Enjoying your outdoor patio or deck regardless of the weather is an enviable perk. With so many options available, it can be hard to choose. This article will discuss the four most popular types of deck and patio covers and what makes each stand out.
The most feasible way to enjoy the outdoors is to install an overhead cover. The shaded area will be protected against harmful UV rays and provide shelter from light rain. What’s more, it will lengthen the longevity of your outdoor furniture.
If you’re struggling to choose between the different deck and patio covering ideas, this article will help. What is a patio cover, and how does it differ from a deck cover? We detail the types of deck and patio roofs, their benefits, and design popularity.
Explore our beautiful selection of patio covers and reach out to our home exterior professionals to learn more.
Deck and Patio Cover Ideas: 4 Options to Shade Your Outdoor Space
There are two broad categories of outdoor structures regarded as deck and patio covers — ‘freestanding’ and ‘attached‘. If any part of the structure is connected to the house, it is considered ‘attached.’
The construction material is an important factor to keep in mind. For instance, aluminum covers are more durable and require less maintenance than wood. Most deck and patio roof options can incorporate different types of materials. This article will discuss the following four choices:
- Awnings
- Pergolas
- Solar screens
- Sails/canopies
1. Awnings
The standout feature of awnings is that they are angled downwards, guiding water and debris off their surface. They can be permanent fixtures or retractable and provide solid coverage when extended. These versatile fixtures will serve almost any attached patio cover ideas you may have in mind.
Awnings offer timeless elegance and incredible versatility, making them a popular choice for patios and decks. Since they’re available in a wide array of designs, colors and materials, it’s easy to create a custom look that perfectly complements your home and personal style.
The size of the awnings is often customizable, and some designs also include frames for reinforcement and automation. Of all the different types of patio awnings, retractable styles are the most convenient and durable since retractability limits their exposure to the elements, making this feature especially well-suited to windy areas.
You can also choose between motorized and manual styles. Sunesta is a premium brand offering an array of customizable retractable awnings. Asher Lasting Exteriors offers full-featured awnings and affordable entry-level Sunesta models. Along with superior quality and a reasonable price, you get:
- Maximum convenience: Choose awnings that are controlled wirelessly via a remote or smartphone application.
- Outstanding product warranties: Enjoy peace of mind with exceptional warranties on the frame, fabric and motor.
- Multiple design styles: Find your perfect look from over 130 standard fabric colors and more custom frame color options than any other awning company.
- Additional options: Elevate your cover with optional smart lights or a drop-down valance for added protection.
Sunesta sets the gold standard among retractable awnings. The brand’s noteworthy accolades include Miami-Dade Product Approval and the International Building Code Product Approval.
Types of Awnings for Decks:
- Free-standing awnings: These deck and patio covers are not mounted to a wall. They contain their own support structures and framework and are best suited for covering large surfaces.
- Vertical awnings: These revolutionary window blinds can be fitted between two beams or over windows. They are beneficial when shade is required, no matter where the sun is positioned.
- Portable awnings: This design is less sturdy than its counterparts but still provides shade and protection. Single households usually require several portable awnings, which are popular in hotels and restaurants.
- Patio awnings: These are fixed on at least one side of a wall. They project outward, have a heavy-duty frame to support their weight, and last for years. There are no support beams involved. This design is regarded as a straightforward patio cover option.
Awnings are an excellent way to create covered dining areas on decks or shaded outdoor lounge areas. If you’re in the Onalaska or Eau Claire area and interested in awning installation, browse our beautiful collection. You can also visit one of our showrooms to view our sample displays.
2. Pergolas
A pergola is a pillared outdoor structure with roofing that can be completely solid or composed of equally spaced rafters. Many homeowners prefer the grid of rafters as it allows light exposure and better heat circulation. Pergolas can either be free-standing, attached or hanging.
Free-standing pergolas are supported on all four sides using pillars, beams or columns. Attached designs use a combination of wall mounting and beams, while hanging versions have no additional support other than their wall mount.
Pergola roofs can be arched for extra aesthetic appeal. The design itself is usually very decorative. Some pergola owners grow vines that eventually encase the entire structure, creating an enchanting ambience, while others weave fairy lights throughout the rafters for added elegance.
Pergolas can be constructed from metal, wood, plastic, stone or glass.
Some reasons why pergolas are so popular include:
- Extensive design options: Include multiple styles for various settings and personal preferences.
- Architectural strength: Able to support light fixtures or even fans.
- Versatility: Can cover varying surface areas.
- Low maintenance: Don’t require frequent cleaning, painting, or resurfacing.
Types of Pergolas:
- Wood pergolas: This type of pergola is ideal if you prefer a natural or rustic look. It’s the most classic design if you’re considering wood patio cover ideas.
- Vinyl pergolas: This material suits a minimalist decor scheme. Most of these designs will be white, which requires regular cleaning. Vinyl is often a more affordable option.
- Fiberglass pergolas: This material is exceptionally sturdy and low maintenance. Fiberglass can also be painted, so color options are endless. This is usually a more costly material.
- Metal pergolas: These designs are built using aluminum and/or steel. They are less sturdy and, if not securely fastened to the ground, will bend and buckle. If you select powder-coated versions, you’ll have a wider variety of colors to choose from.
3. Solar Screens
Transform your deck or patio into a comfortable oasis with solar screens. These innovative panels block harsh sunlight and reduce heat, while offering privacy and protection from insects. Solar screens are great for rooms with poor temperature regulation. Installing these fixtures may reduce electricity usage as they block the sun and absorb its heat. The screens can also be installed alongside other patio roof options such as awnings and pergolas.
