Here is a sample of the lattice-style patio roof.

What many people are interested in is the shade that a roof or other shade, can provide. If you have a more casual and smaller patio space, you may be able to get by with a simple patio umbrella. While not as permanent as a fully covered structure, it can still give you what you are after. Besides, you can also move it around and take it down in heavy winds or other inclimate weather. These are options that don’t exist with other patio roof options.      Photo credit

There are some very popular patio structures that we really embrace on our site. They are all similar, but have some unique differences as well. In terms of creating a nice outdoor room or larger patio area, a pergola is a very hard structure to beat. It has many features that make it suitable for the discussion here. Similar to the pergola are the gazebo and smaller structures; the trellis and arbor. These latter terms are sometimes used interchangeably with the term pergola, but not around here. What we refer to is a typical 10’ x 10’ or larger structure. This is not a magic number, it is just a standard size for garden canopies and other shade structures, so it is more for reference than anything else. Let’s talk about some of these roof styles and materials.

Patio Roof Styles

You can imagine the roof of your patio like any other roof, with some unique differences. We’ll use the pergola as our example, but the materials could fit others as well. The main thing about a roof on a free-standing patio structure is that it doesn’t necessarily have to provide all of the same features that your home’s roof does. In other words, it doesn’t need to be completely waterproof unless that is the type of roof you are looking for.

Many people prefer more of a lattice-style roof that allows more light to penetrate, but also gives shade as well. There are automatic louver style roofs now as well. These are really pretty nifty. You see, what would be ideal is for the beams or stringers on your pergola to match the angle of the sun’s rays. This would allow you to get the best type of shade possible. Part of this depends on how you situate your pergola – or other patio area – on your property. The sun sits in the sky differently at different times of the year. You can see how this particular style of patio roof accomplishes this – very ingenious design!

Now, there are other times when you can actually harness the placement and position of your patio structure for good use. What we mean is that you can use the roof of your patio to capture energy from the sun. A typical solar patio cover can give you enough energy to at least power the lighting and some other minor energy uses on your patio. Unless you have a large patio, don’t expect it to power your home or provide enough energy for your outdoor kitchen appliances or audio-visual equipment.

If you’re just looking for a simple roof for your patio, there are always wood, tile and metal choices. Wood, like the lattice roof or using a cross-beam style is a handsome look. It provides support for climbing vines and such as well. You can stain it and seal it to give you a longer finish. However, it will need to be maintained much more often.

With a cement or ceramic tile roof, you can get a more rustic or Mediterranean look and feel to your patio. It may even take on a cabana appeal. Typically, you’ll need to have a masonry built pillar or post structure to support such a heavy roof. These also require much more technical skill to install, so the DIYer may be stretching him or herself with this one.

A similar situation arises with a metal patio roof. You can use metal, like zinc, copper or steel to create a really elegant looking roof. Since it is a smaller space, the additional high cost of such a roof may not be as hard on the budget. These roofs have been demonstrated to last decades – even decades longer than a traditional roof. So, if you are interested in a patio cover that is truly unique and has some character and charm, consider hiring a professional to install a metal roof for you.

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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?

This is the elegance and ambiance patio covers can create.

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 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…

Look at all this glass - that's an enclosed sunroom.

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.  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.             Photo Credit

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.

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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.

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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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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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Patio Cover Designs and Ideas

Often, what gives such an elegant look is what they leave off as much as what they are made of.  For example, the wooden beams that can cover the patio or deck, depending on where it is built, can provide just the right amount of shade, while letting just enough sun in to grow beautiful plants or climbing vines.  When these plants become more mature, they crawl all over these covered patio structures and look like some old-world Mediterranean or Spanish villa.  The posts that support the patio cover may be made of concrete, stone or even more expensive and exotic marble or limestone.  While these may be for the lifestyles of the rich and famous now, it’s really all that was available hundreds of years ago in many cases.  The point is, you can still capture the essence of these more expensive patio cover designs because of the plethora of man made and cultured materials these days.  The popularity of the outside room has made this type of patio easily accessible to all.  With a very modest budget, you can create quite a nice look.

