Patio Covers Place » garden canopy

Vinyl Awnings

Mike — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:37:11 +0000

The name here pretty much sums what this article is all about – vinyl awnings. There is one thing for sure about vinyl, it is quite durable, weathers well and is relatively inexpensive. If you are looking for a cheap alternative for your garden or patio space, then getting an awning that is constructed of this material is a good bet. What are your other alternatives? Well, you could build a patio cover, but that will require much more time or money to construct. It will also be a more permanent solution to what may be a more temporary shade need you are after. Additional options could include natural shade from trees or climbing vines and other plants.

This term, vinyl awnings, is more reflective of just the material choice. There are a wide variety of awning styles, most of which are made of vinyl. However, you can find exterior shutters that are made of bamboo, canvas, or other wood products. Let’s not forget about the fact that with a fabric awning like vinyl, you can also have them roll up and stow away when not in use. The benefit of this type of feature is that in weather that might otherwise threaten a free-standing patio cover, your roll up awnings can be safe and secure in their own protected storage case. As you might have guessed, these awnings are retractable. This retractable patio awning feature is activated either manually with a crank handle or motorized.

Motorized awnings are activated by either a switch or via a light sensor. The switch can be turned on by hand or with a remote, depending upon your particular unit. Also, you can use a timer to have your patio awnings open and retract when ever you like. The light activated model will be triggered to open or retract depending upon the movement of the sun in the sky.

Why vinyl makes such a great choice for garden awnings is that it is both flexible and durable. It can be washed with a simple mild detergent and hosed off. This makes them quite durable to resist the effects of the weather and also from dirt and grime. Many newer awnings are also able to better resist the effects of the UV light on the fabric as well. The newer vinyl awnings can give you longer lasting life to help you enjoy more time on your patio which is what they are all about.

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Garden Awnings

Mike — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 06:58:37 +0000

This is one of those topics where it is fairly self-explanatory to some degree. The thing about awnings is that many are made of the same material while only some have more specific uses. Well, in the case of garden awnings, we are simply talking about a type that is used in a garden space. Now, depending upon where you live in the country or where you are from, you might have different ideas about what a ‘garden space’ is. For some of us, the garden is a place where we grow plants or vegetables. It is hard to imagine that it would serve as a place for get togethers or as a gathering place. However, for some, this is exactly what it is. The outdoor room or garden room as it can be called, is one such place that will become the favorite gathering place for you and your guests.

What you need in order for your space to feel comfortable is the use of garden awnings. Again, because we are mostly referring to the location that the awning will be used and not a specific type of awning, per se, a discussion about basic awning features and functions will work here. For one point of interest, awnings come in a variety of styles and fabrics. What one person calls an awning, another refers to it as a canopy. It really is inconsequential what you call them, as long as you know what you want. And, what you want is something that will provide you shade when you want it and where you need it. In the case of a true garden space, at least in terms of how we see things around here at Patio Covers Place, an awning could really help you to get some great sun exposure when needed and avoid over ‘cooking’ your plants in the intense summer sun.

To some, the term garden awning and garden canopy are synonymous. To some degree, we would agree with this. However, garden canopies are mostly seen as those ‘easy up’ or ‘pop-up’ style structures. These work great for temporary sun protection in a more inconspicuous area. But, if you are wanting to create a nice shaded are for your patio or garden, one of these cheap canopies is not the recommended way to go. It isn’t that there is anything wrong with these types of structures, they just will not give you quite the look of say a garden arbor or pergola would. Again, these are specific structures that you may not be interested in, so a simple canopy might fit your needs quite well. Do your research and determine if what you want is more formal patio awnings, like the retractable or motorized styles or if some of these garden awnings are more your style.

