Patio Covers Place » Types Of Patio Covers

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.

What To Look For In Outdoor Patio Covers

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.

Patio Roofing Options

Mike — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:36:55 +0000

There are just so many options when it comes to how you can cover your patio. You can always opt for a traditional beam-type structure, classic of the pergola style. Or, you might opt for something a bit more modern or contemporary in scope, like tile or metal patio roofing. If you have something that resembles a screened-in patio, then a more traditional roof with plywood and shingles might be in order. Your patio covers will be able to adopt many styles of roof all depending upon the individual structure itself.

What will make you decide on one type of patio roof over another is mostly related to the style of your home and patio spaces. If you have something that is more free-standing, like a pergola, then the roof will most likely be nothing but the beams or possibly a lattice-style of roof. These are often wooden structures, with cedar and redwood being the best choices. Not only do they have a nice quality to work with, but they weather the elements extremely beautifully. They do have natural defenses against premature aging, but will do much better with a wood sealer or stain. If you like the look of the natural wood – and this is something we favor around here at Patio Covers Place – then just go with a clear sealant option. Thompson’s, Behr and others can be found at your local home improvement warehouses that will do the job quite well.

This patio roof looks like a reinforced lattice style.

Another option for the free-standing patio cover, like the pergola or cabana look, is a patio roof made of tile. These tiles are reminiscent of a Mediterranean look, but are now usually made of concrete. The readily available nature of the cement roof tiles makes them easier to work with and more affordable in most cases. You can still get them in a variety of shades to give the appearance of an old-world style. This type of patio roof, combined with some stone pillars makes for a great look.

What About Metal Patio Roofing?

Similar to these construction methods, though using different materials, you could opt for a metal roof for your patio cover. Choices for metals include things like steel, copper, bronze and aluminum. These not only make for a unique looking roof, but can have as long a durability as any material. These metal roofing jobs often have life spans of up to 50-60 years. Try getting that out of a traditional asphalt or wooden shingle. It simply isn’t going to happen. In addition to this, these metals develop a wonderful patina that just adds to the distinguished look of your patio over time.

As discussed, there is a distinct advantage of having metal for durability, but sometimes you just need to match an existing roof line and material. For these traditional asphalt shingle roofs or cedar shingle roofs, they are constructed in the same way as any roof on a home. First, the joists are placed. Next, comes the plywood. For your home to be waterproof, a felt paper and flashing are used. For your patio, this step may not be employed. Then, the shingles are marked, measured and nailed into place. You would never know it was done unless you say it first yourself. These are the basic principles and options regarding your patio roof.

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Arbors – Elegant Design Elements for a Patio or Garden

Mike — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:07:49 +0000

There are so many things to like about arbors, that it is hard to pick the first thing that comes to mind. If you are looking for arbor designs browsing the web, then you will come across so many different styles. A garden arbor is a very simple structure, that gives beauty and elegance to any space that is lucky enough to have one.

Even if it is as simple as having an arbor-gate that brings you into your courtyard or patio area, the look and feel is both welcoming and warming. If you have ever experienced this, then you know the feeling. There is just something about walking beneath a vine or flower-covered arbor that brings you into the space you are entering. It makes that space seem like a special place to go.

A great shot of an arbor over a garden bench.

There are different types of arbors, as mentioned. Some are just simple two post and beam structures that have a few stringer beams up top for the support of your greenery. Others are more extravagant creations with many more posts and beams to support a much larger array of flowers and vines. In this respect, an arbor is very similar to a pergola – occasionally the terms are used interchangeably. A pergola is another type of patio cover. Pergolas are usually four post and beam structures with a lattice roof. Often, a pergola is made of wood – though metal and vinyl options are available.

Similar in some respects to the pergola is the gazebo. While the pergola has a more ‘airy’ openness about it, the gazebo is more closed. This is because gazebos have a more formal roof-type structure to them. Like other covers, they can use metal roofing materials or some other traditional type of wooden roof or shingle.

At Patio Covers Place, our preferred choice of wood for outdoor projects is cedar. It is not only a gorgeous looking wood, but has many additional properties that suit it best for outdoor applications. Its ability to age gracefully and be sustainably harvested are two features that immediately come to mind.

Now, there is yet another garden and patio element that confuses this issue – the trellis. A trellis is more of a two dimensional structure, so to speak. Typically, they are made of smaller lumber pieces with lattice work between the ‘posts’. Then, they are often used along fences or as small fences, to allow delicate flowers, vines or other garden herbs and plants to grow on.

The most important thing you can do is find the type of patio or garden structure that will work best in your space. Don’t worry about what it is called. You’ll probably hear many of these names used as synonyms anyway. If you don’t already have a good idea of what you are looking for, you can just browse images online, search in fine home magazines or just look over your fence if you like your neighbors’ ideas. The beauty of this project is that arbors can even be built by hand by the avid DIYer. If you’ve got one in your home, this is a great project to work on.

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A Word About The Perfect Patio Cover

Mike — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:04:53 +0000

Just like in life, there are a variety of definitions of perfect, especially for patio covers. What’s the perfect body? How do you know if you do a perfect job? The perfect life? What’s the perfect home, ie. the dream home? It’s hard to define, because everyone’s taste is different. The same is true about the design of your outdoor patio and how you choose to cover it. Think of a covered patio for a minute. What comes to mind? Again, the image you see will be based upon the image in your mind’s eye regarding all of the patios you’ve seen in your life. Maybe you had one in the house you grew up in. You might have had your patio furniture out there, BBQ grill, nice little garden area. Or, like some, you remember a fake plastic type rug material covering your cement slab with some plastic chairs and that was called your patio. That’s the point – patio cover designs take all shapes and sizes.

Great Patio Cover Designs Are More Than Just Expensive Patio Furniture Covers

In other words, hopefully who ever you have build a patio cover (unless you plan on doing it yourself you brave soul) had better have some taste that you trust or has a very good idea of what you want done. If not, you’re in danger of having a very expensive and probably boring looking cover for your patio furniture. That’s fine, you need covers for your chairs and benches and all that stuff too. It’s just that you might not necessarily want it to be just for that purpose.

In most cases, when there is an expensive patio set, the owners will have separate covers for those pieces or simply use them in the outdoor environment when entertaining and then move them back into a more protected area when not in use. This is a pain, so most people opt for the covers. So, when you are building this patio and making decisions about how or what you will use for a cover, remember how you will be using your furniture and the type of space you’d like to create.

The Simplest Of Outdoor Patio Covers

Pergolas like this can support growing vines and flowering plants.

Probably, one of the simplest in design and often most elegant in appearance are the pergola type wood patio covers. Often mistakingly referred to as a gazebo, a pergola has more of an open patio roof structure to them. Many gazebo covers are more roof-like in appearance. They may not be a solid, water shedding type structure, but often it lets much less water fall directly beneath it. In the case of a pergola, the roof or cover has more of a criss-crossed beam structure to it. It’s not quite like a garden lattice, but it may employ a lattice piece in its design elements. Overall, the pergola is more versatile as well. You can plant climbing vines or other greenery that will grow up the posts of your pergola. A cool, shaded patio cover can be created by using these climbing vines planted in the ground near each post of your pergola. Or, you can opt to have them in large pots near each post that can also help create that exotic look. However you choose to cover your patio, make sure you keep these design elements in mind.