views while still protected from the harsh weather conditions. This depends on you choosing the right patio cover. Look at the different ideas above and combine them with the best material. Seek professional help whenever required.