Spring Has Sprung! Time for a New Patio Cover!

Spring has sprung and now is a great time to freshen up your backyard with a new patio cover. A beautiful patio cover not only improves the look of your outdoor sitting area, it may even add to the value of your home. If you’ve been thinking of updating, installing or replacing your patio cover, here are some creative ideas to get you started.

Easy Does It: Pre-Cut Patio Cover Kits

If you’re new to the DIY world, the easiest way to update your patio cover is to buy a pre-cut kit. Pre-cut patio cover kits are ideal for straightforward builds and include all the lumber and hardware you’ll need, already cut exactly to your specifications.

We offer three cost-friendly, attractive patio cover designs – The Capistrano, The Catalina and The Coronado. Each one is a classic wood lattice construction with variations in the corbels and braces. These kits are not boxed sets that come from outside suppliers. Instead, they are assembled in-store by our lumber specialists, who hand-select each board, so they are made from the wood of your choice and conform to your exact measurements.

Patio cover kits reduce the need to measure and cut lumber or invest in expensive saws. The length of time required to assemble your kit will depend on your level of DIY experience, the amount of help at your disposal, and the amount of time you can dedicate each day to your build.

Share your measurements and ideas with our lumber specialists by phone and we can arrange to deliver your materials or easy will-call pick up at any of our Southern California lumber yard locations.

A Classic Look: Wood Lattice Patio Covers

Traditional patio covers that feature wood lattice covering deliver a classic look with plenty of shade, while still permitting some sunlight and breeze. “Lattice” doesn’t necessarily mean the crisscross “country garden” pattern you might be thinking of. Instead, lattice simply refers to the idea of open spaces between the individual strips of wood that span the patio cover’s beams.

Looking for ideas to take your wood lattice patio cover to the next level? Here are a few of our favorites:

• Plant climbing vines along the posts that will eventually converge to form a green canopy
• Install hanging plants or succulents from the underside of the canopy
• Drape string lights across the patio cover beams
• Vary the width of the lattice for visual variety
• Use modular panels instead of lattice of to add a creative touch

If you like a traditional look, we offer custom decorative lattice or standard redwood lattice panels that can be stained, painted or sealed to match your taste.

A Lighter Alternative: Canopies & Shade Cloth

Try something new with your wood patio cover by installing a fabric cover that adds lightness, color and visual flow to your outdoor space.

Canopies

Modular, slide-on wire canopies like the Infinity Canopy are made from durable mesh and canvas fabric intended for outdoor use that gives your space a crisp, classic feel reminiscent of a boat’s sails. This adjustable system allows you to control the extension of your canopy, so you can modify the amount of sunlight or starlight you permit.

Shade Cloth

Shade cloth is a simple, affordable and modern spin on patio covers. Made from canvas and/or polyester, shade cloths are available in many colors and shapes, including triangles and rectangles.

Stretch shade cloth between existing posts or install your own to create a unique shape that fits your space. Installing shade cloths of different shapes at slightly different heights creates visual interest and will allow you to cover more area.

Adjustable Style: Louver Systems

Louver systems are one of the most innovative additions to our suite of patio cover solutions. FLEXfence was initially designed for fencing, but this lightweight, adjustable system makes a perfect patio cover as well. FLEXfence features weather-resistant PVC rails with adjustable brackets that you can tilt, adjusting the slat angles to allow your preferred amount of sun.

Now’s the time to get started on the patio cover project you’ve been dreaming about. If it’s time for a patio cover upgrade, we’ve got all the materials, guidance and inspiration you need.

J&W Lumber offers many ways to shop for lumber and supplies. We’ll assemble the materials for your project, receive payment by phone and arrange free curbside pickup or low-cost home delivery. Call us today to learn more.