Turn your backyard into an outdoor space you’ll actually use.
We all want a patio that’s not just nice to look at but also functional for our daily living. After all, a well-designed and executed outdoor space translates into more time relaxing and increased property value.
Here’s the catch:
Available patio cover options are highly uniform in style, shape, and size. They don’t necessarily match your home’s architecture, your personal preferences, or the setup you need in your backyard. And that can be very annoying, especially when you are investing good money in your property.
The good news?
Tailor-made patio covers are the answer to that problem. With their ability to be customized and adjusted according to your wishes and needs, you can create an outdoor space that perfectly reflects you.
So here’s what we’ll be looking at:
- Why You Should Customize Patio Covers
- Top Patio Cover Styles
- Longest-Lasting Materials
- Design Features That Go with Your House
Contents
Why You Should Customize Patio Covers
Let’s face it…
No two yards are created equal. No two homes have the same design. So why would you settle for one-pat-size-fits-all patio cover?
Tailor-made outdoor patio cover solutions give homeowners the power to create an outdoor living space that’s a true extension of their indoor home. From size and color to material and design, all the little elements can be perfectly customized to their taste and requirements.
And the numbers confirm it. According to Fixr experts, 98% of professionals agree that an updated outdoor space can positively influence the property value. That is nearly unanimous.
When you upgrade your outdoor space with a customized patio cover, you are not only adding more shade but creating an extension to your home that flows perfectly from inside to outside.
Think about it:
A tailor-made patio cover can mimic your home’s roofline. It can match your home’s exterior paint colors. It can even be arranged to complement the existing landscaping design.
That kind of personalization is not possible with mass-produced or readily-available outdoor patio covers.
Top Patio Cover Styles
So what are homeowners going with at the moment?
Solid Roof Covers provide full coverage from both sun and rain. They are ideal for anyone who wishes to use their patio throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.
Lattice Covers provide a dappled light and more open feel. They are excellent when you want to match them with climbing plants like jasmine or wisteria.
Louvers take it to another level. They are adjustable and enable you to control how much sunlight and airflow you want at a given moment.
Pretty amazing, isn’t it?
The trick is to go with a style that matches the purpose for which you will use the outdoor space. Will you be entertaining your guests for dinner parties? Will you be using it for your office space? Or is it just to take away lazy days with a good book?
All those activities will require different patio cover solutions.
Longest-Lasting Materials
Here is something most homeowners don’t know…
The type of material you choose makes all the difference. It impacts durability, maintenance, appearance, and cost.
Let’s review the top four:
- Aluminum – light in weight, rust-proof, and low maintenance. It can withstand extreme weather without deforming or rotting.
- Wood – classic beauty and an authentic feel. It requires regular maintenance but is incomparable when it comes to warmth and character.
- Vinyl – budget-friendly and very easy to clean. It will not crack, peel, or fade with time.
- Composite – the best of both aluminum and wood. Looks like wood but is waterproof and insect-resistant.
Each one of the materials has a different appeal.
Aluminum is leading the race right now because it is the most versatile. It can be powder-coated to almost any color, can simulate wood grain textures, and last for decades with minimal maintenance.
But don’t count out wood if aesthetics is your biggest concern. A cedar or redwood patio cover gives an ambiance that is impossible to achieve with artificial materials.
Design Features That Go with Your House
You know what differentiates a great patio cover from a good one?
Integration.
The best of outdoor patio cover solutions don’t feel like an afterthought. They look like they were always meant to be a part of the original design of the home.
This implies:
- Color matching: It can be with your home’s trim, siding, or roof.
- Architectural style: Modern homes look better with clean lines while traditional homes are enhanced by more ornate details.
- Scale and proportion: The patio cover should feel balanced with your home’s size.
- Hardware and accessories: Lighting, fans, and other add-ons will complete the look.
According to This Old House, 63% of homeowners would focus on outdoor living spaces as the first thing to do when remodeling their homes. That’s a significant percentage, and it shows where people are heading.
What this means in terms of customization…
Homeowners are no longer looking for basic shade from patio covers. They want fully-realized outdoor rooms that can serve multiple functions throughout the day.
A customizable patio cover becomes the basis for that vision.
How to Choose the Right Customization Features
Feeling bombarded with too many options? Don’t panic.
Begin by asking yourself some of these questions:
- How much sun exposure does your patio currently enjoy?
- Is the major weather concern rain, heat, or wind?
- Do you want total cover or partial shade?
- What is your budget for the whole project?
Answering these questions will already narrow down the list significantly.
From there, you may want to look at the add-ons. Built-in lighting provides an ambience for your evening parties. Ceiling fans will enable air to circulate during the summer. Integrated speakers are excellent for playing music in the yard without cluttering the space.
Those small details take a functional patio cover and turn it into something special.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s talk about what NOT to do:
Ignoring local building codes. Many areas have specific rules about patio structures. Don’t forget to check.
Style before function. A gorgeous patio cover that fails to provide adequate shelter is a waste of money.
Skimping on installation. The best of materials will fall apart if the installation is done incorrectly. Make sure to engage a professional.
Not making time for maintenance. Some materials require regular sealing or painting. Don’t forget to include those costs.
Those mistakes alone cost homeowners thousands of dollars annually. Avoiding them from the onset will save you time, money, and a whole lot of headache.
Wrapping It All Up
Tailor-made patio covers represent one of the most brilliant outdoor investments homeowners can make today.
They provide shelter from rain, sunshine, and other climatic conditions while adding significant value to properties. They create a usable outdoor space that extends the home’s living areas beyond the usual four walls. And they do it all in a way that matches the style and preferences of every homeowner.
The outdoor living structure market is not going anywhere but to continue growing. That is because people are becoming aware of the benefits such structures bring.
From one end of the country to the other, homeowners are starting to appreciate personalized solutions over mass-produced designs and sizes.
In summary:
- Tailor-made patio covers give homeowners complete control over design.
- Choice of material impacts durability and maintenance.
- Style and design should match the existing home architecture.
- Installation should be done by professionals for lasting results.
Whether the objective is relaxation, entertainment, or simply being outdoors to enjoy the fresh air, a tailor-made patio cover will make it possible. The right cover can turn a backyard no one uses into a favorite destination.
And that is exactly what outdoor living should be all about.