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Deck Canopies | Made In the Shade

Mike — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:13:26 +0000

The simple fact that such a thing exists speaks to the popularity of these types of canopy structures. Deck canopies are nothing more than a canopy that is used for the purposes of providing a specific area of shade for your deck or patio space. For this reason, they are often referred to as patio canopies. They come in a variety of styles. One of the most popular is the extending, roller style shade. These popular ones are like the roll up awnings, but without the swing arm mechanism.

The most popular brand of these types of canopies is the Shade Tree. What this looks like is a combination of a pergola and a roller awning. There are individual panels that can be opened or closed to allow for a specific amount of shade. They simply pull out like you would do with a roller blind in a window. Once opened, they just lock into place until released.

These Australian shade canopies are great for a more fixed-in-place larger space.

Another type of deck canopy is the ‘one-piece’ variety. Not necessarily better or worse, this style is used to provide a more consistent type of shade. While they aren’t completely permanent by any means, they are a bit more tricky to move around. For this reason, something like the more flexible Shade Tree is a great option. However, with this one-piece canopy cover, you can attach patio lights or other types of deck lights that could give you a whole new dimension to your patio.

Because a deck is sometimes only several inches to a few feet off the ground, they may blend in with a garden space. If this is the case, then the term garden canopy may be used to describe this type of shade. Again, it really doesn’t change what it is, just the name to describe where it is being used. Some of these can describe a slightly less substantial shade canopy though. In other words, there are fairly inexpensive ($100-150 USD) canopies that are made of vinyl or polyester fabrics that are temporary in nature. These are what you might find at local farmer’s markets or other outdoor fairs. We’ve all seen them. While they are quite handy and durable, using them for your deck or patio as something more permanent is a bit less desirable of a look.

While your neighbors are probably not going to be judging you, it will still be a better and more sustainable patio structure to go with something that is made to be more permanently placed outdoors. The materials and fabrics that make up these durable canopies have improved over the years. The current fabrics are resistant to damage from UV rays and weather the other elements well. If you do decide to go with the retractable patio awning style canopy like the Shade Tree, you will also be able to benefit by having the ability to close or retract your canopy awnings for extended periods of non-use time. While this may not be an issue in the more hospitable climates of the desert southwest, if you live in the colder climates, your patio season may be less lengthy. What ever style you choose, you’ll be happy to have your new deck canopies for your next patio season.

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Patio Canopies – The Missing Outdoor Shade Element

Mike — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:17:16 +0000

When you have a great patio that you would like to enjoy, year-round depending upon your climate, then there are some features that are just “must haves”. One of these features is patio canopies. Well, at the very least, patio shade. Again, depending upon your region, sun can be a major factor in you having a successful outing or quick visit to your backyard only to return to the comfort of your conditioned indoor space.

There are many styles of outdoor shades and canopies from which to choose. In fact, there are probably some ideas out there that you have never heard of or seen. One of our favorites here at Patio Covers Place are the Australian shade sails. These types of canopies work great for a patio. They are minimally intrusive as far as profile goes and they provide great shade.

This type of patio canopy is usually made of a nylon material, but you can also find them in certain types of canvases as well. These are typically triangular shaped and have anchor points to buildings or other firmly mounted poles or posts. The reason behind this is because they are under high tension so you want to make sure that the anchor points are strong and can take the consistent pressure applied by the shade sail. Additionally, when it is windy, the anchor points will experience more pressure, so it is critical that they can handle it.

We like the Australian patio canopy type of shade.

Of course, these are not the only type of shade possibilities for your patio. If you are looking for a more temporary solution for some shading for a party or get together or special event, then you might consider a pop-up type of shade. Similarly, if you want some spot shading or need a little burst of color or ambiance, a nice patio umbrella could do the trick for you. An umbrella is a far cry from a full cover for your patio or deck, but it can add extra shading when necessary.

