Whether you have a big backyard or a small outdoor area, investing in a top-quality patio cover is a game-changer. Well-designed garden coverings enhance your outdoor living experience and encourage you to spend more time outside. If you want to dine al fresco or host more backyard parties, a well-shaded area also offers the best spots for patio furniture.
Simply put: covering your patio is one of the best ways to instantly transform your backyard without breaking the bank. But with so many covered patio ideas out there, how will you know where to start?
First Things First: Outdoor Patio Considerations
Before you start brainstorming outdoor covered patio ideas, there are considerations to keep in mind. For instance, since garden coverings are a major outdoor structure, you need to work with professionals like landscape architects to ensure your building is engineered correctly. A landscape architect will also help you comply with city codes.
Other considerations before designing, planning and building your patio cover include the following:
- Location
- The architectural style of your home
- Budget
- Scale and size of overhead patio
- Materials
- Orientation of the patio to the sun
Once you’ve nailed down the basics, it’s time to bring your patio roof ideas to life.
Covered Patio Considerations: How to Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space
Shelter Your Outdoor Space with Modern Garden Coverings
A chic and adjustable pergola can complete your outdoor area. Most pergolas seamlessly connect to any wall, as well as provide you with shelter.
Hang Lights and Plants from a Patio Pergola
Giant pergolas are the best for homeowners with larger backyard spaces. If you also have a big family or love hosting big parties, a giant pergola is also the best for you. Most pergolas have a striking wooden design that keeps the space airy and welcoming.
Add more warmth and air to your space by hanging plants. A structure filled with plants provides cool relief from the sun and doubles as decoration for your next party. Compliment your hanging potted plants with some pendant lights to add visual interest to your space. If you don’t have pendant lights, festoon lights can take your outdoor patio to the next level.
Add a Hanging Chair for Comfort and Aesthetic
If you have a sturdy patio cover, you’ll need the best patio furniture. One of the most important must-haves is a hanging chair. Aesthetic hanging chairs are often designed to complement the great outdoors. They’ll look great against white-washed walls and along with wicker baskets and rattan garden furniture. All of these pieces help you achieve a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe.
Brighten Up Your Patio with White Parasols
A white parasol is the perfect finishing touch for patios with a contemporary and calm design. It’s also a nice way to shade you and your guests from the sun. On top of that, it doesn’t block your view when you’re catching up with family and friends alfresco.
Achieve a Sleek Look with an Adjustable Gazebo
If you prefer a sturdy shelter for your patio, go for an adjustable gazebo. Gazebos have many purposes:
- They can create shaded areas for garden furniture, outdoor bars and outdoor kitchens.
- They are also ideal for hot tub shelters and alfresco dining spaces.
Adjustable gazebos are functional and ready-to-use coverings that require no hefty construction or planning permission. You can place them as an overhang from your home or just freestanding. Flexible louvered gazebos enable you to bask under the sun. You can also close it when it rains. Most adjustable gazebos come with innovative drainage systems.
Choose a Retractable Awning for Versatility
If your outdoor areas require a quick yet effective transformation, shop for retractable patio covers. They guarantee instant shelter and shade. It’s also the best solution for providing cover when needed, which means you can make the most out of the outside space throughout the seasons.
Surround Your Dining Zone with Foliage
If you’re a big fan of nature, surround your canopy with green foliage. The greenery can make any outdoor space look calm and relaxing while providing a natural shelter from the sun. To support your chosen plants, use sturdy structures like pergolas and columns.
If you want to be extra with your covered patio ideas, why not grow wisteria around your patio cover? Wisteria comes with an elegant trail of flowers, which is always a showstopper for any garden.
Mix and Match the Materials You Use
If you’ve got the budget and space and want to go big with your patio covers, go for a modern mix of materials.
For instance, why not build a durable structure with aluminum? Pair it with water-resistant panels. Keep the patio cozy with lighting and heating. It’s one of the best ways to create an outdoor area that doubles as an extension to your home.
Keep Cooks Dry with a Mini Gazebo
The cooks of the house deserve a dry space when they cook for you and your guests! A small gazebo creates a sheltered area for your BBQ and cooking space outside. That way, even if rain comes unexpectedly, your head cook can stay dry.
Covered Patio FAQS
How Do I Cover My Patio on a Budget?
One of the best ways to cut down on prices is to use reclaimed materials, such as bricks. These materials can make any space lovely and laid-back. If you want to go with the cottagecore vibes, reclaimed materials are your best friend. Apart from the aesthetics, they are also highly durable. Check online marketplaces and reclamation yards for good deals. If you have neighbors undergoing renovations, ask your neighbors for spare pieces.
Another way to spruce up your outdoor area, there are plenty of chimineas and fire pits available for under $100, especially if you want wood-burning designs. They are wonderful additions that won’t break the bank, especially if you want to create a welcoming and cozy ambiance.
What Can I Use to Cover My Patio?
You’ll never run out of options when it comes to patio coverings. Consider the following:
- Set up an awning.
- Install galvanized steel panels.
- Buy partially shaded furniture.
- Install an enclosed skylight.
- Blend outdoor and indoor areas.
- Pop open an umbrella
So, What’s the Best Patio Cover for Your Space?
The best patio cover for your outdoor area depends on a variety of factors. These include the budget and size you have, as well as your design preferences.
Large structures make the best choices for bigger gardens and offer a permanent outdoor area that you can use no matter what the season is. But if you’re on a budget or have a smaller outdoor area, that’s OK! There are many minimal-effort and low-commitment-covered patio ideas out there. No matter what the space of your garden is, there will always be a perfect covered patio idea for you.