In another post on our site, we’ve discussed a bit more about patio paver installation, this article will focus more on the patio design ideas that utilize these and other materials for your flooring choices.  Specifically, we’ll talk about a few different ways that you can create patio paver designs that can complement the look of your space and give your flooring an element of design in its own right.

There are a few different and common patterns that are used. The patterns that are possible are due to the nature and shape of the pavers used.  So, classifying the different styles would be a good approach.  We can talk about the shape mostly, as the material from which they are made will mostly be a reflection of that.  From there, we can discuss how each one can be laid and the different design ideas one can use.  Pavers are often one of the bigger tools of the hardscape element of your backyard landscape design.

Brick Pavers

These are commonly rectangular shaped pavers.  They do come in different sizes, the most common being the 2”x3”x8” size.  These also come in a variety of color ranges, from reds to brown and tans.  The browns and tans are great for patio and walkway areas.  The red bricks are typical of a garden path or driveway.  There are no distinct rules and trends changed all the time.  With these simple shaped pavers, you can make a variety of designs.

On of the more popular designs is the ‘basket weave pattern’.  As the name implies, this pattern has a crossing pattern.  There are actually several different ways you can lay a pattern to get a variety of basket weaves.  Usually, two pavers are used side-by-side, then the next set are placed perpendicular to those.  Think of this pattern as a larger square with four smaller sections inset.  Each of those inset sections consist of two bricks placed at 90 degrees to the others.   However, you could also utilize a combination of this method using a single paver spacing between the ‘quadrants’ as it were for a unique look as well.  Photo credit

Another popular pattern is the ‘herringbone pattern’.  This one is a bit more complex.  But, once you get the pattern started, it is really a matter of continuity.  With this one, it is the ends of the rows that get a bit tricky.  To ensure this one gets laid more easily, with fewer cuts necessary, it is important to use great layout and measurements. Herringbone patterns are laid in a 90 degree angle to one another, end to end.  This creates an L-shaped pattern that repeats itself.  There is also a 45 degree angle herringbone pattern that is equally as attractive.  This one often creates slightly more cuts and waste, but the finished look is really worth it.  Photo credit

Next, there is the ‘running bond’ type of pattern.  This one is a simpler layout. It is structured like a brick wall with the joints overlapping one another.  It is great for long stretches of straight paths or a driveway as well. This isn’t to say it cannot be used in curvilinear spaces, but it is a definitive geometric look.  Photo credit

Patio Pavers that ‘Interlock’

While these are not necessarily a different material than the brick ones, they are shaped differently.  These ones look like a stop sign with a square stuck beneath it.  Because of this shape, they can be made into a variety of different patterns that can give your patio an entirely unique look.  You can also combine these with the other ordinary shaped pavers to create a pattern all your own.     Photo credit

Cobblestone

While not necessarily a category, this is more of a look.  These come in a variety of shapes.  Typically, squares or rectangular shapes are the most common.  They are often a tumbled stone, giving them that aged, old world feel.  These, too, come in a variety of hues. Light tans, browns and grey tones are the more popular of these.

Flagstone

While not necessarily a paver, it is a type of stone that is often used for patio floors.  The beauty of flagstone and other cultured stones similar to this is in its more random or natural appearance.  This material has a natural ruggedness or free form about it.  No edges are perfectly linear and they can be laid to look like a path through nature or something that would naturally have been formed.  This can definitely give your patio or backyard space that unique look. These and other enduring patio paver designs are sure to help you enjoy your outdoor space for a long time to come.   Photo credit

The term itself comes from the Greek word “xeros” mean dry. The concept of xeriscape landscaping is traced back to Denver, Colorado in the early 1980s. Because of dry conditions and drought status, water rations were put into place and many homeowners lost their lush landscapes. The idea of water conservation is what drives this type of landscape design.

Here is an example of a native Texas xeriscape with a small turf area.

This type of landscaping can be used with a variety of patio design ideas to create an even more harmonious blend of the hardscape elements of the patio structure, the concrete or paver floor and the softer, greener side of things.  As such, you shouldn’t consider this way of landscaping a barren look or that you cannot have any green in your yard. At Eartheasy.com, they’ve created a list of the seven principles of xeriscaping highlighting the benefits that include: saving water, increasing property values, less maintenance, no pesticides or fertilizers, pollution free and allows for wildlife habitat.  Photo credit

These seven principles are: (1) water conservation, (2) soil improvement, (3) create limited turf areas, (4) use appropriate plants, (5) mulch, (6) irrigate and (7) maintaining your landscape. Let’s talk a little bit about these concepts and why they are great landscaping ideas for any climate.

