50 Stylish Patio Cover Ideas (for All Budgets)

Inspiration and tips for your pre-patio planning goals

By
Lisa Hallett Taylor
photo of writer Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 05/20/22
stylish covered patio

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

A well-designed patio cover can enhance your outdoor living experience and increase the amount of time you spend outside. For any major outdoor structure, you'll want to work with a professional, like an architect or landscape architect, to make sure your building complies with city codes and is engineered correctly. Other considerations before planning, designing, and building a patio cover include:

  • Budget
  • Architectural style of your house
  • Building materials you desire and what is available in your region
  • Location
  • Size and scale of patio and overhead
  • Orientation of the patio to the sun, like a hot west-oriented or cold northern location.
1:14

Get Inspired by These Stylish Patio Cover Ideas for All Budgets

Take a look at 50 very different patio cover ideas that will certainly spark some ideas for your own project.

  • 01 of 50

    Embrace an Open-Air Rooftop

    covered patio outdoor living room shabby chic
    Alexandra Lauren

    An open-air rooftop patio in Hong Kong designed by Alexandra Lauren features plenty of texture and vibrant colors. The Horchow rug with a geometric pattern provides a statement piece that many outdoor areas often miss. The roof is made of clear Perspex, a type of plexiglass with UV resistance—so there's no shortage of light but it's still safer than sitting in direct sunlight. With a few bright pops of color, the space nearly feels summer getaway-inspired.

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  • 02 of 50

    Construct a Modern Overhang

    covered patio outdoor dining room minimalist house
    Etienne Koenig

    This outdoor area with a ceiling feels cozy yet still enveloped in the great outdoors. Designed by South African firm LevEco Architects, the composite polystyrene made IsoPine material functions well outside, provided it doesn't get direct rain. The timber roof rafters are pocketed into the brickwork of the house, so you don't see any connections. Thanks to the roof, time spent outside doesn't need to be cut short by the rain or less than ideal weather.

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  • 03 of 50

    Opt for Shade Cloth Patio Covers

    covered patio sail roof
    Eva Z Photography

    The husband-and-wife design team known as The Ranch Mine covered a house in corrugated steel and treated the concrete flooring with Cohills Enviro Stain. Shade-sail anchors were tied into the roof trusses under the eaves to support the shade sails. Shade sails are often a less expensive option than brick, mortar, and other built-ins, reducing the need for an architect and construction crew.

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  • 04 of 50

    Turn the Space Into a Plant Oasis

    covered patio garden outdoor living room
    Joe Dodd for Carson Douglas

    Plants always add to the charm of a space, especially when they become the main focus. This beautiful and eclectic eco-conscious outdoor space was created by Carson Douglas Landscape Architecture (CDLA) for a Santa Ynez, California, ranch. Many features are custom-designed, like the redwood pergola, which supports healthy, lush vines, the redwood vegetable boxes, cold-season A-frames, and metal-frame fire pit, infilled with stone to resemble a gabion.

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  • 05 of 50

    Go for Modern-Meets-Rustic

    covered patio on industrial house
    Elliott Johnson Photography / Gast Architects

    For a look that straddles the line between rustic and modern, take a note out of Gast Architects' book. This shade idea was created for a scored-concrete patio in Arroyo Grande, California. Courtesy of a custom-made steel frame, this outdoor area is sleek but still has that slight farmhouse touch due to the corrugated galvanized steel.

    Tip

    Patio cover kits remove the hassle of designing a patio cover by leaving that work to their manufacturer's architectural experts. You follow the instructions and build it, removing the guesswork. The pre-made kits come in many budget, size, and style options. Some kits require you to buy the materials, while others include everything.

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  • 06 of 50

    Blend Natural Materials

    covered patio outdoor living room with pool and bridge
    Eklektic Interiors

    Natural materials are a smart design decision when working on an outdoor space. They blend in beautifully with their surroundings and have a stunning overall effect when two or three are mixed together, such as this brick, stone, and wood combination. Designed by Eklektic Interiors of Houston, the patio floor is made of reclaimed Old Chicago brick, while the facade and arches are made of Texas limestone.

