You finally have the house of your dreams with the perfect patio. It's hot, however. Actually, it is sweltering, and you need shade fast. Here are a few options for you to consider as patio covers.

Awning

An awning is a fabric-covered frame structure that you can either attach to your house or have freestanding. Awnings are made from an opaque fabric that comes in a variety of colors, and you can even get them with stripes or other patterns. Awnings are available in manual or electric models. Manual awnings operate with a hand crank that you turn to open and close the awning. Electric awnings are opened and closed with a switch or remote control.

Shade sail

While a shade sail is similar to an awning, it is less formal in design and shape. A shade sail is simply a piece of sturdy fabric suspended from three or more points. It may cover all or just a portion of your patio seating area. Shade sails are available in a variety of materials, including polyethylene, nylon, and PVC-coated polyester. They are also available in various colors, sizes, and shapes.

Pergola

Pergolas have been a popular choice for homeowners for centuries. A pergola is a patio cover that you can walk under that is covered in vines or latticework. They provide shade without blocking out all the sunlight. Pergolas are most often freestanding structures that you can add to your patio or build into your home's design. Pergolas can be made from wood, metal, or vinyl. They are also available in a range of sizes and styles.

Timber-framed

Timber-framed structures are a popular type of patio cover. While many timber-framed patio covers are professionally constructed and designed to tie into your phone's roof, you can also purchase a freestanding timber-framed patio cover and put it together on the weekend. In addition, many timber-framed patio covers have attached curtains so you can block out sunlight during certain times of the day.

Enclosed

If you are looking for a permanent solution, you may want to consider an enclosed patio. An enclosed patio is a room you can add to your house that has walls and a roof. Enclosed patios can be made from wood, aluminum, or glass. An enclosed patio cover could have bug screens, sunscreens, or removable glazing. Depending on how they are constructed and what part of the country you live in, they may be called by any number of names, including

  • Sunroom
  • Conservatory
  • 3-season porch 
  • 4-season porch
  • Florida room
  • Arizona room

You have many options to choose from when it comes to patio covers. There is no one right answer, so you must decide what is best for you based on your needs, preferences, budget, and climate.

Contact a local patio cover service, such as Lawn Escapades & Custom Patio Covers LLC, to learn more.

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