Beautiful patio cover designs and ideas are easy to find when you know where and what to look for. Guests and family members will truly enjoy sitting outside in the spring and summer sun under a carefully selected and creatively designed patio cover.
Today’s designs easily reflect personal styles and tastes and come in an array of customizable options. And remember, patio covers can add character to your house and outdoor areas.
A cover is an important part of any porch. A top provides privacy and protection from harsh sun. Covers come in numerous materials that can be modified to suit your home and backyard space. A typical top is one that protrudes from your existing structure. (more…)
If you have finally made the decision to cover your patio, you have one more very important decision left to make: what type of cover or canopy should you get? Choosing the right type for you will obviously depend on things like your budget and personal tastes. One other very important aspect to consider is how much upkeep and maintenance will be required by different types of covered patios.
In judging aesthetics alone, wood patio covers seem to be the runaway favorite for most people. While wood may look beautiful on your patio, it is important to consider the maintenance requirements that come with wood. Wood is by far the hardest material to maintain and keep in good shape, and is especially prone to sun and weather damage. You can count on a need for periodic painting/staining and weatherproofing for this type of cover.
If this type of maintenance is a deal breaker for you, you should consider alternative materials such as acrylic or aluminum. These materials provide years of use with little to no upkeep required. Still, patios covered by this type of material tend to be far less pleasing to the eye.
If you would like the beauty of natural wood without the hassles, there are many new artificial wood materials that can now be used instead. These materials can give you the perfect compromise and provide you with the desired look, and maintenance schedule, for your patio.