Which Patio Cover Is Right For You?

Home & Garden Blog

Spring is a great time for enjoying the outdoors, and if your backyard oasis includes a patio, you know the enjoyment of basking in the perfect weather. But what if the weather is not perfect? Rain, wind, cold, and heat can all put a damper on your outdoor plans. A patio cover is a great way to shelter your oasis from harsh weather, but there are many different options to choose from. Here is a closer look at some of the different styles available.

Attached or Freestanding

Depending on the location of your patio, there are two major placement designs when it comes to patio covers. There are patio covers that are attached to your home or those that are stand alone structures. If your patio is located away from your house, you will obviously want to go with a freestanding design. However, if your patio is adjacent to your home, either option may be beneficial.

An attached model allows you to enjoy your patio as a literal extension of your home. However, like other home renovation projects, doing this properly may require the skill of a licensed carpenter. On the other hand, a freestanding design is less invasive or permanently attached to the structure of your home, but the gap between the patio cover and the side of your home may be a bit awkward, especially if it is raining.

Aluminum or Wooden

There are also two major types of materials used in building patio covers. Wooden patio covers were once the standard for permanent protection from the elements. They were durable, long-lasting, and could be stained or painted in a variety of colors. However, many of today's patio cover options are made of aluminum. They will not rust, come in a variety of styles and colors, and some even offer a lifetime warranty. 

Stationary or Adjustable

For many years, if you wanted an adjustable option for shading your patio, the only real solution was to get an awning, but that still required an all-or-nothing approach. The awning was either out or it wasn't, with no in-between. However, today's patio covers come in stationary varieties as well as fully adjustable options. With an adjustable patio cover, the louvers are able to be angled, much like the slats on a window blind system, allowing you to let in just the right amount of sunlight or breeze, or completely avoid a summer storm. 

The weather can be the best and worst part of outdoor living. Choosing the right patio cover is a great way to provide the protection that your outdoor oasis needs.

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