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.
photo credit

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.

photo credit

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.

photo credit

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.

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?

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 is how a patio cover can add elegance and ambiance.

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…

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.   Photo Credit

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.

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.

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.

photo credit

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.

photo credit

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.

Now, what about for that backyard patio party?  What are you doing there to make a bigger impact and remodel to allow for more functional space and a better entertaining area?  The choice many people make first is to get some type of patio cover.  If you don’t have much experience with these, then getting some patio cover ideas will be in order.  These ideas could come from several different sources, online is the first and most simple way to come about doing your search.  In fact, it is likely how you found our site.  There are pictures online to browse, fine home magazines you can look through or you can even have an architect and designer sketch some patio cover plans for you to look at.  You will obviously pay for the professional help, but it will be well worth it in the end, because they will be able to match your landscape features and home design to that of your new patio cover – what ever style that happens to be.

photo credit

As a brief introduction or outline if you aren’t familiar, there are a few patio covers that stand out as the most common and simple to build.  It doesn’t mean that they are not very handsome and elegant features to add to your space, quite the contrary.  Often, the simplest designs allow for the beauty of the landscape and other backyard features to come forth.  The pergola is likely the most common type of free standing patio cover.

There are other styles, including the gazebo and attached pergola.  The attached version simply has a header beam mounted to the wall of your home and may extend out the roof line a bit to ‘form’ a little patio area.

The pergola and gazebo have some similar features in that they are both usually constructed of wood and are meant to provide an intimate area to relax or entertain.  The pergola is a bit more of an open structure, with a ‘ribbed’ roof that can support a variety of roofs or climbing vines and plants.  Patio roofs could include a metal roof like a folded seam steel or even a nice copper.

Additionally, the roof of your covered patio could be made of a stone product like a Mediterranean tile or cement tile.  The gazebo is more of a semi-closed structure with a wooden roof and some railings, often with built-in bench seating.  Gazebos usually have a bit more in the way of detailing where a pergola has more craftsman styling and simple lines.  Your patio cover ideas should include what type of theme you would like your space to have.  This will greatly help determine what materials will be used and what type of structure you will have built.

Once you’ve got your plans in hand, you can set out to create a materials list.  Obviously, this article is for those who are a bit handy.  If you don’t know how to swing a hammer (or use a nail gun) you should hire a professional contractor or someone who can do this type of work.  Your local handyman can probably tackle this type of project with little difficulty.  Much of the hard work is in the plumbing and squaring of your posts.  Oh, and the lifting of beams and such.

Building A Pergola

The pergola is one of the most common types of patio covers and you will find it much simpler to build than any other style.  They can be built free standing or attached to beams along your home’s outer wall.  In the southwest, you or your contractor will likely have to take down some stucco and wire to get access to the beams.  For this reason alone, building free standing patio covers will be your best bet.

Step one is really to find the position of where to put the posts.  Depending on your climate zone, the footings may need to be deeper for your frost lines.  Some climates, you can get away with a 12 – 18 ” depth.  Your posts can either be set into your concrete or be mounted on top after curing.  This style is easier to do and more forgiving.  Once your posts are placed in the concrete, moving them is impossible without digging up.  Mounting them on top will allow you to modify the ends to get a true plumb and square frame upon which your beams and top members can rest.

Once your posts are set and plumb, you can begin to hang your beams or girders.  Sometimes, two are used and other times four.  This can be a personal taste issue as well.  The beams will support the cross members or rafters, which are usually lighter (width and weight) in stock.  Pergolas that use four girder beam are typically more substantial and hold more rafters.  Two girders work just fine for most applications.

Finally, putting your top rafters is really just a matter of placement.  Closer spacing will provide more shade and better structure for your greenery to grow on.  Some pergola plans call for spacing of your rafters to be at 24″ and then using a lattice roof to provide even more shade and substance to your roof.

You don’t need brackets for each rafter.  The preferred method is to toe nail each one to the girders.  A bracket for each rafter not only gets expensive, but also takes away from the look.  Besides this, it isn’t necessary from a structural standpoint.  You will likely only need brackets for attaching your posts to the beams.  Your project should take about 2 -3 weekends worth of work.  One will be due to curing of your concrete, but you can stain and treat your wood that weekend so you don’t lose time.  The typical pergola patio cover built this way, by the owner, can provide not only years of enjoyment but years of bragging rights as well.