Inspiration And Tips For Your Pre
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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:
- Architectural style of your house
- Materials you desire and what is available in your region
- Size and scale of patio and overhead
- Orientation of the patio to the sun, like a hot west-oriented or cold northern location.
Take a look at 50 very different patio cover ideas that will certainly spark some ideas for your own project.
Try A More Rustic Look With Bamboo Canes
This illuminated pathway features lighting by John Cullen Lighting
Now for something a little more rustic. This overhead framework has been formed by tying together bamboo canes around the tops of deciduous trees. As the trees continue to establish, their new growth and leafy foliage will be trained across the pathway, creating a cocooning canopy of green.
For now, the scene still looks enticingly charming, especially with the dramatic impact from a series of uplights.
Don’t forget, you can find lots of gorgeous outdoor lighting ideas in our feature.
Diy Pergola Cover Ideas: 7 Ways To Protect Your Patio From Sun And Rain
In the summer, I love to grill and entertain outdoors. But since I live in an area that often gets lots of sun and afternoon rainstorms, my outdoor cookouts are either really hot or getting rained out. To fix that issue, I went on a hunt for ways I could cover the patio around my outdoor kitchen and came up with these DIY pergola cover ideas some that just provide lots of shade, and some that are waterproof.
Back in the spring, I did a that included sprucing up my outdoor kitchen area.
Now that its looking good, Ive been doing a lot more grilling out there.
And while I love my new updated cooking space, theres one thing missing. And thats a cover for the pergola that goes over my outdoor kitchen area.
While the pergola provides some shade, it isnt very helpful during the day when the sun is directly overhead And it doesnt provide any protection at all when its raining.
Not that I expect to be standing out there all day in the rain. But here in South Carolina, we tend to get a lot of 15 minute rain storms in the afternoon. Which always seem to occur right after I have put the food on the grill.
So I would love to be able to stay out there and not get soaked.
Which is why Ive been searching for DIY pergola cover ideas to provide some extra shade and rain protection for my little grilling area patio.
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How Do You Temporarily Cover A Pergola
The best way to temporarily cover your pergola is by using a tarp. Whether you want to cover it up for a longer duration, like during winter, or just for a night or two, a tarp will get the job done. Not only will a tarp be an adequate pergola cover, but it will by far be the cheapest.
Most other temporary roofing options will be expensive, too permanent, or not waterproof. There are other cloths and canvas covers that you can use, but most arent waterproof. Using any solid material like wood or tin is expensive and could also require nails or glue.
These materials could turn your temporary roof cover into a permanent one, which could be challenging to remove.
Opt For A Retractable Pergola Canopy
For maximum flexibility, take a look at a retractable canopy that enables you to create a pergola for shade when you want it or not when you don’t perfect for achieving the perfect balance between light and shadow.
A retractable canopy has a soft, laid-back aesthetic like a fabric roof, but increased durability. It could also offer both sun and rain protection, which will help to preserve your furniture as well as providing a relaxing space in all weathers.
Designs like this Oakville canopy from Shade FX are controlled by a motor, although there are also more affordable options that are operated by a rope pulley system or a manual drive.
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Live Plants And Vines
If dried leaves are not to your liking, then maybe you can use live plants and vines as your sun shade. Although it will take months for the plant to cover a sufficient part of the pergola, the resulting natural roof may be worth the wait.
Creeping vines with thick foliage like Ivy or arching plants like Honeysuckle are ideal plants to use for pergola covers. Flowering vines like Trumpet Vines and Chinese Wisteria will create an enchanting sun shade, especially when in full bloom.
For some backyard farming, you can even use String Bean plants and Bitter Gourd vines which provides shading and a cache of healthy vegetables.
Introduce Scent And Color As Well As Shade
Planting climbing roses is one of our favorite pergola shade ideas, introducing beautiful blooms and fragrance, along with extra cool to the area. They can provide privacy for a yard thats overlooked, too.
There are lots of different climbing rose varieties that can be used to create pergola shade.
‘Theo Clevers roses work well planted next to pergolas or porches where they will give a great display in combination with climbers,’ recommends Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies , ‘This variety has a gentle aroma of strawberries and has beautiful rosette-shaped flowers in large, tight clusters. They are also suitable for growing in larger pots if you only have space for containers on the patio.’