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  • 07 of 50

    Try a Cedar Pergola

    covered patio designs with pool and lounge chairs
    Francine Fleischer for Resolution: 4 Architecture

    New York City-based Resolution: 4 Architecture constructed a stained-cedar pergola over a bluestone-paver patio for a home and pool house project. It's another prime example of just how lovely natural materials look while protecting a portion of an outdoor space. That matching wooden chairs are just the icing on the cake.

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  • 08 of 50

    Infuse Mediterranean Style

    covered patio outdoor dining room stucco house terra cotta roof
    Shelley Gardea Photography

    Mediterranean flair is written all over this outdoor area designed by Benedict August. The slate tile is set in a diamond pattern and is used for the exposed patio, while the pergola-covered dining space features a poured-concrete surface. The neutral colors and stone texture all add to the villa-like atmosphere.

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  • 09 of 50

    Design a Modern Industrial Courtyard

    covered patio industrial roof and wooden fence
    Randy Colwell

    This particular entry courtyard was made for a home-based work/art studio designed by Homes by Monticello. Featuring cedar decking, slat walls, and a protective plastic roof, it's a great area for spending time outside in rain or shine. The home is built around a grain silo, giving it a "modern industrial" sensibility. 

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  • 10 of 50

    Take Mid-Century Modern Ranch Style Outdoors

    covered patio designs outdoor living room with stone and wood
    Rowland and Broughton

    Mid-century modern has made its everlasting mark indoors, but it can work outside, too. Raising the roofline and adding clerestory windows to this mid-century ranch flooded the living spaces with natural light. Rowland and Broughton added a rooftop patio to the single-story home, along with a patio off the back of the house with white polished concrete flooring. The style is further elevated thanks to the chic Texas limestone columns and cozy fire pit.

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  • 11 of 50

    Add Unique Touches

    covered patio ideas near pool minimalist house
    Tocha Project

    The modern Rising Glen house in the Hollywood Hills by Tocha Project features a custom-designed deck. The patio cover's levelers (shades or blinds) are motorized and operated by elevator buttons located in the home's bar area. Unique features, such as this, make for a protected outdoor area that's unlike any other.

    Tip

    The simplest way to add shade to a patio or any outdoor space is by opening an umbrella. Just make sure it is sturdy and anchored by a weighted holder or it will be gone with the next big wind!

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  • 12 of 50

    Bring in Loggias

    covered patio with lawn furniture
    Emily Hagopian Photography

    Places with fantastic weather should take advantage of it through outdoor spaces, which is exactly what Strening Architects did when transforming this 25-acre property in Calistoga. The firm built a spectacular showcase by creating two distinct loggias on the front and back of the house to fully embrace wine country indoor/outdoor living. Strening used a simple palette of stone, stucco, wood, and steel to bring refined elegance to the property. The patio cover is a combination of painted structural steel and Alaskan yellow cedar.

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  • 13 of 50

    Keep Original Features

    covered patio modern house outdoor fireplace
    Lane Williams Architects

    There's something so special about retaining certain original features of a home. This 1950s Seattle home, remodeled by Lane Williams Architects, features two 16-foot-wide Fleetwood pocketing aluminum and sliding glass doors that open the den and dining rooms to the terrace. LWA saved the original 1960-built outdoor brick fireplace, which was incorporated into the new patio design.

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  • 14 of 50

    Blend Glass and Timber

    covered patio overlooking lake
    Michael Abraham Architecture

    Designed by Michael Abraham Architecture of Clarendon Hills, this custom-built farmhouse-modern estate makes the best of indoor and outdoor worlds. The patio flooring is made of natural bluestone, while a sun-drenched outdoor room features large spans of glass with contemporary lines that frame views of the lake. Hand-hewn beams, exposed timbers, and indigenous stones were used in building this outdoor escape.

