Before running to the nearest hardware store to buy supplies, there are several points to investigate further. Size, shape and color are only some of the decisions that need to be planned out before construction begins. There are a wide variety of available sizes and styles which makes it easy to find one that works well with your space.  If the gazebo feels too enclosed or formal, look into using a pergola to fit your backyard space.
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Here is a classic looking, wooden gazebo design.

Shape

The traditional octagon shape is the most popular option, but rectangles and squares are also highly requested (see below). When shopping for gazebo designs, you will likely need to decide between a four; six; eight; ten or twelve-sided model. The four-sided version is best if you plan to set it over an object, like a Jacuzzi. The other shapes work well for pavilion-style seating. Keep in mind that the ten and twelve-sided gazebos are very large and will not work well in a cramped space.

Size

Choosing the right size is key to making your backyard look welcoming rather than crowded. An over-sized structure will look out of place in a tiny yard. Measure the proposed area carefully to see which shape will best fit the location. If you plan to use the pavilion over a hot tub or play area, be sure to use a kit that will give ample space for people to enter and exit.

Style

Here is an example of a square gazebo that is screened in.

A gazebo differs from other outdoor structures because it includes a roof, ‘wall’s and often times, more detailing.  You’ll find this especially true when looking into Victorian styles. Screened gazebos, like the one in the photo, make for a great place to relax without worrying about bugs.

Unlike pergola designs, the gazebo will typically include some type of built-in seating. Couple this with your own patio furniture for plenty of seating in the open-air structure. For those that want the comfort of an indoor space with the feel of the outdoors, the use of mesh on the windows will make it feel more like an enclosed deck or sun room. With some paint and other detailing, you can fashion your gazebo to match your home perfectly.

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Materials

Wood is the typical material for traditional gazebos, but it is certainly not the only choice. The gazebo canopy can be made of various fabrics, like nylon, polyester and vinyl materials. These canopies are more common with the pop-up style gazebo. If you are unsure of which materials you would like to use, consider the typical weather for your area and your dedication to upkeep. While wood is sturdier than the fabric options, it will need refinishing and maintenance every few years. However, in areas with extreme weather, wood will survive the elements better than other options.

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This is a vinyl gazebo kit.

If you are looking into gazebo kits, you’ll find a variety of choices, too. Wood, steel and even vinyl gazebo options exist. Much like the pergola kits, these are made to be easier and quicker to assemble. If you’d rather spend more time under yours than working on it, consider one of these (more expensive) choices.

Cost

Planning out your budget may be the least enjoyable activity when building a gazebo, but it also the most important. While it’s certainly possible to find a cheap gazebo, the trick is to have it look as elegant and well-designed as a more expensive choice.

Everyone has big dreams when it comes to home improvements, but looking at that ten thousand dollar structure is not going to help when your budget is half of that. Look objectively at your finances and decide what you can devote towards building a space that fits your yard. Fabric models will cost considerably less than wood, so keep that in mind if your budget is tight. We’ve discussed shade structures and shade cloth and how they can be used in ways that might give you what you’re after. Remember to include the costs of smaller items if you would like them, such as mesh screen for the windows or new patio furniture.

Once you have taken all of these factors into consideration, then you are ready to start shopping using your gazebo plans. Visit any major hardware store to get a first-hand look at your desired model and talk with construction experts. This will help you get a better feel for how it will look in your yard and give you the chance to ask questions.

Before purchasing all the materials separately, you may find that any of the manufacturers of gazebo kits have models that will save you quite a bit of work. Most DIY plans are found online and are as simple as print and go. Download the plans, then take the included materials list to the hardware store to make sure you get everything you need in as few of trips as possible – we all know you can’t ever make just one trip! Whichever route you choose, you will be on your way to spending lazy afternoons in the comfort of your own gazebo.

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.

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 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.  But, don’t be fooled – these are great pergola roofing options.  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

This patio roof looks like a reinforced lattice style.

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.