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Channel Cottage Aesthetics With A Thatched Pergola Roof
When researching pergola ideas for shade, take inspiration from traditional craftsmanship by opting for a classic thatched pergola roof. This timeless cabana design would blend seamlessly into cottage garden ideas but would equally make an elegant addition to tropical garden ideas.
Featuring a Cape Reed thatched roof, this beautiful pergola from Malvern Garden Buildings has the benefit of offering protection from the weather while its open sides allow for panoramic views.
More Foliage = More Coverage
Many people find that vining plants are a great solution for added protection from the elements, but its not a perfect solution. Good for keeping you dry during a light rain storm, and effective at shading burning rays, a plant cover might not perform so well during heavier rain events.
To get the most coverage out of your planted pergola cover, try opting for plant options that provide more foliage. The denser the leaves, the better protected you will be. Need a pop of color? Try a flowering variety.
Keep in mind that plants can also retain moisture, and degrade the integrity of your structure over time. Be sure to maintain plantings on pergola roofs as you would any other aspect of your backyard landscaping.
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Blend Glass And Timber
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.
Garnish With A Flower Canopy
Embellishing a wooden pergola with a canopy of climbing plants and flowers bursting with vibrant colours is one of the most exquisite ways to enhance your pergolas design. If your plant covering is dense enough, youll have more protection from weather conditions with a gorgeous decorative flourish to boot. Imagine the rich fragrance drifting from your flower adornment after a light summer rain. Idyllic.
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Grow A Living Pergola Roof For Shade
Think about growing climbing plants over the roof of a pergola to make a seating area thats wonderfully cool during the hottest times of the year. Its an especially appealing pergola shade option if you want your structure attached to the house as it creates an attractive view from upstairs windows.
There are plenty of different plants that you can use but you might favor fast-growing flowering vines as these will provide both shade and interest in a relatively short period of time typically just a few years.
Create Coverage Through Plants
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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Qualities Of The Most Popular Pergola Covers
Most homeowners are looking for durable pergola covers that will enhance their outdoor space. Quality materials, design elements such as notched wood, and density of rafters and top slats are features that make our pergolas popular. Our easy to install pergola covers or shade sails, offer an additional amount of shade and a touch of color. The durability of our products paired with appealing design features are top qualities that ensure youll have a sturdy yet appealing cover for your patio.
Pergola Cover Ideas: How To Cover A Pergola
If you love your outdoor space, you probably want to be able to enjoy it rain or shine. Installing a pergola is a step in the right direction towards enjoying your patio or deck during all seasons. Still, theres more you can do. Enter the pergola cover.
Pergolas are meant to provide shade, but the standard options dont do much more than that. Rain, wind, and even sun during certain times of day can all penetrate the slats of your pergola and put a damper on your time outdoors.
Pergola covers can be created at home, or purchased online. They can be simple, or expensive, natural, or modern. Whatever kind of look you prefer, theres a way to achieve it and reach optimal functionality from your pergola in all kinds of weather.
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Is The Deck Protected From Rain/snow With The Covered Pergola
For the most part it does. We dont bring in any of our furniture or cushions. I talked above about having the polycarbonate panels stick out more and the front of the deck would be protected more so it depends on that. Really our deck stays protected year round with just a little rain on the edges.
Can You Put A Roof Over A Pergola
Yes, you can put a roof on a pergola. Adding a roof to your pergola transforms it into a highly usable space no matter the weather. It also provides valuable protection against the heat of the day.
‘The benefits of having a pergola with a roof include being protected by theweather and the provision of consistent shade throughout the space below it. Thiswould also allow you to include other features like an outdoor TV to aspace. However, in some cases you will require permits for a structure witha permanent roof where other cases you may not need to with a rooflesspergola,’ explains Mike Pletz, owner of Ever After Landscaping .
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Permanent Shade Covers For Your Pergola
Pergola shade sails, retractable canopies, and shade curtains all provide extra shade for your patio. Pergola shade sails are an accessory that can be added to protect you from overhead sunlight.
Our shade sails come in Polytex UV-blocking water resistant fabric in one of 6 popular color choices. They are sized to fit our freestanding Big Kahuna and Sombrero pergolas that range in size from 10 feet x 10 feet up to 20 feet x 20 feet. Theyre easy to attach and easy to remove during stormy weather or to store during the off season.
A retractable canopy can provide even more shade if youd like extra protection, as well as adding a little color to your canopy.