Since we are on the subject, let’s briefly mention the other ways to achieve shade for your patio. This would include a discussion about blinds and other outdoor curtains or drapes. In most cases, the curtains are more for ambiance than for gaining much in the way of shading. However, if the sun is coming in at an angle, a drape can do good for you. Similarly, patio blinds are of great benefit in this department – we’ve discussed bamboo blinds here. You can get them with manual rolling features or have them motorized. You can learn more details about these by going to our Patio Shades & Awnings category on the home page.

At times, patio canopies fall under the category garden canopy. This is really a special type of shade structure that is very easy to assemble and have up in no time. If you are looking for that type of temporary shade structure or something for that event like mentioned above, then this type of patio canopy would work great. They can be adorned with any number of curtains and pull backs to give them an elegant look. You can also use them for evening or night entertaining and have a set of patio string lights hung around the edge for a nice detail. In the end, your patio is a place to get some much needed rest, relaxation and entertainment, so make it as comfortable and shaded as possible for you to enjoy all season – or year – long.

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Garden Canopy – A Family of Patio Canopies

Mike — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 06:37:27 +0000

These structures can be a real life-saver when it comes to set-up time and convenience. The garden canopy is really a simply designed shade structure that can be used for a variety of purposes – shade being the obvious underlying theme. Most of these types of canopies, can be set up and taken down with minimal tools and even labor. In most cases, they are used on the ground, whether that is grass or pavement. However, these can also be used as a canopy for your patio, hence the name.

What you will find that varies in their design pertains more to the overall esthetic than the structural components. For the most part, they consist of four posts or legs with the canopy overhead. The canopy can be support with a framework of aluminum or steel support members that are lightweight but very strong. Since you will use your patio canopy outdoors, it is possible that you will encounter some windy days. If you leave yours up for a prolonged period of time, then you’ll need to address this issue. You can buy stakes that can anchor the legs of your canopy to the ground, at least in grass or other earthy terrains.

A nice, quaint and simple garden canopy set up.

If you are using your outdoor canopy on a surface like concrete or asphalt or your deck or patio for either temporary or semi-permanent shade, then you can have a few choices. If the legs of your canopy shade have a foot with holes, you can screw either masonry bolts or other concrete anchors to anchor your canopy. If you are using it on a deck or patio, you can simply screw it to the wood. You’ll want to use a lag screw or other heavier gauge screw to ensure the safety of your canopy. Another option is to make your own hanging anchors using some sandbags or some lengths of PVC pipe and concrete mix. What you can do is cap one end of the tube and pour in your concrete mix, then insert an eye-bolt in that end and let the cement cure. When it is finished, you’ll have an anchor that can be hung from the legs or the canopy support beams near the top. You’ll see this method used at your local city fairs and craft shows where the vendors all have their temporary booths set up.

Patio Canopies Come In Various Sizes and Styles

The most popular size is a 10’ x 10’ canopy. The 12’ x 12’ foot is also popular, but less available in your local hardware supply stores. You can easily shop online to find ones in this size if that is what you need. The other thing to consider is the materials. With an outdoor patio canopy, durability is key. Most of these are made of nylon and some with a more canvas feel to them. You can find them also made with Sunbrella fabric, a proprietary material that resists UV fading and deterioration.

Some people use the term patio canopies when what they are really looking for are patio covers. If you are searching for a patio cover, like a pergola or those great Australian shades, you will get a much different product. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, it just depends upon the needs you have and the way you want to use your patio space.

If you have a certain theme or decor to your patio or backyard space, then you can likely find canopies to match. While the most basic models can sell for $100 USD, if you go for ones with more adornment, more quality materials and even side awnings and drapery-like looks, you can expect to pay close to $400 USD.

With even more eye for detail, you can further enhance both your patio and your garden canopy with the right type of outdoor lighting. Patio lights, like those string lights made with different paper, metal or plastic shapes can really liven up an otherwise simple outdoor canopy. With the support structures in place to hold up the canopy, you can use these to wrap your lights around and make your canopy really shine.

Photo credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/daryl_mitchell/ / CC BY-SA 2.0