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  • 15 of 50

    Make the Most of an Awning

    covered patio modern white house outdoor bar and pool
    Simon Wood

    This 1950s-inspired Australian beach home by Sanctum Design features a German Markilux motorized canopy/glass awning. Its another great example of how mechanized features can really add to a home's outdoor area. The bright off-white palette also makes the whole space feel open and airy, despite being covered.

    Tip

    A retractable awning gives you the option to cover and uncover your patio at will. Most are attached to one part of the side of the home. Some are motorized and others are wind-up. You can keep them closed during winter and bad weather, but on sunny days, they cover up with the best of them.


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  • 16 of 50

    Add a Dash of Vibrancy

    covered patio ideas New Orleans style outodoor living room and dining room
    Mullin Landscape Associates

    A Mexican-inspired patio for a home in Metairie, Louisiana, was designed by Mullin Landscape Associates. There is a blend of fantastic colors happening in this space. Hanging from the painted wood-frame shade structure is a gold and white pendant light that adds a playful touch of metallic. But the most powerful splash of color comes from the neon green and aqua blue chairs and pillows.

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  • 17 of 50

    Warm Up a Contemporary Space

    covered patio outside modern house with outdoor dining room
    Andrew Wuttke Photography

    The interior and exterior of this contemporary coastal home were instantly warmed up through a remodel. Design firm Mr. Mitchell used reclaimed Australian hardwoods, natural stone, and textural fabrics to take this gray, modernized space and make it feel homier indoors and out.

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  • 18 of 50

    Go Big with a Pergola

    Pergola style covered patio
    Texas Custom Patios

    Texas Custom Patios built a pergola off the side and front of an existing covered area and added an outdoor kitchen to maximize outside living space. Though pergolas are often seen in smaller areas, extra-large models are ideal for providing ample shade without fully covering a patio with a roof.

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  • 19 of 50

    Go for Full Shade

    covered patio outdoor living room near pool
    Werner Segarra

    In hot locations, sometimes fully blocking the sun is essential. This custom classic home designed by PHX Architecture is situated in Arizona, therefore a covered area was a must. The interior and exterior offer relief from the desert heat with several covered areas that extend from the main structure. It doesn't hurt that the space is impeccably styled, too.

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  • 20 of 50

    Create a Mini Paradise

    covered patio with hot tub at night
    Tony Phillips for Utopia Landscape Design

    An outdoor hot tub gets a tropical overhead with a hardwood frame that supports a palapa (thatched roof), designed by Utopia Landscape Design. Whether or not you're planning any warm vacations, a covered area behind your home can also serve as the perfect paradise.

    Tip

    Natural tiki thatching works best in a dry, hot, and windy climate. Synthetic thatch doesn't look as authentic as the real thing, but it will hold up better if you live in a humid climate.


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  • 21 of 50

    Design an Outdoor Living Room

    covered patio outdoor living room and dining room
    Dena Brody

    Dena Brody Interiors transformed this outdoor space into a true living room complete with Gloster patio furniture, ceiling fans, and a custom kitchen. One portion of the space is fully covered while the other gets more light due to some thoughtfully-built beams. An area like this gives you every reason to spend more time outdoors when the weather is nice (or not so nice thanks to the roof).

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  • 22 of 50

    Get Creative with Transparent Roofing

    covered patio outdoor dining table
    Beatrice Hoedemakers

    A high, transparent patio cover designed by in3interieur allows unobstructed sunlight into the house and also keeps the patio area warm on summer evenings. Because of the see-through nature of the material, residents still get a great view of the sky and surroundings but get more protection from sun and rain. 

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  • 23 of 50

    Go for a Thatched Shade

    covered patio with thistle roof and adobe style dining room
    Scott Sandler for Higgins Architects

    Higgins Architects opted for this unique shade structure with a metal framework and a thatch-style roof instead of a more classic option. It feels ultra fitting for an outdoor space—especially for people looking to make their exteriors feel more natural. The addition of plants, stonework, and tile adds to that aesthetic.