Canopies can be added to any attached pergola sized 8×8 up to 20×20 or any freestanding pergola sized 8×8 to 20×20. There are also other shade covers that can be added to your pergola that are not as permanent as a retractable canopy.
Semi-Permanent Shade Covers for Your Pergola
Another route you could go is to attach a screen to the sunny wall of your patio seating area. This allows you to quickly raise or lower the screen if you prefer to let the sun shine through. You can purchase side shades, shade panels for the sides of your pergola, or sun screens at many home improvement stores.
An attachable screen can also offer a little extra privacy if your yard is located in a more populated suburban neighborhood setting.
Choose A Durable Material
Whether youre building your own pergola or shopping around for one, invest in a good quality timber for a structure thatll bring joy for years to come. There are many different grades of oak used in pergola building. Most in the UK are typically green oak which, once dried, can have a lot of knots and distort dramatically.
“We recommend looking for joinery quality prime grade green oak. This guarantees its clear of not only knots but sapwood too. Sapwood is the outer part of the tree, typically much paler and used in indoor furniture. But for an outside structure like a pergola, within 5 years, sapwood will have rotted.
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Pergola Cover Ideas To Shade And Waterproof Your Patio
Pergolas are a popular garden feature that adds elegance and beauty to any property. A pergola can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or even PVC pipe. Pergolas are typically supported by columns or arches and can be large or small. Whether youre looking for an accent piece to spruce up your garden or a complete garden structure, a pergola is a great option.
There are a few reasons why people might choose to cover their pergolas in their backyard. One reason might be to provide shade from the sun. This can be helpful during the summer months when the sun is shining brightly and its hot outside. Another reason might be to provide protection from the rain. If it rains frequently in your area, a covered pergola can help keep you and your furniture waterproof.
If youre looking for ideas on how to decorate your own pergola, here are the best pergola cover ideas for your backyard.
Create Temporary Shade With Vintage Fabrics
Pergola shades dont need to be permanent additions to the structure. On a sunny day, simply drape a minimalist metal pergola with pretty fabric to create welcome cool and privacy. Use mismatched fabrics to create a laid-back boho vibe, then pair with rattan garden furniture and plenty of pillows for a cozy spot in which to relax.
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Add Inexpensive Roof Materials To Your Pergola
Switch up your patio for year-round use by adding a sturdy roof. Shed retreat painted in Royal Exterior in Stone Grey, floor painted in Royal Exterior in Sage Leaf, and pergola treated with Timber Eco shield in Golden Brown )
If you’re searching for economical roof ideas for pergolas, corrugated PVC roofing panels are a lightweight and affordable choice. They’ll give you protection from the weather so you can use the space whatever the time of year.
This budget backyard idea involves attaching some corrugated plastic roofing to the pergola posts. That way, you can still use the space even if it’s raining. Plus, you won’t be blocking out any additional light, so it will still feel bright and airy. This type of plastic roofing is super durable and easy to clean, too.
Plastic roofing sheets made from high-quality PVC are an excellent choice for pergola roofing thanks to their affordability. In more good news, these panels can last for ten years or more and wont be warped or discoloured by exposure to UV rays.
Turn The Space Into A Plant Oasis
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 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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What Is The Best Way To Keep A Cheap Pergola Looking Smart
We asked Sean Thompson, field technical consultant at Sadolin and Sandtex , for his expert tips on the best way to care for a cheap pergola.
‘Even a cheap pergola can be a beautiful addition to a garden, but they tend to be fiddly to decorate, especially when covered in plants, and this can lead to them being neglected over time,’ he says. ‘It goes without saying that plants will need to be cut back before any paint makeover.
‘If the structure has been previously decorated, is in good order and just needs a maintenance coat, generally the preparation is much easier. A simple wash over with a mild detergent in warm water using a stiff nylon brush is usually enough. Rinse off with clean water and allow to dry.
‘If the timber is covered in mold or algae, this should be killed off first using a fungicidal wash solution. Take care not to spill any onto plants or soil. Wash off thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry.
‘On pergolas constructed with rough sawn timber use a stiff nylon brush to remove any loose flakes. This is where the amount of effort you put it pays dividends, as you want the surface to be as clean as possible.
‘Choose a good wood stain for bare wood surfaces or over those that have already had something applied before. Two or three coats can be used depending on the depth of shade you prefer.’
Pergola painted with Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain in Natural. Furniture painted in Sandtex Rapid Dry Gloss in Oxford Blue and Cranberry Swirl