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Making Your Covered Patio Plans Simple

Mike — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:12:24 +0000

With the myriad of choices in exterior home design, whether this be for a patio or landscape features, the homeowner can often be left with a very confused feeling of what to do first. This may be the situation you find yourself in. Well, in this article, we are going to be discussing some things you can do to get your patio into the kind of look and function you are wanting. For some, this may seem like an easy endeavor. For those who are true patio enthusiasts, then you know that there is a little more to covered patio plans than meets the eye. In fact, even if you have a great patio now, you might be looking for other designs or ideas.

Hopefully, by now, you’ve grown to understand just how important your patio space can be. After all, life isn’t getting any less stressful and the patio is the perfect place to go and unwind from the day. There was a time in our country’s history when the front porch was the place to rest and relax after a long day or spend time on the weekends. There you’d be with the other neighbors, kids playing in the front yard and riding up and down the street. Well, times have changed, but we still long for those restful evenings and weekends. The question is, what type of covered patio designs can give you what you are after.

Let’s dive into some patio design ideas and see what works for you. First of all, you should decide upon what type of patio you are looking for. Do you want something that is more fully covered or are you thinking about going with something more like an open lattice roof? Maybe you even have something like a more modern outdoor room idea in mind. You can certainly make any of these a reality. Photo credit

Covered patio ideas range from simple to complex. If you are going to be doing the project yourself, opt for simple. This doesn’t mean your patio structure will come out looking cheap, it will just be much more simple to accessorize and enhance later. If you go with something that is very ornate or heavy on design and structure, you may not be able to modify it later without significant costs or help. Unless you know exactly what you’d like to have a decade from now still standing, go with a more simple design. Think in terms of a simple pergola idea. You can utilize this type of structure as the ‘bones’ of your patio and then make it as accessorized as you wish.

With the right patio cover plans, you can have your patio serve any number of functions. Some homeowners are more entertainers while others prefer to lounge. Of course, you need not exclude one activity for the other, but certain designs make more sense depending upon how you use your space. For example, the outdoor room concept mentioned above is going to work very well for an entertaining homeowner, one who enjoys hosting get-togethers. This doesn’t mean that you can’t simply lounge and relax as well, it is just better suited to have a more ‘formal’ outdoor dinner party than it is for wet kids getting out of the pool and enjoying. The idea is that your patio is really more of a reflection of the way you live your life. Let your lifestyle guide the covered patio plans that are right for you. Keep it simple and enjoy!

Outdoor Patio Roof Styles and Features

Mike — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:40:08 +0000

One of the more difficult aspects to make a decision about when it comes to your designing your new patio or even remodeling an old one is in regards to the roof. If your patio is simply an extension of an existing roofline or deck, then the choice is easier. In this case, you’d have to match the type of roof shingle or surface that is on the rest of the home. However, when it comes to free-standing patio covers or other patio structures that are not attached to your home, you have many more options. We’ll take some time to go into some of these outdoor patio roof choices and also some of the various materials with which you can cover your patio.

Here is a sample of the lattice-style patio roof.

What many people are interested in is the shade that a roof or other shade, can provide. If you have a more casual and smaller patio space, you may be able to get by with a simple patio umbrella. While not as permanent as a fully covered structure, it can still give you what you are after. Besides, you can also move it around and take it down in heavy winds or other inclimate weather. These are options that don’t exist with other patio roof options. Photo credit

There are some very popular patio structures that we really embrace on our site. They are all similar, but have some unique differences as well. In terms of creating a nice outdoor room or larger patio area, a pergola is a very hard structure to beat. It has many features that make it suitable for the discussion here. Similar to the pergola are the gazebo and smaller structures; the trellis and arbor. These latter terms are sometimes used interchangeably with the term pergola, but not around here. What we refer to is a typical 10’ x 10’ or larger structure. This is not a magic number, it is just a standard size for garden canopies and other shade structures, so it is more for reference than anything else. Let’s talk about some of these roof styles and materials.

Patio Roof Styles

You can imagine the roof of your patio like any other roof, with some unique differences. We’ll use the pergola as our example, but the materials could fit others as well. The main thing about a roof on a free-standing patio structure is that it doesn’t necessarily have to provide all of the same features that your home’s roof does. In other words, it doesn’t need to be completely waterproof unless that is the type of roof you are looking for.

