Having a patio cover gives you the opportunity to maximize the use of your outdoor areas whatever the time, weather, or season may be. In this article, we explore the different outdoor structures that provide shade and protection over your outdoor areas. Find which one covers your needs and suits your current outdoor setting.
Patio Cover
If your patio is just right outside your house, a patio cover does the job perfectly. It is a solid shade structure that is usually attached to your house and created by extending your existing roof line. While the addition is inexpensive, you might also need to consider adding features such as ceiling fans and lights over key areas of the patio.
Pergola
A pergola is best for a freestanding structure or outdoor area apart from the main house. A semi-solid patio cover, it is popularly used over walkways or pathways but it can also serve as a patio cover over outdoor rooms. While the traditional pergola is composed of rafters and beams, newer styles have since emerged from transparent polycarbonate sheets over the rafters to louvers that can be controlled and angled against the sun’s rays.
While all pergolas give your outdoor area some shade, not all will protect it against rain. So before going with a pergola, consider the outdoor room’s function and the patio furniture in it. Based on these factors, you will be able to narrow down your pergola style and roofing options.
If you’re still unsure which overhead structure to install, it’s best to consult the professionals as they have had the experience and knowledge of which structure fits various outdoor areas. While patio covers may seem cheaper at first, materials and added features may offset the initial inexpensive estimate. The same goes for a pergola, especially if you will choose a modern pergola roofing.
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