Deck covering materials, such as solar screens, are fabric panels that limit incoming sunlight. They can hang like curtains over an opening and are also retractable. Although solar screens hang vertically, they are still considered a type of patio cover because they provide excellent shade.
Types of Solar Screens
Sunesta solar screens come with the latest in sun protection technology and are available in the following two variants:
- Sentry: Options for this type of solar screen include captured edge technology. The vertical edges are fixed to prevent the material from flapping, making it less likely to tear.
- Sun-roll: This design lets light in around the edges and increases air circulation. It’s perfect for patios and decks with an open, spacious layout.
Solar screens allow you to control the amount of light, heat gain, and desired privacy. There are also several beautiful neutral shades to choose from.
Some additional benefits include:
- Several accessories, colors, and mounting options to choose from.
- All of the retractable designs come with remote controls for your convenience.
If you’re in the Eau Claire or Onalaska area and interested in installing solar screens, visit our showroom to view our sample displays.
4. Shade Sails
Create a stylish and affordable shade solution with shade sails. These versatile canopies are UV-resistant, waterproof and come in a variety of colors and shapes, allowing you to design a unique and eye-catching outdoor space. They can cover large areas and add a vibrant, relaxing atmosphere to any setting.
If you’re wondering how to cover a patio, shade sails are the simplest option, and they’re relatively inexpensive. One downside to this patio covering is that it tends to be more fragile and prone to ripping than other, more robust options.
Shade sails or shade canopies are among the most portable deck and patio covering options. A shade sail is a piece of material tensioned between several anchor points. The material can be anchored directly to the ground, between beams or on any sturdy surface.
These patio cover designs can be elegant or playful, and the style variations depend on the color and fabric choice. Create interesting geometric patterns to add interesting design elements, or experiment with tones and layer your shadesails to add visual dimension. Use them as vertical privacy screens or combine them with other structures to create stunning design features.
Shade sails have several standout benefits, including:
- Affordability: Due to the cost-effectiveness of this material, a network of shade sails can be used in a single household.
- Portability: These patio cover materials usually come with D-ring attachments, making them portable.
- UV protection: Most designs are constructed from HDPE (high-density polyethylene fabric), which can withstand and block over 90% of harmful UV rays.
Types of Shade Sails:
- Fixed shade sail: This design incorporates strong material with several panels woven together. The edges are hemmed and reinforced with steel wire to maintain the shape. It is stretched taut between three or four points and fixed permanently or with D-ring clips.
- Retractable shade sail: These designs are most advantageous when you need to adjust the amount of coverage. Limiting the sail’s weather exposure can extend its longevity.
- Attached shade sails: This is when one half of the sail is connected to a part of the house and includes a permanent fixture enclosing one side. This design takes more time to install.
Types of Patio and Deck Covers: Which Is Right for You?
If you need help choosing the best type of patio cover or finding a deck cover that fits your style, use the list of considerations below:
- How much money are you willing to spend? It is always essential to work with a budget. Think of the covering as an investment that increases the value of your property.
- What is the weather like in your region? If the climate is harsh, you’ll need a cover known for its durability, like a retractable awning. Additionally, high humidity can cause metals to rust or certain types of wood to rot, so you’ll want to keep that in mind as well.
- Which material appeals to you the most? What sort of sun protection and longevity are you looking for? How much maintenance are you willing to do? Some need to be cleaned with water weekly, while others may require new coats of paint every few years.
- What are your project timelines? How many days of construction are you willing to put up with for a beautiful, long-lasting structure?
- What square footage do you want covered? Do you want something adjustable, like a solar screen or a retractable awning? If you want precise control over light, heat, and circulation, a solar screen or an awning may be a good choice.
For professional advice, contact us or visit our showroom to view our sample displays.
Common Patio Covering Materials
Choosing the right patio cover material for your setting should be a carefully considered process. The material should be selected to fit the environment, the homeowners’ preferences, the design of the project and the surrounding architecture.
Let’s evaluate the following types of patio roofs:
- Wood: Available in multiple distinct varieties, wood is a versatile option for patios and patio covers. Although this natural material lends a charming look and feel to outdoor settings, it requires regular resealing to maintain its appearance and prevent water-induced warping or rot.
- Aluminum: Choose aluminum in settings where turbulent weather is a factor. This material is lightweight, low maintenance and very sturdy, but since metal is a heat conductor, it can be hot if exposed to a lot of direct sun.
- Vinyl/Acrylic: Enjoy the perfect combination of durability and low maintenance. Vinyl can maintain its good looks for many years. The drawback is that it has limited variability in color. It’s primarily available in white, which needs to be power-washed at least once a year to maintain its color.
- Fiberglass: Opt for fiberglass when you need a material that won’t corrode, even in harsh environments. This versatile material is moisture-resistant and is strong enough to build larger structures.
Attached patio or deck covers often need less support than those that are free-standing. Heavier material is better for structures that stand on their own.
Beat the Heat This Summer With a Patio or Deck Cover From Asher Lasting Exteriors
Whether you envision a stately pergola creating a romantic retreat, a classic awning providing welcome shade, or a stylish shade sail adding a pop of color, Asher Lasting Exteriors can help you bring your dream deck or patio to life.
Our experts can guide you through the options and help you create an outdoor space that reflects your unique style, enhances your life and adds value to your property. If you’re feeling inspired and have some deck or patio roof ideas swirling in your head, don’t delay the process any further. Asher Lasting Exteriors is your local one-stop resource for top-quality outdoor shade solutions, replacement doors and windows, innovative gutter solutions and more.
Contact us at (715) 402-4876 for more information or request an obligation-free estimate today!
