Cover the Patio

Some of the most appealing aspects of a house are its exterior space, views and the property on which it sits. Realtors call it curb appeal. This may refer to the view of the house from the sidewalk, but it is also reflected in other outdoor areas.

Whether the home you purchased already had a patio or whether you have since added it, it is a feature of the home as important to its living comfort as the interior rooms. In the summer a patio offers an outdoor area for gatherings, family meals or simply relaxing – a flexible space that serves as a living room, family room, dining room and even a kitchen.

Covering a patio creates a more defined space, separating it from the rest of the yard and effectively creating another room outside. There are dozens of ways to cover a patio – aluminum, fabric, steel or wood framing or any combination of materials. Additional side screening can be added to shield the area from winds or late day sun, or even enclosed entirely in winter months with plastic side drops. However, the main overhead covering is the design to first determine depending on plans for how the space will be used during the year. Aluminum patio covers are extremely durable, last for ages, allow for rain run-off and are very low maintenance. Overhead fabric coverings can be erected like an extended awning, partially free-standing on steel posts at the outer corners, or woven through the beams of a ramada construction. Fabric coverings are of a pleasing organic shape, and constructed of heavy canvas material. They are not entirely impervious to the elements and will require occasional maintenance, but can be made in a vast array of colors and can be a cost effective solution to covering outdoor areas. Ramadas in a combination of materials can be fabricated with or without a solid overhead covering, and are a very attractive design element to enhance the patio area.