Patio Cover Options

The possibilities when it comes to putting in a wood patio cover are endless. There are so many designs and types available that it can become quite confusing. If you already have a patio area you will need to design a patio cover or buy an existing patio cover that will fit the area. Many hardware stores have prefabricated wood patio covers, which may be an affordable option if you have a standard size patio area. In most cases the hardware store will also offer the service of hiring tradesmen who are willing to come and install this patio cover for you. If your patio is not the standard size you could consider partially covering the area or having an architect or building company design the patio cover for you. If you do not have a patio area as yet you will have greater flexibility in choosing patio covers as you can fit the patio area to the patio cover. Wood patio covers can generally be made in any shape and style and can be painted to match the color of your house adding to the character and appeal of your exterior.

Materials and Costs

Wood is still the most popular choice when constructing patio sun shades as it allows for flexibility of design, is easy to work with and easy to obtain. The type of wood that you choose to use when designing a wood patio cover will also impact the on the aesthetics of the cover. You also need to consider the maintenance and life time of your patio when choosing materials as harder woods may be more durable. Another choice to consider is whether you want a fully roofed wood patio cover or a slated roof cover that will allow the light and air in. This will significantly change the cost of your patio cover. Patio covers can cost anywhere from $3000 upwards depending on the size of the area covered and the types of materials used.

The DIY Option

A more cost effective way of securing the patio cover that you have always wanted is to construct the patio cover yourself. There are many DIY patio cover kits available on the market for those who want the patio cover but are not master builders. The companies selling these kits will take your patio measurements and provide you with a quote to create a DIY kit. They will then ship or deliver your personalized patio kit with all the necessary materials and instructions. If you are a little more adventurous and have the necessary skills you can design and create your own wood patio covers and pay the amount you want. There are many internet sites available to help you get started. When building your own patio cover make sure to check with the local council about building permits and conditions before beginning work.

Harsh climatic conditions

The effects of sun and rain can be disastrous for your patio furniture whatever material they are made of. Hard plastic can be baked brittle by constant sunlight. The color and finish of wood will also fade when continuously scorched by the sun. On the other hand, metal furniture (excluding aluminum) can get rusty if repeatedly drenched with rain. The problem is compounded if your outdoor chairs and tables are collapsible and are either made of metal or have metal joints. The effect of constant soaking will have you replacing these joints frequently, if it is indeed possible.

Dust and harmful microscopic agents

Rain or shine, dust is sure to gather on your patio tables and chairs. Besides dust, mold spores and bacteria may also begin to grow on your furniture which can be damaging to your health. Without appropriate covers, you will not only need to dust, but wipe them clean with a harsh cleaning agent since the moisture in the air can cause dirt particles to harden on the furniture material.

Accidents

Furniture covers can also help protect your patio furnishings from spills and scratches which are very hard to avoid. Some people actually choose to use covers that can be left on while using the furniture to avoid this problem. This means you can rest easy next time Grandma is eating at your outdoor table!

Types of patio furniture covers

The best material for patio furniture covers is vinyl (also called canvas). This material is easily cleaned with a quick wipe and very durable. Vinyl furniture covers are usually a little more expensive than other materials, but they generally last much longer. Try to choose covers in a light color which won’t show faded portions and won’t change appreciably after getting sun-bleached. If you want a little more security you can purchase custom-fitted covers to match each piece of your outdoor furniture.

Most people will love the fact that there are about forty plus colors to choose from when having a sun shade built for your home. Since every unit is custom built for each client, even odd shaped areas that need to be covered are not a problem. Usually it is best to also email photos to the manufacturer along with the dimensions so they know exactly how to build out your order correctly. This is not a do-it-yourself type installation and requires an installer with training and experience to make sure you will have years and years of use from your new awning.

Financing is available direct from the makers of this product so it will not put such a dent in you savings account. They have flexible terms that will fit just about any customer’s income and budget constraints. For a sixteen by ten foot shade and depending on the options and materials ordered. The monthly payment can be from about eighty-three dollars up to about two hundred and fifty dollars per month. The higher monthly payments are due to using expensive hardwoods like teak or mahogany in the construction.