Many people prefer more of a lattice-style roof that allows more light to penetrate, but also gives shade as well. There are automatic louver style roofs now as well. These are really pretty nifty. You see, what would be ideal is for the beams or stringers on your pergola to match the angle of the sun’s rays. This would allow you to get the best type of shade possible. Part of this depends on how you situate your pergola – or other patio area – on your property. The sun sits in the sky differently at different times of the year. You can see how this particular style of patio roof accomplishes this – very ingenious design!

Now, there are other times when you can actually harness the placement and position of your patio structure for good use. What we mean is that you can use the roof of your patio to capture energy from the sun. A typical solar patio cover can give you enough energy to at least power the lighting and some other minor energy uses on your patio. Unless you have a large patio, don’t expect it to power your home or provide enough energy for your outdoor kitchen appliances or audio-visual equipment.

If you’re just looking for a simple roof for your patio, there are always wood, tile and metal choices. Wood, like the lattice roof or using a cross-beam style is a handsome look. It provides support for climbing vines and such as well. You can stain it and seal it to give you a longer finish. However, it will need to be maintained much more often.

With a cement or ceramic tile roof, you can get a more rustic or Mediterranean look and feel to your patio. It may even take on a cabana appeal. Typically, you’ll need to have a masonry built pillar or post structure to support such a heavy roof. These also require much more technical skill to install, so the DIYer may be stretching him or herself with this one.

A similar situation arises with a metal patio roof. You can use metal, like zinc, copper or steel to create a really elegant looking roof. Since it is a smaller space, the additional high cost of such a roof may not be as hard on the budget. These roofs have been demonstrated to last decades – even decades longer than a traditional roof. So, if you are interested in a patio cover that is truly unique and has some character and charm, consider hiring a professional to install a metal roof for you.

Patio Covers and Conservatories: A Complementary Pair

Mike — Wed, 05 May 2010 02:49:43 +0000

A conservatory is classically considered a metal and glass structure that abuts a building and is used to display plants and gardens. It is more common in larger installments and yards or public spaces. However, there are now smaller styles that many homeowners can enjoy. They were originally intended to grow and display tender plants and flowers that would not otherwise be possible to grow in any type of patio garden space. Another term or synonym for a conservatory is a greenhouse. This is essentially what it is, though the conservatory has a more grand scale and theme to it.

When you’re thinking about how to design your patio, and whether or not (and how) to cover your patio, it’s important to think of your garden environment in a holistic way. Your patio, magnificent though it is, doesn’t exist in splendid isolation – it has to complement all of the other features of your garden as well, if it is to truly have the desired effect of improving your home.

You can see how this conservatory in Stockwood park has aged, but still maintained its usefulness.

Many homes have not just a patio, but a conservatory as well. And, quite often, the patio is placed right outside of the conservatory, surrounding it. In this case, it’s vital to make sure that you plan each sensitively to make sure that they work together, and that they don’t clash.

This means things like choosing your patio tiles to match the color of the frame of your conservatory. If you’ve got a wooden conservatory, light colors often work well, to counter the darkness of the wood. Likewise, if you have a white PVC conservatory, then a darker, richer shade of tile can show off both to their best.

However, contrasts don’t work quite so well when you are planning a patio cover or a patio roof to sit next to your conservatory. A wooden patio cover next to a white PVC conservatory frame is a garden style disaster waiting to happen. So is an aluminum frame next to a classic wooden conservatory – a disaster so hideous, in fact, that you’ll probably spend your time hiding behind your conservatory blinds, rather than venturing out to actually enjoy your garden.

One of the best ways is to construct the patio frame from the same wood as the conservatory frame. If possible, buy the wood for both at the same time. That way you can be assured of a good match that will leave your garden looking effortlessly beautiful.

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What You Need To Know About Patio Covers

Mike — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:26:36 +0000

When you are thinking about being able to enjoy your home more, probably one of the first things that comes to mind is creating more space to enjoy. Most often, this involves getting your outdoor space more user friendly. As we spend more time enjoying our homes and the outdoor spaces, including patio covers in that discussion usually comes up. The simple reason being, you get the most bang for the buck with this type of project.

