There has been a shift in recent years in the way many homeowners use their patios and live their lives for that matter. Maybe you are one of these types of people. The term “outdoor living” is what is being used to describe any number of activities from entertaining to good old fashioned lounging that is happening in backyards across the nation. What was once a place for casual relaxing and neighborly good times, the porch has all but been replaced by the patio as the location of choice to kick back and relax.
You could probably come up with any number of reasons why this has happened, but the result is the same. What has happened is that manufacturers have been able to offer more in the way of products and patio accessories because of the way patio covers provide protection and structure to the outdoor space. If you own an older home, the patio that was likely laid for you consisted of nothing more than a poured slab of concrete and the patio cover was the extended roofline of the house. (more…)
Having a porch or patio is a great outdoor feature on a home, and although it is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and beauty of outdoors, it is also recommended that you have some sort of covering overhead so that you can be protected from the sun, or can even enjoy your outdoor space when it rains. The best way to provide overhead covering is by installing porch awnings or patio covers over your porch or patio.
Awnings can be installed over a porch that are stationary or retractable, meaning that they remain up permanently or are easily opened and closed whenever needed. Retractable models of awnings, although more expensive, give you the best option so that you can enjoy the sun when you want it or unfurl the awning to get some instant shade protection when that is what you need. (more…)
With few exceptions, you can find the best covered patios are the ones that employ the best designs. This is true with all home decorating, indoors or out. The reason is that when you have good plans, you can be reasonably sure that the final product will be a better use of space than something that is more of an afterthought. You can think of your covered patio like an outdoor room.
Like with any room, there are walls, a floor and a ceiling. Similarly, your outdoor patio has these same features. The only difference with the outdoor space is that your ‘walls’ are made with more temporary accessories like shades or patio curtains. These can provide both shade and privacy, as well as add a nice decorative element to your patio space.
Much like the walls of your patio room, your floor needs to be something that can withstand the outdoor environment. For this reason, a poured concrete slab or patio pavers are often used. You an also utilize any number of bricks or flagstone as well for a more refined look. The bricks come in a variety of shades and colors so you can have something that blends in well with your outdoor landscape.