Ask the company when talking about price of your retractable sun shade, if they have any clients close by that you could actually see their product already installed and in working order. They may have a list of previous clients they are willing to let you contact. What you really want to find out besides making sure you get a quality installer, is how the company has treated the client you are visiting after the sale. Are they still helpful with questions, and technical support? Have they had a good experience with any warranty work if needed, and how does the finance department treat them if slightly late with a payment.

Depending on your home’s architecture, there are some instances where prefabricated screen enclosure kits can be used and save hundreds of dollars in assembly, instead of building them from scratch. Generally, a deluxe version of this kit can run between eighty-six on up to one dollar per inch. Remember when doing additions on your home, it is an investment, so doing even a project like this should be done without half measures, as you want to increase the value of your home with every addition that is made. One way of finding a contractor worthy of your business is drive around nearby neighborhoods seeking homes that have had this addition done in the past. Then ask them kindly who did the work for them and if you can have their contact information.

You can also have see-through vinyl shades installed to help keep rain or cold weather out in the winter and still enjoy your porch. The ultimate situation would dictate having removable glass windows that you can store during spring, summer and fall and then reinstall when the snow season creeps back in for the duration of winter.

If you do not have a porch then can have a external room built in your back yard that is open on all sides with a patio screen enclosure like system setup so you can enjoy the indirect sunlight and the fresh air while napping away in the heat of the day. These outdoor additions will cost more than enclosing a porch but can also double as a pavilion for outdoor barbecues, birthday parties, and neighborhood social events. The cost of a project like this can easily run up to the ten thousand dollar mark, and triple that if you have a full outdoor kitchen installed.

The high-end units are the size of a double carport, measuring sixteen by twenty two feet, which would allow you to create an outdoor living room and kitchen simultaneously under the covered area. Some very nice decorative outdoor living furniture, and a modestly built kitchen will run about ten to twenty thousand dollars, depending on your budget and the level of extravagance you would like to achieve. Also, installing a couple of remote operated outdoor ceiling fans will not only help cool you and your guests off but help evacuate any smoke from when cooking on the grill or stove.

Finding a good contractor to install the patio cover is very easy as you can contact the manufacturer and ask them who is a certified installer in your area. They will gladly give you the contact information so the crew can be ready when your new purchase shows up in a couple of weeks. They may also have a list of contractors already posted on their website for you use. It is preferable that you call and ask them who out of the contractors in your area has the most experience and offers the best customer service possible.

Maintenance on aluminum patio covers is minimal; just keep the leaves, twigs, and branches off the top. Ask the installer also if it would be a good idea to have roof of the patio cover topped of with roofing tar for extra protection. The only real damage that can be done to this type of covering is the event of extra large hail, like double the size of golf balls. Ask the manufacturer what the limitations for extreme weather are on the cover before you make your final selection and purchase. This may also determine if you need a different model for the area that you reside.

There are several categories of canopies, but the most sought after are the family size units that can be used all day long for staying out of the sun while visiting others, eating, or just relaxing while junior hits a homer right out of the baseball park. These shades cost on average about eighty dollars for a good quality canopy, and will last up to ten years if taken care of and kept clean. You can find these canopies at any super discount store, sporting good store, and or local hardware emporium.

There are specific canopies made to cover a swimming pool partially to help keep from getting a nasty sunburn, and there are small beach versions for infants, and small children. These products look more like tents than anything else, but will keep your children safe when napping from the harsh UV rays during the hottest part of the day. The juvenile sun shade canopies are about seven by four foot and cost in the area of fifty bucks. They fold down to almost nothing when transporting them. They are three sided and almost look like a curved triangle.

If you are going out where the wind will be gusting, make sure you bring some bags of sand for ballast to keep your sun shade canopy from blowing away and possibly injuring a family member or someone standing near by. Special heavy plastic spikes can be purchased optionally to help anchor the device more so than the standard spikes that are included when purchased.

Having multiple shade canopies for a cookout can keep everyone in your party safe from the harmful effects of the sun, and with some folding tables and chairs will give them the perfect place to eat a delicious barbecue meal while staying comfortable in the shade. To accommodate a large party under one roof a sixteen by twenty foot canopy is available for about two hundred and fifty dollars plus shipping and handling.