There’s More Than One Way to Cover Your Cover

A covered outdoor patio is a gathering place in many homes. A place where you and your guests can take in the sights and sounds, breathe some fresh air and relax under the sun and stars. The patio straddles the line between indoor living spaces and open-air outdoor living like the deck.

The major difference between the deck and the patio is the roof or cover. Every good patio needs a good cover. With a variety of materials and styles to choose from, you can make your patio cover fit the style of your home – or design an entirely unique cover that will wow your neighbors. Your options for patio cover materials vary in price and ease of installation, but your personal style and needs should drive your decision.

Here are some options for patio covers to consider:

Wood Lattice: The Classic

The traditional wood lattice patio cover has been a staple for decades, with good reason. The wood lattice cover has a classic, rustic look that tends to better match the wood and style of your patio cover. Wood lattice also lets in sunlight while providing some level of protection. Whether you use custom decorative lattice or standard Redwood lattice panels, you can create a timeless look for your patio. You can also create a natural look for your patio cover that blends the environment into your patio by growing ivy or other vining plants up the posts and through the cover.

Canopy: The Game-Changer

Looking for a patio cover that will make your space look like a fancy Miami Beach hotel? The Infinity Canopy is a unique, slide-on-wire canopy system that is ready to install out of the box. Its modular construction allows it to fit virtually any space, offering a versatile shade system that allows you to control the amount of sunlight you want for your patio at any given time. With beautiful, weather-proof mesh and canvas fabric, you get a patio cover that perfectly combines an elegant design with versatile functionality.

Get inspired by patio cover design ideas.

Shade Cloth: The Yard Sail

Shade cloth is a simple, affordable and modern way to protect your patio from the mid-day sun. When your shade cloth gently flows in the breeze, it looks a bit like a sail flapping in the wind – hence its moniker “sail cloth.” Generally made from canvas and/or polyester, shade cloths come in a variety of colors and sizes and are simple to install. While shade cloth doesn’t really require ongoing maintenance, they will likely need to be replaced every few years.

Aluminum: The Renaissance

Aluminum shade structures have been around for decades, but technological advances have turned aluminum into an affordable and functional option for patio covers. Aluminum is light, inexpensive and requires virtually no maintenance. It’s also highly-effective in keeping out sun and moisture, as well as simple to install – aluminum sheets can be cut to your exact specifications and attached to your patio posts with relative ease.

Aluminum patio covers, like wood, come in predesigned kits and are ready to install right out of the box. You can go with the classic chrome look or paint it a color that matches your home’s style. You can also opt for an Alumawood patio cover, which gives you the look of a wood structure but with the durability of metal. Alumawood gives you some choices in style as well – with a variety pre-packaged designs and colors.

Do I need a permit to build a deck? Find out. 

Louver System: The New Kid on the Block

FLEX-Fence’s louver system is technically designed for fencing, but its easily-customizable design allows you to create a patio cover in almost any design style you choose. And with a simple louver system, you’ll be able to adjust the privacy slats to let in the exact amount of sun you desire. FLEX-Fence offers a variety of kits that include everything you need for installation, including hardware.

PRO TIP: Try adding LED lighting to your patio cover to transform it into a day and night living space.

With so many options for materials for patio covers, you should have no problem creating something that fits your style, your needs, and your budget.

If you’re not sure what you need, stop by a J&W Lumber showroom or contact us today, and we’ll help you get started.