It is true that you can build one yourself or have help from friends. What makes your patio more enjoyable in the quickest amount of time possible is hiring the pros. Not only will you have your patio covered more quickly but you will know that it is built to code – if that is even an issue depending upon your design – and is as safe as possible. Because of the several different types of structures you can build and the materials you can choose from, having it done right is important for not only your safety but long-term investment as well. The last thing you want is for your patio to be a health hazard each time you go out there or when there is a slight change of inclement weather that will threaten the integrity of your structure.

So, What Type Of Patio Cover Did You Have In Mind?

This is the elegance and ambiance patio covers can create.

You may not have given it too much thought and you found our site as a way of researching the topic itself. Would you believe that are almost an endless amount of ways to cover your patio as there are to designing a home or landscape area? Well, it is true. The reason is that as long as your plans are within the guidelines of your city code or home owner’s association covenants and regulations – almost tougher than pulling permits sometimes it seems – then you can probably have it built. You may even be able to tackle the project yourself or with the help of a small crew of your friends for the heavy lifting. As you read on, you’ll learn why.

The broad categories of patio cover designs include open, roofed, and enclosed. As the names suggest, you can almost get an idea of what the structure will look like, at least in concept. How you execute the details of your project will allow for much personalization, customization and range of design ideas. As outdoor spaces become more and more popular with home owners, it is being increasingly easy to find contractors that can work with your plans to build you exactly what you are looking for.

Learning About ‘Open’ Covered Patios

This sounds a bit confusing at first. Open covered patios? If you are thinking about having a more open patio concept, then you are probably inclined to be thinking about gazebo or pergola types of structures. These are similar in nature. A gazebo is usually a structure that has more of a roof-like element to it. It may also be more of a Victorian style with benches built into it. Gazebos have more of a closer, intimate feeling to them. A pergola has more of a criss-crossed type lattice structure to its ‘roof’. The term roof here is in quotes because it is more of an open structure, usually having trained vines or plants growing up and over it providing shade and ambiance. This can also be quite intimate, but because of its open nature has more of a restful feeling about it.

Both types of open structures can be enjoyed much of the year depending upon your climate and weather of course. Many pergola builders have mastered the craft in all corners of our country as the various designs can highlight the flowers and outdoor experience of the seasons.

The open patio styles are what are more classic for the popular surge in outdoor room spaces. With these rooms, entire kitchens or entertaining spaces with kitchen appliances are made to bring the indoors out. Many products and manufacturers are now offering items that are made to be exposed to the elements. Stainless steel and stone items are the most common choices. The partial covering offered by the plants or vines does provide some relief from mother nature to the appliances.

What About Other Covered Patio Designs?

While a gazebo structure may technically qualify as a “roofed patio”, what we are really discussing here are more formally covered patios. In this case, patio covers that use framed members, with sheeting, and roofing materials like felt paper, and shingles. This is definitely a job for the professional builder.

These types of covered patio areas are like the traditional ranch house styles of the 1970s – where the patio area is an extension of the rear part of the home. The key to updating this look is in the post options and using paint and furniture items to bring a more modern feel to that outdoor space.

Now, How About Those Enclosed Patios…

Look at all this glass - that's an enclosed sunroom.

These types of rooms are more commonly called sun rooms or sitting rooms. More popular in times gone by, but like all things, making a comeback. Similar to the type of patio covers mentioned above, these spaces are very customizable offering each customer to personalize their space. These porch-like spaces can provide a more enjoyable outdoor experience for longer periods in the season because of their enclosed nature. Being screened in or enclosed with the use of retractable awnings or motorized awnings can provide another level of protection. Enclosed areas can also be made to look and function as an indoor room with the use of pillars and draperies. Photo Credit

Remember, what you are really after with any type of outdoor patio space is to be more able to spend some quality time outdoors. You may just need some down time after work. Maybe you have children and want to watch them play outdoors without the pounding sun. Entertaining outdoors will leave your guests impressed and rejuvenated. No matter what type of option you choose, your patio cover will help you enjoy your time with friends and family.

Aluminum Patio Covers

Mike — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 05:43:34 +0000

Whether you have always built with wood or simply enjoy the warmth and depth that wood allows, you might be surprised to learn how easy it is to use other materials. We’ll be discussing both building a patio cover with aluminum and wood and the ‘costs’ that go into them. But, there are other considerations to think about as well. For one thing, what about maintenance? Some people forget or simply don’t realize that when you build an outdoor structure, like an extended covered patio or a pergola, there is a maintenance process that goes along with them. By building an aluminum patio cover, you can save yourself some of these hassles.

