Since you’re looking for plans, you may or may not have your pergola designs figured out. You can also browse the pergola pictures with descriptions that we’ve written about.  If you want to know how to build a pergola, investing in one of these books will give you a good head start. Take it from someone who went to ‘wing it as you go’ route, it isn’t the wisest choice. You’ll spend countless hours re-drawing your plans, re-configuring your layout and all the rest, because you forgot about some issue in your backyard or decided to add some other element later.

Before you go through all of that headache, plan your design thoroughly, get your materials list and layout your space prior to pouring the footers, cutting the wood and installing your patio pavers or what ever else you’ll be using for your patio floor.  The fact is, you may decide on a completely different design than what you first had in mind.  While not free pergola plans, these downloadable options may be just what you’re looking for.

Build-to-Suit Pergola: Downloadable Woodworking Plan Add elegance to your outdoor living with this airy pavilion. Easily sized to fit any space, this versatile pergola will enhance your deck, patio, or yard. The one shown here occupies a 111×148″ “footprint,” but you’ll learn how to increase or decrease its dimensions as needed. 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.

Wood is the most common choice of materials to build with.  Red cedar and redwood are the most common woods among them.  But, you may find that an alternative material will suit your needs.  This could include an Alumawood brand material – a vinyl style.

Pergola kits may be another option; they take the planning, measuring, cutting and assembling aspects to a different level.  With a kit, you’ll get all of the necessary parts (in most cases) included in your package.  With a little skill (and help from some friends who you can repay with cold beverages and grilled foods), you’ll have your new covered patio space erected in no time.

One of the great joys of building patio covers like the pergola is that it is a simple project that will give you a return on your investment for many years into the future.  There are some maintenance issues to be mindful of, but this is common with any decking designs or outdoor patio or garden structures constructed of wood.

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 & Pergolas: Ideas and Plans for Garden Structures (Better Homes & Gardens) Detailed, illustrated plans for building a variety of stylesMore than 50 garden structures included, with construction drawings and lists of materials  Expert construction advice-how to use tools, prepare sites, buy lumber, and apply outdoor finishes Selection tips for plants compatible with the structures featured

If you’d rather save yourself the time of planning and designing your own pergola and contact a company that sells these types of kits that are simply to assemble, made from high quality products and offers ‘green’ harvested wood choices, consider Average Joe’s Pergola Depot.  You can read about them yourself there.  Best of luck with your pergola plans!

The pergola makes for a great patio structure because they can be utilized in a variety of ways to create outdoor rooms, cozy and shaded havens and even provide your flowering plants and vines the structure they need to grow.  In fact, you can take advantage of all of these elements to create a truly inviting backyard patio space.

Wooden Pergola Kits

Western Red Cedar Pergola – 12′ x 20′ Overview: Transform your patio into something extraordinary. Our largest pergola, 12′ x 20′, will add beauty and elegance to any atmosphere with the natural choice of cedar. Pre-cut, notched and pre-drilled, this kit is easy to assemble.Specifications: Western Red Cedar construction Pre-cut kit; no…

Some of the more attractive pergolas are often made of wood.  It has a natural beauty, charm and warmth about it.  Both red cedar and redwood are popular wood choices.  It is also possible to find sustainably harvested cedar pergola kits.  The one downside is that while both of these woods age gracefully to a nice silvery patina, they do require maintenance.  In order to keep them looking great and avoid issues with splitting or cracking, the use of a good water-based, weather resistant sealer is recommended.  Depending on your climate, you may need to retreat each year. Another option is to use alternative building materials, vinyl and aluminum patio covers are also available.