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  • 24 of 50

    Cover a Space with a Solar Fabric Shade

    covered patio open weave solar fabric roof and dining room
    Coles Hairston for Paula Ables Interiors

    An exterior-grade open-weave solar fabric shade helps block the rays of the sun, as this Austin patio designed by Paula Ables Interiors shows. The fabric is attached to a track along both sides and is moved via a detachable rod. It gives a little fluidity to an otherwise modern space, too.

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  • 25 of 50

    Aim for an Unobstructed View Through Wood Slats

    outdoor fireplace
    Tanner A. McGraw

    Architect Robert A. McGraw designed a simple wood-slat shade structure that doesn't compete with or obstruct views of the Pacific. It's a natural overall look that provides a little coverage that doesn't block out nature entirely.

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  • 26 of 50

    Extend Indoor Space Outwards

    covered patio gabled roof near pool

     Alise O’Brien Photography

    A young family's passion for the Colorado lifestyle is reflected in the outdoor space created by Mitchell Wall Architecture and Design. Built from local woods, the covered room attaches to the home and flows from the living room and kitchen to the yard and swimming and spa areas.  

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  • 27 of 50

    Combine Fabric and Steel

    gazebo idea with curved roof
    Jenna Bayer

    Custom designed and installed by Jenna Bayer Garden Design, this Palo Alto patio cover is made from a steel-engineered structure ​and a shade fabric with 70 percent filtration. It's exactly the type of coverage you'd want while spending a little time dining outside or visiting with friends.

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  • 28 of 50

    Create Coverage Through Plants

    covered patio with greenery for roof
    Walnut Hill Landscape Co.

    This beautiful outdoor area of a vacation home shows that human-made materials aren't the only options worth considering. Walnut Hill Landscape Co. used wisteria and Lady Banks roses to blanket the space with a little more shade. The company also evoked Tuscan charm in this space through the columns and tiling.

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  • 29 of 50

    Dream Up a Bali-Inspired Patio Design

    covered patio outdoor living room near pool
    Don Bloom / Tropical Light Photography

    It looks like Bali and is called Bali House, but this home with elaborate architectural and decorative details created by Indonesian craftspeople is actually in Kihei, Maui. The home was designed by Rick Ryniak Architects and the blend of wood and natural materials makes this outdoor area feel like a tropical getaway every day of the week.

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  • 30 of 50

    Build a Screened-In Porch

    covered patio ideas with outdoor fireplace and loungers

     Michael Jacobs for JCR Design Group

    JCR Design Group created a new look for a home with the addition of a three-season screened-in porch, along with a new and enlarged patio and hot tub. Screens are ideal for keeping pests and grime from fully infiltrating your outdoor spaces and ruining any al fresco dining experience.

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  • 31 of 50

    Consider Reed Grass for Coverage

    covered patio straw roof on wood chips
    Ron Blunt

    Architect Mark Buchanan of Newmann Lewis Buchanan Architects designed a simple shade structure at this farm using a metal arching framework to support a reed-grass cover. As mentioned previously, natural materials make a great choice for fully embracing nature in an outdoor space.

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  • 32 of 50

    Try a Flat Roof Overhead

    maui pergola
    Don Bloom / Tropical Light Photography

    A modern hardwood flat-roof overhead was built by Rick Ryniak Architects to allow the homeowners to relax and enjoy the surrounding view. When you add in a full covering like this, there's more of a chance to play with the type of furniture and accents used outside because there's less exposure to damage-causing elements.

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  • 33 of 50

    Build Out a Narrow Covered Patio Path

    covered walkway with beige dog and black dog
    Birdseye

    Birdseye Design created a rustic and elegant path of pavers that also serves as a narrow patio for this home. It's ideal for staying out of the sun while still enjoying the warmth of summer. Lining a space like this with different seating options is the best way to take advantage of the shape, as seen here.