Let’s discuss some of the benefits of this type of material with regard to designs, first. Then, we’ll move on to why building with this material can be easier than you might think. It is also an ecological decision if such things matter to you. Using wood that is not sustainably harvested leads to a loss of our natural resources, something that an outdoor enthusiast like yourself might frown upon. About the design, you can have any of the same features that other patio covers have; lattice type patio roof, attached or free-standing, double or single header support beams, you get the point.

Basically, the design issue is not as relevant as others. The one point you might miss with this type of material is the look and feel of real wood. After all, wood does have a very warm and handsome look about it. The next style or brand that is the most popular in this category does come in a cedar-embossed finish and can be ordered in a variety of colors. You see, wood has its place, it is just not right for every application.

Alumawood™ Patio Cover Kits

As was just mentioned, this brand of patio cover is made to have the natural grain pattern of the popularly used outdoor wood material, cedar, but with a fraction of the maintenance issues.

With this type of material, you can enjoy the benefits of your shaded patio space, without the weekend chore of having to either repaint or restain each year, as recommended with natural wood.

One aspect that homeowners need to think about is cost. And, yes, using this type of pre-fabricated material may be a bit more of an investment initially, but not always. Often, you can find these DIY kits for about what you would pay to have a real wood patio cover built. If you consider that a typical 10′ x 14′ attached style of aluminum patio cover sells for ~$1,600 USD at the local large home improvement warehouses and this Alumawood™ style sells for about the same, you can see that they are right inline with the pricing structure. You might spend about the same, maybe $1,200-1,500 USD, for wood materials to build your patio structure yourself. However, the real payoff comes in terms of that maintenance issue. If you believe that time is money and wasted time is wasted patio lounging, then you might consider getting one of these aluminum patio covers.

Covered Patio Designs

Mike — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:12:54 +0000

When you begin searching among the many styles of patio cover ideas, you quickly realize that there are probably as many plans and designs as there are ideas. This does little to help you refine your search, but it does let you know that there are many options for you. Just like with any other feature inside your home, your covered patio can be customized to better suite you and your family’s needs. So, in this article, we’ll discuss what it takes to get the right covered patio designs to meet your requirements.

This is one example of a design for a covered patio that looks beautiful and provides very usable space.

So, what exactly are your patio cover plans? What, you don’t know? Okay, this is definitely the first place you should start if you have any hope of refining your search. Just browsing around online can certainly give you some great ideas, that’s probably how you landed here after all. But, browsing can also be a big waste of your time if you don’t know what type of patio you are looking for. You can find patio covers with several styles roofs and with all sorts of accessories. You need to know how you plan on using your patio space, then you can set out in searching for styles you like. For some homeowners, they need their patio roof to be something that is more solid, like your home’s roof rather than something that is partially open like a pergola. Your particular usage will determine what type will be best for you.

When we are talking about patio usage, we should discuss some of the specific points to help you clarify your needs. Some patio designs take into account such things as entertaining and layout features that would be ideal for hosting parties and other get-togethers. Some patios will be more functional for things such as sitting in a spot of shade after jumping out of the pool. You might find a few chaise lounge chairs or some other patio furniture items that you can enjoy while you dry off.

Not everyone has the same things in mind. Again, for the patio enthusiast, the lighting will be of great importance. Many hosts will have an evening meal or entertainment out on their deck or patio. This type of dining and entertaining requires specific types of lighting for the patio to be both safe and conducive to intimate conversation areas. In the case of an outdoor kitchen type of set up, you may have some more formal dining furniture in place. Some outdoor kitchen and room designs incorporate seating at the counter area or may have some cocktail tables nearby for a more lounging environment. Additionally, if you plan on having evening parties, you may need to consider the temperature. In the warmer summer months, this is not of much concern. However, in the spring or fall, when many parts of the country can enjoy their patios in the evening or night, patio heating becomes a need. Luckily, there are several types of patio heaters to help out. These can substantially improve the ambient temperature of your patio space. Keep in mind, depending upon the design of your patio, the roof and other factors may need to be addressed.

In the end, the design of your patio is much easier to address when you are building from the ground up. If you plan on remodeling your outdoor space or patio area, now is the time to handle these issues. You certainly don’t want to invest all this time and money into your project only to find that you aren’t able to enjoy the space as you had wished. So, spend the time now and design your ideal covered patio so that you can enjoy it for years to come.