Vinyl Pergola Kits

Cape Cod Pergola Kit An elegant fiberglass pergola that provides a beautiful place to relax in your own backyard. Crafted in classic Cape Cod style, it comes ready to assemble with included stainless steel hardware and a ground mounting system. Because it’s constructed of 100 maintenance free fiberglass, you can paint it…

Liberty Pergola A prominent architectural feature of the Liberty Pergola is that it offers a semi-shaded haven to enhance outdoor living. Classic in design, this pergola has detailed cross beams. Use over hot tubs, sitting areas, or picnic tables. Not only will it provide shade, but constant, reliable beauty…

As just mentioned, there are alternatives to using wood as your building material.  There is something timeless and classic with wood, but more options continue to come to market.  Consider the vinyl pergola kit.  This material is often a wood or metal that is coated with vinyl plastic.  What is great about this material is that it can be stamped or embossed to create the look of real wood grain.  With modern technology, the grain pattern looks like a painted wood.  They come in various standard colors, white being one of the more popular. These are quickly becoming very popular types of patio covers because they are relatively simple and quick to assemble and they are nearly maintenance-free.  You can check out more pergola plans and ideas at Average Joes.

Realize that we’re talking about the basic concepts or pergola ideas from which you can expand upon if you have any building knowledge of your own.  If you’re a DIY type of person, then this can prove to be a very rewarding project as a well-built pergola can last you many years.  Different patio design ideas will lend themselves to using a variety of materials to best suit your tastes and needs.  If you need or would like more detailed help, consider pergola design software that you can purchase online.  This will give you the ability to plan and design a wide variety of variables to take into account.

Pergola Styles

Here, we’ll list and discuss some of the various features and benefits of the different types of pergolas.  The overall idea is that you can use the basic pergola ‘skeleton’ or ‘backbone’ and build a variety of structures.  The names or styles of each are more a description of their look than anything else.  You can get a better idea of this by reading our article about pergola pictures.

As one example is the acute angle shape that you can build into your backyard patio space.  This would occur when space is an awkward dimension or has a specific need to fill.  Some patio covers are required to fit into tight spaces between a neighboring wall and the home itself.  To create any type of shaded area, an acute angle may be needed between these component parts.

Attached Pergola

This type of design includes the use of an existing wall of the home or other building structure to form a structural component of the pergola.  In many cases, like with the free standing pergola, the entire structure needs no additional support.  The attached version requires a ledger board anchored to the home or building.  This will create one end of the support structure for your patio roof.  The other end will be provided by the posts.

Free standing Pergola

Pergola Arbor Cedar Pergola Arbor has an adjustable opening. SAVE! Landscaping accent! Beautify any yard with this gorgeous all-wood Pergola Arbor. It’s made of genuine cedar, that naturally resists the elements. Unlike others, the opening of this beauty is fully adjustable from 36, 42 or 48″ wide to meet your needs. Perfect for sidewalks, gates or yard entryways. Assembly required. Weighs 55 lbs. Order Now! Please Note: This is a Heavy / Bulky item. .00 for heavy / bulky shipping and handling will be charged in addition to regular shipping and handling. Pergola Arbor.

With this type of design, the pergola is actually a free standing structure.  This requires no attachments to any other structures, thus the name.  With this design, you will need to have footers poured or use an existing slab.  Depending on the frost line in your particular climate zone, you may need to dig fairly deep to get the right depth for the footers.  In some cases, checking with your local building codes for your city will be necessary.  There are also issues with home owner’s associations (HOAs) so that may be another point to consider in your situation.

Covered Pergola

In the traditional sense, the lattice roof pergola is the most common.  Lattice is just a term that describes the way in which the wooden slats (wood in most cases) are laid that create a dappled shade effect.  That is to say, these slats are laid in a fashion that provides not only an aesthetic appeal to the roof, but it provides for shade when you need it most.  It can also provide a structure upon which you can have vines, plants and other climbing vegetation to grow.  This helps soften the look of the wooden structure and can even give you flowers if your plants allow.  These types of covered patio designs are some of the most popular and provide a lot of flexibility in terms of use.

Sonoma Cedar Arched Pergola – 10×10 – Mocha Now you can enjoy the beauty and elegance of a gorgeous arched pergola – right in your own back yard with this . Take time to relax beneath this beautifully-crafted structure by creating your own outdoor living room today. The Sonoma pergola is sized at 10′ x 10′ and is made from white cedar wood, dip stained and precision cut. This pergola comes ready to assemble and includes an anchor system. Offers privacy, along with wind and sun protection. Optional lattice shade roof, privacy wall and decorative base.