Rustic Patio Covers Can Be Elegant Too

Patio designs range from rustic to refined.  Rustic appearances can be achieved by using newer materials manufactured to look old.  Some patio cover kits are sold this way.  These can also be made of newer cement block post structures that are covered with cultured tumbled stone facing material.  These appear like the posts are made of stacked rocks that support a nice wooden top or even a metal roof.  The pillars can also be finished smooth and have a Venetian plaster look to them creating quite a refined old-world style.  When you add lights, some awnings and canopies you’ve got an area that you and your guest will enjoy to relax and even dine under.

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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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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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Building a pergola like this requires more technical skills, but is still possible.

Depending upon factors like your knowledge of building, your skill level, tool handling and knowledge of any city coding or homeowner association (HOA) violations, construction of your pergola can be simple or more challenging.  In most cases, the size of your pergola will keep it from having to be permitted through the city and your HOA from causing a stink.  Then, the factors that really make a difference are your personal abilities and knowledge of how to build something like this.  You’ll also need to keep in mind that it does take time.  If you are strapped for time, then hiring a local contractor may end up giving you a better return on investment if it will allow you to spend more time, and more quickly, enjoying your patio rather than building it.

Steps to Building A Pergola

Step 1 – Measuring for Materials

This process is just a matter of determining how tall your posts are going to be, and how long your beams will be, determining the width of your pergola.  The matter of the top stringers or ‘roof’ beams will be up to your tastes, but should have some level of overhang for a proper classic looking style.  Then, you can cut all your lumber to size and stain it or seal it while on the ground.  This will make it much easier and quicker to install when the time comes.  Having to sear or stain upon completion of the building process is more time consuming and requires moving around corners and other angles.

Step 2 – The Footings

You’ll need to start by laying out the general area where you’d like your pergola to go.  If you already have a patio space defined by a brick, flagstone or concrete slab, then you will want to measure carefully to avoid having to disrupt this area.  However, you will need to prepare the areas where you will be placing the support posts of the pergola.  This is what we call the footings.  They need to be dug deep enough to be below the frost line, so check with your local building codes on that one.  If you are planning to put your posts right on top of an existing slab, then you will be drilling into the concrete with a masonry bit and mounting your bracket directly to that.  Then, it is just a matter of setting the posts there and attaching them with some lag screws.  If you are pouring your own footings, you can set a bracket into the wet concrete and allow it to cure in place, then your posts can be mounted inside those brackets when dry.  This will save you a step of having to pour your footings and then drill them for the brackets.

Step 3 – Assembling Your Pergola

Assembly is a matter of putting your posts in place, then mounting your top brackets and setting your beams.  When you first place the posts, you’ll want to refrain from having them completely anchored until you ensure that each one is plumb and level.  This is going to be the foundation for your beams and ‘roof’ and you can’t afford to have this racked.  Once you have the posts set, you’ll be raising the beams.  Depending upon the type of brackets you choose to use to attach your beams to the posts with, you may need to put those on the posts first.  Both the post setting and the beam hoisting will require at least one other person.  If you had a third, that would be even easier and safer.

Putting on the rest of the stringer beams to create the ‘roof’ to this pergola is just a matter of placing them across the support beams set on your posts.  Spacing of these beams is also a matter of personal preference.  You’ll want to make sure that they aren’t too far apart as they will provide some degree of shade and will also be providing the framework upon which vines and other climbing plants can grow, providing even more shade for your patio.  There are many variations and details that can be added to your pergola, such as specific outdoor lighting options, blinds and even outdoor swings.

Then, the number of things you can do to create an outdoor room with this pergola are even more impressive.  Designing the space with shading and cooling in mind in the summer will bring to mind things like a retractable awning and misting system.   A standard size pergola might be in the neighborhood of a 10’x10’ footprint.  This is room enough to put some outdoor dining furniture or other patio furniture. Sure, you can build a larger pergola and have more space to enjoy.  This can be a challenge to integrate into your landscaping if it is too large, but many people need a more imposing structure because of such a large yard.

The main thing to remember about all patio structures is that they are there to help you enjoy your patio space more often.  Depending upon your local weather climate and seasons, you may find that you are utilizing your patio when it is cooler.  There are patio heaters to make this more enjoyable as well.  If you can think of an accessory that would make your patio better and it doesn’t already exist, make it and maybe you can escape the rat race forever selling your ingenious patio product.  Who knows, maybe it will end up here on Patio Covers Place.

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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.

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