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!

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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.

Photo credit

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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.

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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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How would you know if you had taken all of the factors into account?  This is where a professional designer could help.  Your patio cover designs will take on several different characteristics of both your home and your personal style and preferences.  We’ll get to a few of the options below, rest assured, there are many more than you will see here.  These just reflect a representative sampling of basic designs.  The way that you can improve or enhance these is almost infinite (and budgetless it seems at times).  In other words, imagining what you would like your patio cover to look like and be is up to your imagination and budget, because literally almost anything is possible with the type of building materials and equipment available to today’s builder.

General Covered Patio Plans

Before we go any further, let’s briefly describe the covered patio types you might encounter or want to have designed, they fall into some broad general categories.  First of all, there is the category of open or closed patio roof styles.  This is simply a reference to the fact that some allow you to see the sky and allow rain to get through, others allow partial light and/or rain and others would block all light and water or other elements from Mother Nature.  Then, you need to consider the type of building material:  wood, metal, vinyl, fabric or some combination of all of these.   Another choice concerns free standing versus attached structures.  Finally, you would need to decide if you wanted to have shades or awnings as part of your cover as well.

This is a lot to consider.  So, in order to make the process simpler, you can simply view the pictures below and read the captions.  In most cases, the picture represented is a good reflection of the type of patio cover you can expect to see or have built within that style.  Patio covers are like any type of home remodeling project in this way; what you see for your use and taste can be reflected in your home.

Following Are Some Patio Cover Ideas

An attached pergola style patio cover.

Here is an example of an attached – with posts – pergola type patio cover.  That is a mouth-full.  See how the beam on one end is mounted to the house?  This adds strength as well as making it look tied into the home.  This type of cover is also open as you can see.  Wood patio covers like this would also include styles that would have more slats across the top and then even plants and vines growing atop it.  This provides more shade and a softer appearance, all while adding a splash of color or aroma from any flowering plants.  Photo at right

Photo Below

This is an example of an open patio cover - pergola, with vines.

Here is an example of a patio cover kit. It is extremely durable, long-lasting and simpler to install than a traditional wood patio structure. You might find it easier to construct as a DIYer and this is one of its main attractions. Photo courtesy of http://austinpatio.com

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The reason why patio cover plans are important is that to enable a livable, even workable space, consideration needs to be given to what needs to be covered. What is the climate like? Is there likely to be a lot of entertainment and gatherings there? How often is the area going to be used? All of these questions can and will influence the final decision on what the cover will look like when it is finally constructed.

Construction usually takes the form of either an open or enclosed structure, with a roof.   This patio roof, depending upon how it is designed can function as pure shade cover or provide a bit of mixed shade and sun, the perfect combination for plants below.  There are many variations on the theme and there are lots of varieties of hybrid structures that can combine both methods.  An area that is open for when the weather is beautiful and plants are flowering, and an area that is more sheltered so that the patio is still usable – even when conditions could be a little better.

As can be seen, there are so many different and varied patio cover ideas that it becomes vitally important to start the search by coming up with some needs and wants. The first of which should be, what is going to be the primary use of your patio cover. Is a lot of time going to be spent out there? If so, possibly a large cover would be suited. What material is the home made out of? It would look a tad awkward having a beautifully constructed brick design next to a mostly wooden home.  However, it is quite possible that this mix could work, given the proper planning and design.

By asking these sorts of questions, it becomes possible to envisage how the final design will turn out. Warm climate most of the year round? Then perhaps open patio cover designs are what are needed. Are you going to be doing lots of entertaining during the nighttime in a variable climate? An enclosed cover could be called for.  Likewise, if your weather is prone to a lot of rain or other weather, then you might opt for a covered patio that is simply an extension of your home’s roof.

Certainly, covered patio ideas start flowing thick and fast when a little bit of thought is given to what role they will ultimately play in the living area!  The main aim of covered patio designs is to find the best example of what is needed so that more time can be spent outdoors! Just think about all the fun and relaxation that will take place in the future when the cover is up.  Enjoy the design process as it comes to life for your new patio!