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  • 34 of 50

    Analyze Materials Based on the Climate

    covered patio design with table and chairs

    Matthew Millman and Carney Logan Burke Architects

    Several years after the installation of this corrugated cold-rolled steel roof, there are no signs of major corrosion. According to the designers, Carney Logan Burke Architects, plain, cold-rolled mild steel doesn't corrode significantly—even after 50 years. Though style is important for creating an outdoor space you love, it's equally as vital to consider what the weather and climate are like, too.

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  • 35 of 50

    Opt for an A-Frame Patio Roof

    covered patio outdoor living room and fireplace
    Texas Custom Patios

    A wood frame supports an A-frame overhead that serves as a complete outdoor living space with stone fireplace, TV, outdoor kitchen, and seating. The project was designed by Texas Custom Patios and feels wonderfully cozy not just because of the fire, but courtesy of the cushioned seating options and hot tub, too.

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  • 36 of 50

    Shield Dining Areas with a Wooden Pergola

    covered patio with table and chai
    Lauren Olthaus Photography

    Designs on Madison designed this home that features an outdoor wood pergola covering a simple dining setup. It allows filtered light to come through and provides just enough shade for comfortably eating outside.

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  • 37 of 50

    Fuel Beach Vibes with an Open-Roof

    pergola design outdoor living room
    Tom Olcott

    Emeritus Development designed a coastal-style residence with a wood pergola that features a flat open roof and custom-built brick fireplace for stylish outdoor living. The space is optimal for letting in sunshine and a cool breeze. The blue touches make it all the more beach-inspired.

    Tip

    Pergolas are a nice alternative to entirely enclosed coverings, especially if your home's interior windows lack for sun exposure. To save timber costs for a wooden pergola, enlarging the openings between slats. You can also save some money by considering an aluminum or vinyl pergola. Redwood pergolas are gorgeous but are one of the more expensive choices.

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  • 38 of 50

    Combine Wood and Concrete

    pergola ideas covered patio with bench and high table
    DMAX Photography for Dale Alocock Homes

    Concrete blocks create a decorative wall feature for this courtyard in Perth, Australia, designed by Dale Alcock Homes. Wood beams attach to eaves and another shade structure that creates more open space to catch some rays in the courtyard. The addition of the outdoor throw pillows makes it all the more inviting.

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  • 39 of 50

    Pick Out a Polished Wood Focal Point

    covered patio outdoor kitchen living room and fireplace
    Texas Custom Patios

    Many good patio cover ideas blend together interior and exterior components. An intricately detailed, polished wood ceiling is the focal point of this outdoor structure designed by Texas Custom Patios. On top of this, interior elements like accent rugs and multiple seating areas make it feel even more elevated.

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  • 40 of 50

    Designate a Dining Gazebo

    gazebo overlooking valley
    Cynthia Montgomery

    John Montgomery Landscape Architects created a dining gazebo that was built to take advantage of the gorgeous Central California view. A covered outdoor area like this can be limited to a certain activity or easily become a multipurpose space over time.

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  • 41 of 50

    Decide on a Solid Roof

    covered patio overlooking a lake
    American Louvered Roofs

    This Seattle house was extended outside by American Louvered Roofs. Wood columns and decking support a solid roof that provides shelter from sun in the summer, but also rain—a hallmark of the Pacific Northwest. It still allows residents to enjoy the great outdoors for several seasons, but more comfortably so.

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  • 42 of 50

    Almost Indoors in Canada

    covered patio outdoor dining room and fireplace
    Cedar Springs Landscape Group

    Even when it's raining or snowing, the Canadian homeowners of this solid-wood-covered room designed by Cedar Springs Landscape Group can feel like they're still outside. This is thanks to the large openings surrounding the space.

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  • 43 of 50

    Test Out a Traditional Pavilion

    covered patio outdoor fireplace
    C.E. Pontz Sons

    Designed by C.E. Pontz Sons, this outdoor area pergola features a faux slate roof that's held up by a wooden structure. The wall-mounted TV was hung from the pergola, too, providing an outdoor living space that blends interior and exterior features flawlessly.

