Tag Archive - patio covers

Building Your Own Patio Cover is Easy

June 2, 2010 in Uncategorized with 0 Comments

For the adventurous bunch, it is easy to build your own custom patio cover to save money versus purchasing a cover from a company.  Be aware, however, that this is a dedicated process that will take a good amount of time to complete.  With a good set of instructions and a positive mindset, you can create a cover that exactly fits your needs.

The first step to take is to determine what type of cover you would like to create for your patio.  Basic materials used to create a cover include canvas, wood, aluminum, or PVC.  Each material is used to create a completely different style patio cover, so be aware that this is the most important decision you have to make before buying materials.  Remember that you can create a cover that is fully shaded or not fully shaded, depending on your preferences.

The next logical thing to do is to find a detailed plan for a cover made of the material you have chosen.  You can search online for plans and should have no trouble finding a great assortment of ideas.  If you choose to do so, get in touch with a professional for his or her advice on your situation.

Another option to think about is if you would like your patio to be insulated or not.  This would generally depend on your climate.  Insulated foam panels are available to buy at most hardware stores and could be used in your patio cover construction.  Using insulation would help to create a de-facto roof over your patio that requires less maintenance than a permanent roof like the rest of your home’s.

Be sure to have all of the tools needed to begin your project.  Your detailed plan should list the tools required, but if it does not the general items needed to create a patio cover include drill bits, measuring tape, screwdriver, hammer, saw, socket, wrench, shank, ladder, carpenter’s square, nuts, and bolts, amongst other items.

When creating your own patio cover, know that it is easier and more cost-effective to utilize one side of your house, if available.  If you create a free-standing cover, you would need to fit all four sides as well as create a stronger support structure to keep it standing.  The help of a structured wall as a side of your cover makes the process a whole lot easier.  Regardless, follow your instructions meticulously and you should have no problem creating a professional-grade cover that will last for years to come.

A Few Patio Cover Options

May 19, 2010 in Uncategorized with 0 Comments

For those people who have an outdoor patio or deck area, you may want to use some type of covering to help create shade you can sit in and enjoy your yard in. There are several patio cover options available for people looking to have this type of product. You could choose to use an awning or canopy item of some type. These can be attached to the side of your house where the patio is located. Some are designed to be permanent stationary items and some are retractable. The retractable patio cover is a nice option, because it allows you to control when you want shade on your patio.

You might decide to use a more solid structure such as a roof or car port style unit. These are designed in easy to install patio cover kits which can be used by most homeowners. This particular design is similar to what a basic carport unit is and comes complete with side posts and roof panels. The basic material used is generally aluminum and it can be found in styles which are created to be insulated to help keep the covered area cool. These easy to install panels usually come in a snap and lock design which secures them in place as you construct your roof area.

When looking for a kit you can put together yourself, you will find them in different sizes. The panels might come in different designs as well and are usually available in several color choices. You will want to choose the size which fits your particular patio area to ensure it will be assembled correctly. When choosing an insulated type of roof panel, you will also have the option of using a 3, 4 or even 6 inch thickness of insulation. The price for a kit will depend on the type of material used and the size of the unit you are building. Whether you use a patio canopy or a roof, a well planned patio area will provide years of enjoyment for you and your family.