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Designs For A Covered Patio

Mike — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:26:41 +0000

Just like so many other things, the only limit to the style of covered patio designs is the human imagination. Your patio may be an extension of your home but it will not be that comfortable with the intense summer sun beating down on you or having your party ruined from the pouring rain. This is where your patio cover design ideas will really shine. Patio cover plans can be either expensive or fairly modest, depending upon several factors.

When considering covered patio ideas, think about the material and the installation. Most patio covers are built from wood – both cedar and redwood make great choices. We are big proponents of harvesting wood in a sustainable way, so cedar makes a better choice in this regard. However, you could also go for a vinyl, composite or cloth type of cover material.

Did you know some patio cover ideas include vines and other plant life? These are the ones that will give you that really charming atmosphere that you are probably after if this one appeals to you. The pergola is the likely candidate for this project. There are some patio cover designs that are simple enough – some pergolas can be a DIY project, but most will require a contractor to be involved. If your designs are complicated or large enough, you may even need a building permit.

An arbor is a similar structure as the pergola, sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. These both can have a patio roof that is more open in nature – the lattice pattern or cross beam style. It does not provide a lot of protection but it does come in many different styles. An arbor kit can help in installing it. Even with the kit, it is not that easy propping up and building it. This is another reason a professional should be considered. Remember, even if you hire a contractor you can still do some of the finishing work yourself to save some money on the project. For example, you could stain or paint it yourself and just leave the building to the pros.

The degree of difficulty in installing this covered patio is dependent on what kind of cover you have selected. The cloth designed styles referred to above are the awnings and sun shades. An avid DIYer can tackle this project in a weekend or so, depending upon skill level and assistance.

There are kits that have been mentioned that include all the parts and tools that are needed for assembly. This kit may make some financial sense since it may offset the cost of hiring a contractor and save you the time you so desperately want to be spending on your patio.

If you have little experience in construction, then you should leave the more formal roofing work to a professional. The last thing you need to get involved with is causing damage to your home or hazards to your property because of a poorly bit patio structure. This is not only unwise but unsafe. Furthermore, as discussed, you may have to submit some plans depending on the coding regulations in your city or neighborhood. In addition, a contractor can sometimes buy materials at rates you don’t have access to, so it may balance out in the end. Either way, when you are finished with this project, the value of your home should be increased, and you will have a wonderful place to relax while being shielded from the elements.

Covered Patio | A New Room

Mike — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:37:50 +0000

When you think about a patio space, you may not see the potential in yours. If you have a patio and don’t enjoy it as much as you’d like, it may be time to either remodel or do some investigating into what you can change to make it all that you’ve ever wanted. There are various ways that a covered patio can be built to your personal specifications. This doesn’t mean that it is restrictive for others, it just reflects how you wish to use and enjoy your patio space.

For some, the patio is a place where they can go to unwind from a long day or relax on the weekends. It is more like a retreat and a place to kick up your heels. And yet, to other homeowners, the patio is a place where they can host extravagant or exotic dinners and entertain guests. These two ideas will likely need different covered patio designs. It isn’t that a design couldn’t be found that could incorporate the two, it is just that you should consider these points and the way you plan to use your own patio prior to beginning your remodel or new patio construction.

While your covered patio plans may not be as detailed as an architect’s drawings, at least you’ll have some idea in mind as to what your next step will be. That next step may be to create a material’s list if you plan on building your own patio cover. If you plan on hiring a professional, just make sure that your plans are clear. What is obvious to you may not come across in your sketches or conversation. Similarly, getting things in writing will always be your best bet if you hire out the work.

Now, what about if you have a more formal patio space in mind? In this case, you are not alone. The trend in patio designs is to design and build them to be more like outdoor rooms. It seems that patio covers are quickly becoming more like the ‘bones’ to create an outdoor space that resembles any space you might find inside your home. This includes the creature comforts of television, heating, cooling, kitchens, patio furniture, you name it. If you can find it indoors, then you can likely find its complement for your outdoor room.

You can tell that what was once considered just a simple area has really turned into a whole other animal. Gone are the days of just using those white plastic lawn chairs for your furniture needs. Those are fine for larger entertaining groups that will be broken down at the end of the evening. However, for a more exotic and useful covered patio, keep that patio room concept in mind.