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  • 44 of 50

    Draft Up a Poolside Retreat

    gazebos near a pool
    LiquidScapes

    LiquidScapes designed a poolside gazebo that features a modified gabled-style roof for architectural interest and to provide shade, of course. Spaces with full cover like this help extend the amount of time that can be spent outside—ideal for summer especially.

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  • 45 of 50

    Design an Elaborate Gazebo

    covered patio outdoor kitchen
    Cynthia Montgomery

    Done by John Montgomery Landscape Architects, this pitched wood roof is supported by impressive stone columns. It's the perfect option for covering important outdoor room features, like a fireplace and kitchen prep area. Rain or shine, the roof makes it usable in most seasons.

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  • 46 of 50

    Create Privacy With a Pergola

    covered patio and kitchen
    Paradise Restored

    Starting with a pretty clean slate, Paradise Restored created a wood pergola that extends from the house and shades the outdoor kitchen, dining table, and provides privacy for the hot tub. It's a nice way of blocking out a little sun (and neighbors' prying eyes) without fully covering up the whole space.

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  • 47 of 50

    Shade a Mini Pool

    Outdoor covering over a hot tub

    @herzenstimme / Instagram

    Provide a small slice of refreshing shade by draping fabric across a section of an outdoor area, as this cozy corner exemplifies. The tiny pool and ample seating is a perfect place to escape the warm sun for a little bit without covering the entirety of the patio.

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  • 48 of 50

    Opt for a Partial Shade Pergola

    Outdoor area with white pergola

    Melanie Rekola Landscape Design

    Covered areas can also create "rooms" in an outdoor space and can separate out dedicated areas for relaxing, eating, or playing games. When considering patio cover ideas, a pergola may come to mind as a great way to do this. These outdoor structures also provide an opportunity for climbing plants to explore and create even more shade, making the whole space feel more biophilic.

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  • 49 of 50

    Test Out Temporary Covers

    White umbrella over outdoor couch

    @kirsten.diane / Instagram

    Patio coverings don't have to be permanent. For temporary coverage that can be moved around with ease, a chic weather-resistant umbrella is perfect. It blocks out any unwanted sun or drizzle, but can just as easily be brought down or rearranged for soaking up a few rays or getting a view of the night sky.

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  • 50 of 50

    Try a Half-and-Half Covering

    Swinging chairs with half-covered roof

    Melanie Rekola Landscape Design

    Providing multiple coverage options will appeal to multiple comfort levels when it comes to spending time outside. The swinging seats in this outdoor area get more exposure to the great outdoors, whereas a fully covered roof protects the couch and anyone sitting there who may prefer more shade or respite from the elements.

FAQ
  • How do I cover my patio on a budget?

    When thinking shade, fabric will be your best quick and inexpensive option. Solar fabrics can resist and repel the sun, and setup can be speedy with an umbrella, sun sail, or a portable fabric canopy.

  • How easy is it to attach a roof cover to a patio?

    Attaching a patio roof is not easy, but it is doable by a do-it-yourselfer with the right tools, knowledge of basic structural engineering, and a solid plan. The construction approach will depend on your house and where you intend to join the patio roof (through masonry, at eaves, or joists). Essential things to think about: roof load, slope, rafters, footings, supports, ledger board, flashing, and roof covering (shingles, planks, etc.).

  • Are acrylic patio covers good?

    Acrylic roof systems and patio covers block harmful UV rays and let in 90% of the sunlight. Most are guaranteed for up to 10 to 30 years. They also have a "heatstop" option, which traps the heat from reaching those under the cover. They are built to withstand heat, sunlight, hail, wind, and snowstorms. Acrylic is a viable alternative to fiberglass or polycarbonate, which both turn yellow over time. It's also less expensive than glass. The only downside is it looks a little cheaper than other coverings, but it does its job well.