Wood patio covers offer a blank canvas to tailor the type of design and shade coverage you want for your backyard.
This buyer’s guide will help you decide which building materials are best to complement your home’s style and stay within your project budget so you can start building with confidence.
Envision the Aesthetic
The type of outdoor materials chosen for wood patio covers will coincide with the overall aesthetic of the outdoor space.
For instance, homeowners who seek a rustic or classic look will stick with the natural beauty that redwood or western red cedar provides and use it throughout as they expand their outdoor structures and decor.
Whereas, those who prefer a coastal feel or highly luxurious appeal may choose a lumber like Douglas Fir to stain or paint a sophisticated gray or a darker tone.
Either way, it’s recommended to use oil-based wood stains to penetrate the wood from the inside out and protect it from UV damage, moisture, and mildew.
Create a Solid Base
Wood patio cover kits simplify the build process, particularly when using a naturally beautiful outdoor material like redwood or western red cedar. The warmth and richness of this type of lumber add to its long-lasting and durable appeal.
Kits offer predetermined sizing to take the guesswork out of what you’ll need based on your backyard dimensions. Alternatively, J&W Lumber also carries several lumber sizes and offers custom milling for when you need specific board sizes to meet the requirements of your intended style.
Determine Design Details
There are various ways to customize a wood patio cover after the structural foundation is intact. From tiered trends with a mix of shorter and taller beams to pitched A-frame styles, there are plenty of designs to create the statement you want for your backyard.
Additionally, you can enhance your pergola with ornamental hardware or use custom-cut beam ends, such as scalloped, corbel, or beveled styles for a decorative appeal.
Secure Enough Shade
The comfort of built-in shade is an important factor in design customization. A lattice patio cover provides ample airflow and partial shade, giving you the breeze you want without blocking the sun.
There’s also the option of aluminum shade structures in a range of styles and colors that can provide complete sun coverage as desired with the simple push of a button. This is beneficial during the hottest parts of the day, so you can still sit outside without getting overheated.
Stop by Your Local Lumber Yard
Before starting your backyard project, get design inspiration at your local J&W Lumber store.
Check out any of our locations to browse wood patio cover displays, outdoor building materials, and oil-based wood stains to get an idea of how you can customize your look.
Our friendly representatives will be happy to guide you in the right direction, based on the size and style of patio cover you’d like to build, so you can make an informed buying decision that you feel good about.
Here’s to a summer of spending more time outdoors!