Photo credit

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Before choosing the right material for your patio cover designs, you must first decide how you will use your patio.  There are many uses for a backyard patio from a dining area, a sort of spa retreat complete with a hot tub, or a private secluded haven.  The use of the patio will help you come up with realistic patio cover plans that will help you make the best use of your space.  When you are brainstorming covered patio ideas, remember there is not just one kind.  There are a variety of patios and each serves its own purpose.  Patios include open patios, patio or sunrooms, poolside patios, retreat patios and entry patios.  Review the specs of these patios to decide on which will utilize your space and suit to be most beneficial to your lifestyle.

Now that you have chosen to proceed with your idea, you must make patio cover plans such as where in your backyard you would like it built and how many people it will need to comfortably sit.  These factors will have a large influence on the size and designing of your patio.  Remember the small details, because every little bit counts.  Adding patio accessories such as patio furniture, the flooring of the patio, patio doors and a hideaway deck box, are all important and decorative features you should consider.  Most importantly is the patio roofing design.

As stated before, patio covers and roofs can be made out of many materials.  Aluminum and acrylic patio covers may not be as aesthetically pleasing as some, however they require much less maintenance and they are very affordable.  Natural wood covers create a very refined patio and can compliment any design, however they are quite a bit more costly to install and to maintain because the wood must be weatherproofed and treated often to prevent water damage.  For the best of both worlds, there are artificial wood grained or synthetic covered patio designs.  These designs offer the charm of natural wood, and the durability and limited upkeep of an acrylic or aluminum cover.

Whatever your needs, there are patio cover designs for you.  Whether you are creating the ultimate getaway in your backyard, or just a plain and simple outside dining area, you can find a charming design to fit your whole family’s taste.

Photo credit

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This downside to building new is more about cost and convenience.  It will take longer and will cost you much more, generally speaking, to build from the ground up or with no existing structure from which to build off from.  But, as mentioned, there are also limitations that come into play from a construction stand point if you have to modify an existing structure to create the new patio design.

There are many covered patio plans available online as well.  You can do a simple search to find pictures and descriptions of some of the more popular options.  You will also quickly find that there are many ways to describe a patio cover, so this may require a bit more homework on your part.

If what you are looking for is truly a covered patio, then you will need to further clarify what type of cover or roof you are looking for.  An open patio roof style can still be considered a “covered patio”, even though the cover will allow you to see the stars through it or have vines growing all over it like is the case with the classic pergola.  A semi-closed or closed patio roof style would be something more along the lines of a gazebo or even an extended patio common with a ranch-style home.  Since you found our site here, let’s discuss what we feel a covered patio to be.

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Covered patios, in our mind, conjure up the image of that old Ranch-style home.  Here, you typically have a single-story layout, with the patio being created by extending the roof line out and often having posts as support.  The floor of the patio area can consist of a variety of materials from concrete to tile to outdoor carpeting.  Many times, these types of patios are finished into additional rooms for the home.  Depending upon how they are positioned, they may be ideally suited as a sunroom or even a modified greenhouse type room for the avid gardener.

Other Covered Patio Designs

Having said this about these types of covered patio plans, it is also quite feasible to be talking about something else when referring to a covered patio.  We would be remiss if we didn’t include the more traditional types of patio covers and patio cover descriptions.  Brief mention was made to them above, but they are the pergola and gazebo.  Variations of these themes could also be included under this larger umbrella category – no pun intended.

Pergolas, because of their flexibility can provide much needed shade and added ambiance and character to your outdoor space.  In fact, more and more outdoor living rooms and spaces take advantage of the pergola’s unique features.  Some of these features include handsome and simple design, lending themselves to a variety of installations and home styles.  Additionally, they can be built to accommodate larger more grand structures or be more simple with craftsmanship details.

Pergolas, more than gazebos, can be finished in a variety of ways.  Finished, in this case, is referring to the type of patio roof that you may choose to have.  Classic pergolas have a post and beam design.  More contemporary styles have a roof more typical of a Mediterranean cabana or villa.  In these cases, they could be tiled.  In other instances, a metal patio cover is called for in the design phase.  These can be made of metals such as steel and copper.  Metal roof materials come in a variety of applications including sheeting, “standing seam” and even tiles or shingles.

Some other possible places to check for ideas other than where you are right now in front of your keyboard would include fine home magazines and trade journals.  Occasionally, taking one of those home tours in your areas where designer homes are showcased can give you some ideas regarding your patio.  You can also see samples or portfolios from contractors that you may contact to see what type of experience and ideas they may have.  What ever your covered patio plans call for, there is a design style that can suit your needs.

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