These types of roofs are great for a variety of reasons.  Some newer models also have a motorized lattice assembly that can open and close, adjusting to the angle of the sun’s rays for maximum shade protection. If you are looking for a more solid type of cover, you can utilize many of the same elements that your traditional roof would be constructed of – shingle, metal or tile.  You can also choose to opt for a solar patio cover.  This type of cover provides you with solar panels atop your patio structure, giving you electricity that can help power your home or offset your home’s energy use.  Patio cover designs that incorporate these ‘green’ features are certainly going to be a greater, more sustainable way to build into the future.

Wooden Pergola

Most pergola plans involve the use of wood in some fashion.  It may be a bit redundant, but it’s still worth mentioning the materials that can be used to build a pergola.  By far, wooden pergolas are the most common.  The type of wood you choose will depend upon your needs, but a wood that weathers and ages well will be your best choices.  Woods like cedar, redwood and even some sustainably harvested exotics can create an elegant looking pergola.  The simple style of the pergola will give you a handsome look all its own.

The post and beam shape doesn’t need to be adorned too much to create a great outdoor room or living space.  With the proper choice in woods, a nice water-resistant stain can provide you with a striking look.  You will need to invest some energy each year or so maintaining the wood, but it is an investment that can last many years.  One way to avoid the maintenance issue is to use an alternative material.  Some patio cover kits even give you the ability to build a structure in even less time, with an easier time getting square joints that are more solid, too.

Pergola Kits

Western Red Cedar Pergola – 12′ x 16′ Overview Grab a cool drink and settle in for a relaxing afternoon under our 12′ x 16′ Breeze Pergola. A pre-cut, notched and pre-drilled kit, this pergola is easy to assemble, functional and great looking. Enjoy a little bit of shade with whole lot of style. Specifications: Western Red Cedar construction Pre-cut kit; no cutting required Notched and pre-drilled girders Notched and pre-marked joists 6 posts, size 5 3/8″ x 5 3/8″ tight knot construction Hardware included (screws, nails and lag bolts) Step by step detailed assembly manual Dimensions: Post Height: 108″ Outside Post to Post Depth: 144″ Outside Post to Post Width: 192″ Outside Post to Center Post: 87 3/4″ 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ girders and joists Post mounts not included in kit Curbside Delivery Information:Delivery agents will unload your items from the truck, but will not move the items inside your home or business. You will need to have the ability to move your items at the time of delivery. Drivers do not assist with unpacking, set-up or clean up. The delivery company will call and schedule the time for the delivery, usually M-F 8AM-5PM, and span a 4-hour period. A signature is required for delivery, but before accepting and/or signing for your delivery, please inspect your order thoroughly. Please include a daytime phone number in the shipping information at the time of check out.

These pergola kits are really nothing more than patio cover plans that have been pre-made or measured for you.  Often, the brackets and wood are included.  You may be responsible for the hardware to assemble it and the tools, but much of the materials are provided.  Alumawood™ is a material that is a vinyl coated aluminum patio cover choice that can give you that near maintenance-free aspect.  It can be embossed or stamped to create the look of a real wood grain pattern.  They also come in colors that can mimic a wood stain or popular choices like white and brown tones.  While not custom pergolas, they can still be used in a way that gives your patio a unique look.

Pergola Lighting

One more aspect to great design always come down to lighting.  Outdoor lighting is no exception and it is something that can greatly enhance the look and feel of your patio and backyard space.  There are options with respect to how you light your pergola.  There are ways of ‘up’ lighting your pergola columns or posts, so that you achieve a more dramatic effect.  This will give your pergola more of a elegant appearance at night.  Then, there is another option of using spot lights or recessed lights hidden among the rafters to create spot lighting where you need it.  Any truly elegant and functional pergola designs will incorporate one or more aspects of these lighting ideas.