Since all of the principles embrace the notion of saving water, we’ll look at the others to give some better information and details regarding specific xeriscaping goals. In terms of soil improvement, the idea is that the ideal soil both drains quickly and retains moisture. This is true of any area besides where succulents or cacti are concerned. These plants prefer a leaner soil. In order to achieve the ideal soil as mentioned, compost is one of the best additions you can use. Many municipalities offer programs that will give you a compost bin or unit that you can use in your backyard. It can reduce kitchen waste and landscape trimmings, converting them into rich soil naturally.

The idea with creating limited turf areas is that these are areas that will use much water. Ask your local garden or nursery about seeds or grasses that will consume less if you wish to overseed a dormant grass variety in the winter. Similarly, your nursery or local landscape designer will be able to guide you to use the most appropriate plants for your climate. The idea is that these plants will be more likely to thrive in your zone without the use of excess water. You will not see many grasses growing in the middle of the desert, but many homeowners living in the desert southwest still plant grass in their front and backyards because they like the look. Small patches of turf are fine, but using large areas of grass in places where it doesn’t grow native is a waste of natural resources and a landscaping challenge as well.

Succulents like these do not require as much water and prefer more 'lean' soils.

Mulch can help you grow your plants with less water waste. The mulch can be wood chips, course compost, pine needles, leaves and other organic materials that will provide your plants with more protection from moisture escape, will maintain temperatures at the delicate root area and can help with decreasing erosion as well as controlling weeds. It should be applied several inches thick for best results.  Photo credit

While the term irrigation conjures up a lot of water soaking a field, this is actually not the goal. It is much better to use a drip system or soaker hose to allow for water to slowly get into the soil and penetrate more deeply. This water is much more easily absorbed by the plants’ roots and will also slow evaporation and moisture loss.

Finally, think about the many ways that xeriscaping could help you reduce the amount of maintenance you need to do on your landscape. We all enjoy a thriving and colorful landscape, but the upkeep can be daunting. In this same vain, what about that pool landscape? You don’t want to have to be cleaning leaves and such out of your pool or skimmer every day or two just to enjoy some green. In fact, swimming pool landscaping is one of the best areas to utilize these xeriscaping principles.

To read more about xeriscaping and the ideas behind it, we recommend the:

Xeriscape Handbook: A How-to Guide to Natural Resource-Wise Gardening

The more you begin to think about ways to have your landscape function more in harmony with the natural climate of the area in which you live, the better you will enjoy less costly, easier to maintain landscaping elements. Enjoy.

There are plenty of basic outdoor patio designs that could work great in your yard, but if you want the space to be considered special to you, you should research some custom patio designs to see what you do and don’t like. The best place to start this process is by flipping through some outdoor magazines, going to local contractors who can show you work they have previously done, and talking to friends and neighbors to get a glimpse of their patios.

You will have to decide on the type of material you would like to construct your patio from.  That is to say, the ‘flooring’ of your patio space.  Brick patios are the most common choice – using any number of patio pavers – but you have other options too.  These include things like concrete bricks, stamped concrete forms, cobblestones and flagstone, just to name a few. You’ll also be able to add a custom patio cover to your outdoor space in order to protect your furniture and stay cool in the scorching sun. There are endless covered patio designs that you can choose from, and you should go about the same process to find a cover design that is best for you.

If you’d like, you can go above and beyond a standard patio by making it extravagant. Ways to do this include installing an outdoor kitchen, making the space more useful as if it was a room inside your home. You could also install a patio fireplace or fire pit, which would be a great way to warm up cool outdoor nights.

Once you have a general idea of what you would like the end product to be, you should start to make a rough plan of dimensions, locations of objects, and materials that will be needed to construct the patio. The best way to end up with a professional backyard patio design is to hire a builder or contractor to do the work for you.  The pros know what they’re doing and their expertise will save you a lot of stress and leave you with a marvelous outdoor space that will become the hallmark of your home.

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Submitted by your friends at yourpatiocovers.com!

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 Roofs Designs and Styles

You can imagine the design for 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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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 the 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 patio canopies you’ve got an area that you and your guest will enjoy to relax and even dine under.

Patio Covers Designs and Inspiration

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

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 credit

Then, there is the image of this much larger pergola or trellis used in a park.   You could achieve a similar look, using a

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

metal material and having a variety of vines or climbing plants growing.  This has been discussed, but it is a nice way of softening the appearance of the harder lines of the pergola or other patio structure of your choice.

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Finally, there is this example using a patio cover kit.  There are both vinyl (vinyl coated aluminum) that use embossed patterns to give them that wood grain appearance.

Photo courtesy of http://austinpatio.com