What Is A Patio Cover?

If your Googling "What Is A Patio Cover", this post should help explain what it is and what size you need!

What Is A Patio cover?

A patio cover is a structure that is generally used in the backyard to create a shade area which is attached to the home. It usually consists of two posts/columns that are used for supporting the patio cover. A patio's covers roof can be either open or sold, this depends on what the level of protection is needed.

Is there any particular place my patio cover should be built?

A patio cover should be built right off the house in an area in need of protection from sun or rain. [2] Many homeowners choose to have their patio cover built directly off, but attached to their back door, this way it can be used as part of their living space, only as an extension. To find out more about how much cover is needed for the maximum shade you should build you should contact a landscape professional. The most common areas to build patio covers would be over a patio or dining area, a built-in grill or an outdoor fireplace.

What size does my patio cover need to be?

"The size of one’s patio cover will depend on how large the area to be covered is." [1] Just remember, when building a patio to use as part of your dinning or entertaining to make certain it will be large enough to accommodate the patio furniture you are going to be using, and that the posts are going to be wide enough for people to walk around with ease.

A patio cover can be anywhere from 8' to 12' in height, keeping in mind, the taller it is, the less protection it is going to be of the elements. In addition, remember that the lower a patio cover is, the more cramp it is going to feel. You can ask a landscape architect or else a patio cover installer what the best height for your situation would be.

How do I know if I should have an open or a solid roofing for my patio cover?

You will get a different level of protection from an open patio cover than you will get with a solid patio cover. The open or rather a lattice roof will let light get in a little, and creates just a partial amount of shaded area. Whereas, a solid roof is going to block out all the light, rain, and snow. Generally, a solid patio cover will be made from aluminum. However, one can get a solid patio cover that is covered in roofing shingles that matches their home.

You can learn about the differences in an open patio cover and a solid patio cover and even find the help you might need in deciding by watching the video to the right.

What if I decide on a freestanding patio cover?

Patio's or shaded structures which is not attached to the home are referred to as pergolas. Checkout this article to find out more about pergola designs.

Cited Sources

“What Is A Patio Cover?” Remodel & Renovate Guide, 20 Nov. 2017, remodelandrenovatesite.wordpress.com/2017/11/20/what-is-a-patio-cover/.Network, Landscaping. “Patio Cover Design.” Landscaping Ideas, Landscaping Network, 1 July 2016, www.landscapingnetwork.com/pergolas/patio-cover-design.html.

Arizona Landscaping Tips

In this article we will list the best Arizona Landscaping Tips we have compiled over the years. These tips will help you in creating the perfect Arizona landscape right there in your backyard.

Tip 1. Add Water Features or Water Fountains

Water features and fountains are great because everyone loves the sound of running water. Plus they look amazing and accent the rest of your yard. Great landscape designs incorporate nature and appeal to our senses. 

You can add pre-cast water fountains, waterfalls, garden fountains Canterra stone water fountains, and more to spruce up your backyard.

Tip 2. Add A Outdoor Kitchen or Backyard BBQ Pit

Who wouldn't want a built-in backyard barbeque pit in their backyard, especially in Arizona. Due to the awesome temperatures just about all year long in Arizona, having a backyard barbeque pit is a reality for many home owners AZ. Extend your cooking space to the outdoors and enjoy the comfort of cooking outside of your home.

Tip 3. Add A Fire Pit

Everyone loves sitting by a fire when it gets a little chilly outside. Adding a fire pit to your landscaping creates a place for your family and friends to gather around the fire and roast marshmallows and tell stories. This makes your backyard more functional and acts as a gathering space at night instead of only being usable during the daylight hours. Get more use out of your landscaping at night by building your very own backyard fire pit.

Tip 4. Add A Koi Pond

Koi ponds can do wonders for your stress level. Adding a Koi pond to your backyard is popular with many home owners in Arizona is a offered by some landscaping companies. However, keep in mind that if you are looking for landscaping tips on a budget, Koi ponds may be too hefty of an investment for you. Adding a Koi pond in your backyard can cost you as much as $500 to $7,000 depending on how elaborate you want your pond to be. Although, this can be a great stress reliever and a stunning view to look at when you get home from a long day at work.

Tip 5. Add A Lattice or Patio Cover

Adding a lattice or shad structure will actually increase your home's value plus extend your home into the outdoors. This makes your backyard patio much cooler and allows for handing out in the backyard even during Arizona's 110+ temperatures during the summer months. Furthermore, this is a great way to protect your patio flooring from sun damage.

Tip 6. Add Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting will transform your landscaping at night. You can add accent lighting for your trees, plants, and different parts of your home. You can add a little or add a lot for a stunning effect. Although, don't go too crazy, your neighbors don't want to be able to sleep at night and no one likes the Christmas light look all year long. Save money by having the landscape designer install LED landscape lighting to help keep electricity bills down.

Tip 7. Custom Concrete & Tile Flooring

Usually backyard patios or front walkways are constructed with basic concrete that isn't that appealing to the eyes. You can get custom concrete and tile flooring that will wow your family members and guest. You can even get colored tiles to match other elements of your landscaping. Usually flooring contractors do this type of work but more and more landscape designers are realizing that flooring is very important to potential landscaping clients.

Tip 8. Add Plants & Trees

Adding landscaping plants and trees is the most basic form of landscape design and is usually what people think when they think of landscaping. Although, what most people don't know is that there are different types of landscape design such as Xeriscape and Hardscape design. Xeriscape is perfect for Arizona because the plants and trees don't need very much water to live. Hardscape design incorporates rocks and other hard elements to bring your landscape design to life.

As you can see there are tons of Arizona Landscaping Tips to try out for yourself. Some you may be able to pull off yourself and others you will need to hire a landscape designer to install for you.

All images were supplied by ArteVerde.com