Monday, February 28, 2011

Patio Covers Appeal to Many Tastes

Enjoying the outdoors means different things to different people. One thing we can all agree on: patio covers help make the outdoor spaces even more enjoyable. With their shade, ambiance and elegance, they can make any patio more of a gathering place.

Out in the drier and hotter climates of the country, it is much more appreciated to have shaded patio covers that provide some relief from the beating and relentless sun. In other parts of the country, the opportunity to sit out and get some rays is what it is all about. Here, you might opt to have retractable awnings that can be attached to give your covered patio more versatility.

One big move over the last several years is to bring the indoors out with the popularity of the outdoor living space. These take advantage of your deck or patio and create a space that is like a kitchen in your backyard. Here, you will find all the amenities and more available in a modern indoor kitchen. These outdoor patio rooms as they are sometimes called are showing up in all regions of the country.
How you cover your patio is up to your imagination. You might choose to consult with experienced contractors or designers to see what is available in the way of patio cover designs. Architectural and fine home magazines can also serve as a source of inspiration.

Mediterranean styled patio covers are still a very popular choice. These utilize stone and pillars and have a timeless and elegant appeal. Your patio might not look right with this style because it needs to match or at the very least not clash with your home's decor. You want your outdoor space to add to or enhance your home's appeal, not distract from it.

A pergola is the most popular style of patio cover. A gazebo and pergola are often confused. The simple difference is that a gazebo has more of a pitched roof appearance to it, while a pergola has more of a flat lattice, criss-cross appearance. Pergolas are basically designed to have plants and vines growing on top of them and this is what leads to that Mediterranean feel.

Your choice of materials with which to cover your patio is also more broad than you might think. With everything from patio cover kits, to metal and real wood, you have choices. Pergolas that are custom built to your site and specifications are almost always made with wood. This provides years of use. Metal can also be used to cover your patio and some estimates say it can last up to 40-50 years. Metal provides a much more rustic look, similar to an old country barn look.

If your patio cover is over a concrete slab, no need to worry about what type of 'roof' it has. However, if you have patio furniture or your outdoor living space kitchen, you may want more protection. Covering a wooden deck and you might consider a more fully covered patio that will give you more protection from the elements. Not only will this give you more usable space, but it will add years to the life of your deck.
Tag : patio covers,patio cover ideastastes

Patio Covers

The patio is an extension of the house. With a little bit of enterprise one can transform it into a snug haven with colorful and snazzy Patio covers, furniture, pool tables, grills, plants and curios reflecting individual styles. The reason being that in the present ambiguous conditions, especially after 9/11, many of us prefer the comfort of home for celebrations or unwinding.

Patios with covers serve another purpose. Very often we are too lazy after a barbeque or a lazy afternoon to stack chairs and tables inside or fold the umbrella. Patio Covers do the work for us and furniture can be left where it is, protected from rain and sun. There is a choice in Patio Covers depending on the natural environment and construction of the house. Wood is preferred by people who want a natural look gelling with landscaping or the interior of the house. Wooden Patio Covers are at a disadvantage when compared with aluminum or acrylic Patio Covers. The latter are maintenance-free and durable with built-in rain gutters, while wood needs to be termite- and water-resistant. Synthetic wood is a substitute with one major flaw. It cannot be used as a structural or support material and has to be covered with real wood beams, increasing the cost of the Patio Cover.
If adventurous and looking for a brighter and more refreshing set-up, select a clear glass or lattice aluminum cover or the dependable acrylic ones. These let in partial sunlight and, unlike concrete or full covers, do not make you feel boxed in.

Fabric in different colors and patterns is another option for a Patio Cover. The selection of Patio Covers is subjective to personal choice and budget. No point in copying the next door neighbors or an advertisement in home magazines. Some enterprising individuals prefer constructing or assembling Patio Covers themselves, or using individual covers for chairs, tables, swings and umbrellas. All one can say is, read instructions carefully as a patio is an aesthetic extension of your house.
Tag : patio cover,wood patio cover,patio cover designs,patio cover plan