Unlike adding a whole new room to your home, patio covers deliver more bang for your buck while creating dramatic change to your livable space. If you’re still thinking, “all patio covers are pretty much the same,” think again. Get some fresh inspiration from these seven awesome patio cover ideas.
Louvers
Why decide between a solid patio cover or an open-air patio cover when you have the best of both worlds? Louvered patio covers like the Sundance Louvered Roof System are sleek, elegant, and functional. Built on a lightweight but sturdy rust-proof aluminum frame, the Sundance system features a motorized mechanism that can permit as much sun and airflow as you like. Closing the louvers seals out the rain and protects your patio from harsh sunlight. Posts, beams, and louvers are available in many colors, including black, bronze, white, and beige.
Mix-and-match wood colors
If you like the look of a classic wood patio cover but worry it may look “boring,” you’re in luck.
Painting or staining your wood different colors can transform the look of a traditional wood patio cover.
High contrast paint colors can make your patio cover accents pop, or make the cover look like a seamless architectural extension of your home. Meanwhile, stains bring out the richness of lumber’s natural grain while adding a new tone to your wood. Our lumber specialists can assemble custom wood patio cover kits that include all the lumber, hardware, and stain you’ll need.
Contrasting hardware
In the past, homeowners wanted to hide connector hardware as much as possible, but today that’s all changed. Manufacturers are making attractive, outdoor-rated hardware that is meant to be seen. Black hardware looks great against posts and beams painted white or creates an instant industrial aesthetic when paired with stained lumber.
LINX System
Though technically a free-standing pergola, the LINX system is an easy-to-assemble kit that can be used as a patio cover. This innovative, squared-off design offers a modern look that departs from the sloping rooflines seen in most traditional patio covers. LINX patio cover kits are easy to assemble for DIYers with limited experience working with lumber. Made from high-grade, weatherproof steel, LINX is a set of simple square connectors that allow you to build your own patio cover or other backyard structures of your choice.
Laser-cut panels
Decorative screen panels like OutDeco or Modinex are laser-cut panels that look great when affixed to the side of a wall or fence, but they can also be used to complement a patio cover. Attach these decorative panels to the sides of your patio cover to add privacy or use panels as patio cover roofing to create a unique shade pattern on your patio.
“Stone” posts
Create a handsome, manor-style look by facing wood posts with Versetta manufactured stone siding. This man-made material is a lightweight alternative meant to mimic stone but it’s a lot easier to manage. The fronts of these “stones” look like rock, but the backs feature an interlocking system requiring no mortar, making installation much less complicated than using true rock. Versetta can also be cut with a table saw, so no special stone-cutting tools are required.
Functional accents
Your patio cover is more than four posts and a roof. Incorporating useful but attractive features can transform how you use the space. Here are a few creative ideas:
- Colorful shade cloth
- Wild Hog mesh for climbing vines
- Ceiling lighting rated for outdoors
The great thing about patio covers is that you don’t have to do everything at once. You may decide to install a basic skeleton and add features over time as your needs or tastes evolve. No matter what, a well-built patio cover enables you to take full advantage of your space for your favorite outdoor activities.
Want more awesome patio cover ideas? Stop by your local J&W Lumber store and let’s get started.