How Patio Covers Work

There are backyards that are fine with their grass, little planting beds and maybe a pool or Jacuzzi. Then, there are patios that really work. You know what I mean, the ones with a patio cover like you might see in some posh LA photo shoot with those skinny models looking all pouty and hungry. Those patio covers with the billowing fabric draperies and the best chaise lounge chairs that you can’t even find.

I guess this type of patio cover is more like a cabana or gazebo in style. The cabana style works best if you have a pool or spa close by. Then, you just get out, grab your towel and go lounge beneath your shaded cover. If you’re lucky, you can snap your fingers and have your favorite drink in your drink in no time.

Classically, patio covers refer to the great wooden or even metal structures that go over an outdoor deck or patio (hence their name) to provide shade. Now, they don’t necessarily have to provide complete cover, even dappled shade is welcomed in the summer. And, they look even nicer if you have a pergola with the greenery and vines growing all over it. The simplest and most popular type of patio cover for this reason is the pergola.

Even an avid do-it-yourselfer will be able to build their own one of these. It does take a bit of planning and work to make them, but the difficulty level is not the factor, it’s the time and effort itself. This is one of those projects that you can realistically do in a couple weekends. There might be some touch up stuff to do, odds and ends, but the major part of your pergola patio cover will be complete. Then, you’ll have all the rest of the good weather this year and years to come to enjoy it.

The other type of patio cover is most often demonstrated by that 1970s ranch house style home. Often, there would have been a concrete slab poured with the foundation of the home (it is part of the foundation actually) and the rear part of the house would have had a covered patio area supported by some posts. This had the roof fully covering the patio area, providing both solid shade and protection from the elements. Some people choose to enclose these areas creating a patio room or additional living space. Like all of the examples listed, they work just the same.