“Spending time outdoors makes you feel great.” – Elizabeth Hurley
You’ve worked hard to turn your boring concrete patio into a lovely outdoor living space. Perhaps it’s an outdoor kitchen or a cozy outdoor room designed for entertaining with sofas, a coffee table, and a fireplace. There’s just one thing missing, a roof.
There are patio cover ideas that can help you turn your new outdoor space into a covered outdoor room that you can use year-round.
These covered patio ideas are durable, protective, and will improve the look of your patio.
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1. Aluminum Patio Cover
Aluminum patio covers are the most popular of the flat cover ideas. It’s affordable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. This helps your new roof investment to be a long-lasting one.
Aluminum patio covers require minimal maintenance and come in various colors and finishes to match your home’s exterior. Additionally, they are resistant to rust and rot, making them a long-lasting choice for any climate.
2. Glass
If you want to turn your concrete slab into an enclosed patio, then consider glass. It’s a much bigger investment than the other patio cover options. It requires a solid structural frame to be built around your patio.
You’ll also want to consider the amount of sun your area experiences. An all-glass roof in Florida or Arizona will result in you creating a heat box that will be insufferable to be in.
A skylight in the roof with all glass walls is a better glass patio idea. Then you can add patio furniture and turn your enclosed patio into a sunroom or day room.
3. Pergola
Pergolas look elegant and are freestanding outdoor structures. This makes it possible to erect one next to your house or out in the middle of your yard. While most pergolas are square, you could build yours in a triangle or rectangle. Then you have a pergola that’s just the right size and shape to cover your outdoor furniture.
A wood pergola will give your patio a traditional look. However, you can also have a solid patio cover that’s built out of vinyl or PVC. These are bright white and require less ongoing maintenance.
4. Plastic Sheeting
If you have a tight budget or want to do the roof addition project yourself, then consider using plastic sheeting. This isn’t the most elegant of the patio shade ideas, but it’s definitely effective.
The plastic comes in translucent or with a color tint. There are also opaque options if you want to completely block the light. However, if you block too much light, your patio can feel dark and depressing, even when it’s sunny out.
To prevent your backyard patio from getting too dark, try using a combination of translucent clear and opaque plastic corrugated sheets.
5. Retractable Awning
If you have an outdoor space that’s connected to the side of your home, then a retractable awning will give you flexibility in your patio design.
When you don’t need the cover, you can retract it back. Then when you do need it, you can extend it out and have full coverage. With the push of a button, the awning will retract back and roll up and out of the way.
What’s nice about awnings is that they come in a range of colors and patterns. This lets you pick a custom design that will match your home and patio design perfectly.
6. Solid Wood Patio Cover
Wood is a durable material that’s easily adaptable. This makes it a perfect solution for building your wood patio cover. First, choose the type of lumber you want to use.
Hardwoods are best because they are the most durable and beautiful. However, they are also more expensive. Treated softwood is an acceptable, more affordable alternative. Regular treatment and maintenance are necessary to protect the wood from weathering and pests.
7. Covered Pergola
Combining the charm of a traditional pergola with the practicality of a full cover, covered pergolas offer the best of both worlds.
Covered pergolas provide more substantial protection from sun and rain while retaining the pergola’s open, airy feel. This option is great for those who love the pergola look but need more shelter.
8. Shutter Panel
Shutter panels add a dynamic and flexible covering option for your patio. These panels can be adjusted to control light and ventilation, offering a balance between privacy and openness. Their sleek design suits various architectural styles, and they are particularly suitable for areas with changing weather conditions.
9. Jute Deck Shade
Jute deck shades offer a rustic and eco-friendly shading solution. Made from natural fibers, these shades bring an organic texture and warmth to your outdoor space. They are ideal for creating a cozy, shaded nook, perfect for relaxation while adding a touch of bohemian flair.
10. Sail Shade
Sail shades are a contemporary and artistic approach to patio covers. Resembling the sails of a ship, these shades are made from durable, weather-resistant fabric stretched across anchor points. They provide excellent UV protection and are perfect for adding a modern touch to your outdoor area. Their unique shape and design possibilities make them an eye-catching feature.