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.

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.

Photo credit

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

What you need in order for your space to feel comfortable is the use of shade. This is exactly what these awnings offer. 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 and vegetables or flowers in the intense summer sun.

To some, the term garden awning and garden canopy are synonymous.  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.  As was mentioned, these are often made of a cheaper fabric or less durable vinyl or polyester that will quickly degrade in the sun if left out for prolonged periods.

If you looking 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 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.

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.  But, don’t be fooled – these are great pergola roofing options.  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

This patio roof looks like a reinforced lattice style.

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.

photo credit

Another option for the free-standing patio cover, like the pergola or cabana look, is an outdoor 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

Here is just one type of metal patio roof made of steel.

looking roof, but can have as long a durability as any material.  These metal patio roofs 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.

photo credit

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 ideas.

So, the question is, how can you carve out a little piece of shady heaven in your garden or patio space?  One attractive option is with patio arbors.  You could consider these both as sculptural pieces in your yard as well as functional places to get a shady seat.  Many times you will see an arbor used to support some vines or other flowering plants over a nice patio swing.  The same type of set up can be achieved by having a garden bench sitting patiently beneath one of these handsome arbors.

What Types Are There?

A perfect spot to sit and swing beneath a patio arbor.

An arbor may go by several other names, which we will briefly parse out here.  On Patio Covers Place, we use the term arbor to describe a wood or metal structure that typically has four posts and a cross-beam ‘roof’. They are much like a pergola, except that they are smaller in size and scale.  Occasionally, you will also hear the term trellises used to describe these structures.  A patio trellis, in our mind, is more of a two-dimensional structure that is meant to support smaller growing vines and is often mounted up against a wall or fence for added depth and dimension.
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A patio arbor can also welcome you into your patio or garden space.  They may have an arched roof or top that serve as a door to your space.  You might find that they are usually constructed of wood.  Because of its ability to be crafted into many styles, wood is an easy choice.  Cedar and redwood make excellent choices for their ability to weather to a nice color and also stand up to the elements.

You can care for them by sealing and staining each year for a structure that will last you for years to come.  Metal arbors are also available.  Wrought iron is making a comeback in many outdoor home and garden designs and features.  This will also provide support for your plants and vines, all while adding a nice strength and timeless appearance to your garden space.  Whether you choose wood or metal, you really can’t go wrong with either choice of these patio arbors.

Here, we are talking about the patio trellis.  These are nothing more than structures used in a patio or garden space that add dimension, depth and character to the space.  Typically, they are constructed of wood, though metal trellises exist as well.  In fact, wrought iron trellises or some made with copper can look quite elegant and provide wonderful visual dimension to your space.

A trellis is related to other popular patio structures, the pergola and the arbor.  Where we would make the distinction here is that while a pergola is often used as a cover for your patio space, an arbor can be used as a stand-alone structure in a garden space and a trellis is more ‘two-dimensional’.  It can certainly be the support for climbing vines and other plants, like both the pergola and arbor as well.

This brings up another term that can be used when talking about such structures, the garden arbor.  Garden arbors, are unique in their own right.  We would talk about an arbor as a type of smaller pergola.  Most pergolas consist of four posts and have beams and a lattice-type roof.  They can range in size, but a 10’x10’ pergola could be considered average.  A larger arbor could also have four posts, but might be something more like 4’, 6’ or 8’ wide by 2-3’ deep.  In other words, you could put a nice garden bench beneath it or have it over your garden or patio entrance.  They serve a nice function in this way.  Again, like the trellis and pergola, greenery may grow all over it, creating a type of shaded cover all its own.

In the end, don’t get too hung up the name of the patio structure you are wanting.  The only way to really find what you want is to do a search.  As you are able to refine your search and see the names and pictures of exactly what you are after, then you can make a better decision about it.  If that ends up being called a pergola that you want to build, then so be it.  If you are looking for more of a ‘background arrangement’, we suggest looking for a suitable patio trellis.