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Solar Patio Cover | Solar Patio Roof

Mike — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:43:43 +0000

If you’ve made it this far, then you are likely one of those individuals who appreciates the benefits of living in harmony with our planet and also doesn’t mind the fringe benefit of saving money. Let’s face it, if we are looking to use solar power, then we have to address the cost to benefit issue. The patio is a great place to experiment or begin your quest into the solar power arena. You can get a solar patio cover professionally installed or you can do some of the work yourself. For someone with good handy skills, installation of the panels themselves may be easier than the actual connecting of the power aspect to the grid and all the rest of the electrical connections, inverters and such.

For the purposes of this article, we are really more concerned with addressing the benefit of the solar panel patio cover system itself, not so much about the installation. Let’s talk a bit more about the benefits of using a solar patio roof. Basically, if you are looking for shade on your patio, you are going to need some type of roof structure, awning or shade to provide that. Many people opt to build a patio cover themselves, like a classic pergola design. Then, there are other deck designs that call for a cover feature that extends from the house to the posts of the deck.

Both styles make the installation of solar panels a feasible solution. The main advantage of using a solar panel array, like photovoltaic (PV) systems is that they are relatively affordable, lightweight, have a low profile and can provide you with energy that can either power the lighting or some other features on your patio or be sent back into the grid. This allows you to use them to create a covered patio for you, all while saving you money on utility expenses. True, it will take some time to realize these savings as a PV system will cost several thousand dollars, including installation expenses.

Again, the real benefits have to do with the long-term viability and design of your patio. With a solar cover roof system like this, you will often find that the manufacturer provides a warranty of up to 20-25 years. In addition to this, you may be able to get some state or federal monies as tax credits or reimbursement for your purchase.

And, if you are worried about space issues, don’t be. A system like this can be installed on a patio roof as little as 250-500 square feet. You may also have concerns about HOAs or other city regulations. This is a legitimate concern, but one that you should find no problem in avoiding as these systems have been installed in most major metropolitan areas without issues. You can expect a system of this size to produce anywhere between 250-400 kwh of energy for you as well. So, while you won’t be powering your neighborhood with it, you can definitely feel good about doing your part to green up a little more than your backyard patio.

What Are Your Patio Cover Plans?

Mike — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 06:11:02 +0000

Have you ever browsed through any custom home or architectural magazines and wondered how they got those amazing looking homes? Well, if you think about it, they are nothing more than the same materials (mostly) that the rest of us have access to. It’s just in the way that they are put together and made to look exotic. Take for example the amazing decks and patios that you see in those magazines. Maybe you’ve even done some online browsing, searching celebrity home sites and the like. In any case, you’ve probably seen those amazing outdoor covered patios that look like some kind of resort or island get away. How do they get such amazingly elegant looks to them? Well, first of all, they have great patio cover plans. Okay, let’s not fool ourselves, they do cost some money too. But, it’s mostly because of who builds those patios, not because of the patio itself. Many times, their patio covers are nothing more than wood or some properly placed metal elements, with great lighting and some fabrics to make them appear like a poolside cabana for royalty.

Patio Cover Designs and Ideas

Often, what gives such an elegant look is what they leave off as much as what they are made of. For example, the wooden beams that can cover the patio or deck, depending on where it is built, can provide just the right amount of shade, while letting just enough sun in to grow beautiful plants or climbing vines. When these plants become more mature, they crawl all over these covered patio structures and look like some old-world Mediterranean or Spanish villa. The posts that support the patio cover may be made of concrete, stone or even more expensive and exotic marble or limestone. While these may be for the lifestyles of the rich and famous now, it’s really all that was available hundreds of years ago in many cases. The point is, you can still capture the essence of these more expensive patio cover designs because of the plethora of man made and cultured materials these days. The popularity of the outside room has made this type of patio easily accessible to all. With a very modest budget, you can create quite a nice look.

Rustic Patio Covers Can Be Elegant Too

Patio designs range from rustic to refined. Rustic appearances can be achieved by using newer materials manufactured to look old. Some patio cover kits are sold this way. These can also be made of newer cement block post structures that are covered with cultured tumbled stone facing material. These appear like the posts are made of stacked rocks that support a nice wooden top or even a metal roof. The pillars can also be finished smooth and have a Venetian plaster look to them creating quite a refined old-world style. When you add lights, some awnings and canopies you’ve got an area that you and your guest will enjoy to relax and even dine under.

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