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Another option for the free-standing patio cover, like the pergola or cabana look, is an outdoor 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

Here is just one type of metal patio roof made of steel.

looking roof, but can have as long a durability as any material.  These metal patio roofs 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.

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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 ideas.

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.

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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 arbor 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. Wood arbors, either cedar, redwood or Douglas fir can all make very handsome garden or patio structures.

Arbor Design Ideas

The way in which you can design your arbor are nearly endless. The size and scale are also variable, but the size of your patio or backyard garden space will help give you the proper proportions. As mentioned, outdoor arbors can be made of wood – and they are, most of the time. However, you can also find metal arbors made of materials like steel, copper and aluminum.

This modern design for an arbor gate is a great choice in a variety of outdoor settings.

Another design style is the arbor gate. This is a fairly classic look, as well. The arched arbor has a timeless charm to it, but a pergola arbor can also make for a modern look.

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Arbor Plans

If you’re planning on building your own arbor, working off a set of plans or a photo will save you countless hours. Plus, you might be inspired by some ideas looking through a book that has a bunch of plans included.

There are both downloadable options, as well as more formal books on this topic. If you are an avid woodworker, you can just ‘wing it’ using a photo for guidance. After all, giving it your own personal feel is an important feature to many people.

Here are just a few samples we found helpful:

Garden Arbor Getaway: Downloadable Woodworking Plan If you’ve got the room, we’ve got the plans. This beautiful arbor stands 91″ tall and 144″ from end to end. It works great for hanging an arbor or swing. Slatted ends work great for climbing plants and sturdy top cross members can be used for hanging potted plants as well. Swing sold separately. About WOOD Magazine downloadable plans For error-free construction, each downloadable plan includes a bill of materials, a cutting diagram, a detailed supplies listing, and, when necessary, a mail-order buying guide for hard-to-find hardware. For a clear idea of how our projects go together, each downloadable plan includes an exploded-view drawing with helpful details. All drawings are done professionally by the WOOD Magazine staff of woodworkers and illustrators. Large color photos and step-by-step instructions show exactly how we built the project in the WOOD magazine shop. We build each project ourselves to work out any bugs before you ever get the plan. Detail drawings and step-by-step illustrations provide necessary dimensions and machining processes you’ll need to make the building process as straightforward as possible. Note: This is a downloadable woodworking plan. All other materials must be purchased separately.

Trellises & Arbors: Over 35 Step-by-step Projects You Can Build There are so many reasons readers will get attached to this new edition of Sunset`s best-selling Trellises & Arbors. For starters, it`s all new, and expanded with 32 pages and over 250 brand-new photographs, many of which show how other homeowners have used obelisks, arbor benches, eye-catching latticework, and vegetable supports to provide privacy, form outdoor rooms, frame garden paths, and give climbing vines and roses a place to thrive. Then there are the projects themselves–more than 40 in all, ranging from a simple fan trellis to a dramatic tunnel arbor, giving builders of all skill levels a range of ways to create stunning garden focal points. Best of all, these projects use standard-dimension lumber and don`t require special woodworking skills. Features: Expanded edition with 32 additional pages Over 250 new how-to photographs Over 40 projects for beginning to advanced woodworkers Classic trellis and arbor designs that enhance any setting New techniques chapter with information on safety, cutting methods, setting posts, and pouring concrete

If you like the idea of making your own, but don’t want to fuss with the materials, measurements and cutting, getting the hardware, etc. you can also find arbor kits to speed up the process. Much like pergola kits, and in the same family of outdoor building structures, these kits often come pre-cut and ready to assemble. In some cases, hardware, brackets and screws are included. Otherwise, you can easily purchase those at your local home improvement warehouse.

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.  Browsing online like you’re doing or flipping through fine home magazines can give you a bit of inspiration.  You can also peer over your fence if you like your neighbors’ ideas.  The beauty of this project is that the avid DIY-er can build an arbor relatively easily.  If you’ve got one of these folks in your home or one in the making, this is a great project to work on.  It can be finished in a weekend or two and will provide you with years of use in your garden space.

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.