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A covered patio transforms any backyard into a cozy outdoor living space. We spend countless hours in our yards, and having a dedicated spot for relaxation and entertainment makes outdoor time more enjoyable.
A well-designed covered patio adds functional square footage to your home while providing protection from sun, rain, and other weather elements. These versatile spaces work in any climate and can be customized to match different styles and needs.
We can create everything from simple shade structures to complete outdoor rooms with kitchens, fireplaces, and comfortable seating areas. The right design brings the comfort of indoor living to the fresh air of the outdoors.
1. Pergola with Retractable Canopy
A retractable canopy pergola gives us the best of both worlds – shade when we want it and open sky when we don’t. We can adjust the coverage based on the weather and time of day.
The fabric or plastic canopy rolls back smoothly on tracks, letting us control exactly how much sun reaches our patio space.
2. Louvered Aluminum Roof
A louvered aluminum roof gives us complete control over sunlight and shade in our outdoor space. The adjustable slats rotate to let in light or block it out as needed.
These roofs come with either manual controls or automatic systems that respond to weather changes. The marine-grade aluminum construction makes them strong and resistant to rust.
3. Gazebo with Outdoor Curtains
We recommend adding flowy curtains to your gazebo for easy privacy control and style. White or beige weather-resistant fabrics work best for a classic look.
The curtains can be tied back during parties or drawn closed for intimate moments. They also help block sun and wind when needed.
4. Polycarbonate Patio Cover
Polycarbonate patio covers give us a modern and durable solution for outdoor spaces. These lightweight panels let natural light through while blocking harmful UV rays.
We love that polycarbonate comes in clear or tinted options to match any home’s style. The material stands up well to rain and sun, making it perfect for year-round use.
5. Outdoor Pavilion with Fireplace
A pavilion with a fireplace adds warmth and comfort to our backyard space. This design creates a cozy spot for year-round outdoor gatherings.
The stone fireplace serves as a stunning focal point while providing heat during cool evenings. We can add comfortable seating around it for the perfect outdoor living area.
6. Shade Sail in Modern Design
We love shade sails for their sleek, contemporary appearance. These triangular or rectangular fabric panels add a modern touch to any backyard patio space.
Modern shade sails come in clean lines and neutral colors like white, gray, or beige. They create striking geometric patterns while providing effective sun protection.
The minimalist design of shade sails fits perfectly with modern architecture and outdoor furniture. We recommend installing them at varying heights for visual interest and better airflow.
7. Rustic Wood Beam Patio Cover
Wood beam patio covers bring a natural, rustic charm to our outdoor spaces. Cedar beams and columns work perfectly for this style, creating a strong and beautiful overhead structure.
We love how exposed wooden beams add warmth and character while providing needed shade. A vaulted ceiling design with stained tongue-and-groove panels can make the space feel larger and more inviting.
8. Metal Roof with Skylights
A metal roof with skylights creates a perfect balance of shelter and natural light for any covered patio. We love how this combination offers protection from rain while letting sunshine stream through.
The metal roof provides excellent durability and a modern look, while strategically placed skylights brighten the space below. This design works great in both traditional and contemporary patio settings.
9. Bamboo Pergola with Curtain
A bamboo pergola with flowing curtains creates a natural, tropical feel in our backyard. We can hang light, sheer curtains to filter sunlight while maintaining airflow.
Adding white or cream-colored outdoor curtains to bamboo posts gives us both style and privacy for our covered patio space.
10. Ipe Wood Slat Roof
We recommend Ipe wood slats for a stylish covered patio roof. This dense hardwood resists weather damage and can last up to 40 years with proper care.
The natural reddish-brown color of Ipe wood adds warmth to any outdoor space. Its durability makes it perfect for areas with varying weather conditions.
11. Corrugated Plastic Roofing
We love corrugated plastic roofing for covered patios because it’s affordable and lets natural light through. These lightweight panels typically cost less than $200 for a basic patio cover.
The clear or tinted panels create a bright, welcoming space while keeping rain out. We can install them easily over an existing patio structure or attach them to the house.
12. Modern Flat Roof Carport
A modern flat roof carport adds a sleek, contemporary touch to any backyard patio space. The clean lines and minimalist design create a stunning architectural element.
We love how the flat roof design keeps things simple while providing excellent coverage from sun and rain. The metal frame structure offers strong support without looking bulky.
This style works great as both a car shelter and bonus covered outdoor living area. We can use it for parking or turn it into an extension of our patio space for entertaining.
13. Steel Framed Covered Deck
Steel frames offer great strength and durability for covered decks. We recommend using galvanized steel to prevent rust and ensure a long-lasting structure.
A steel frame can support various roofing materials, from metal panels to polycarbonate sheets. We like how it creates a clean, modern look while providing solid protection from sun and rain.
14. Cedar Shake Roof Pergola
Cedar shake roofing adds a rustic charm to any pergola structure. The natural wood shingles create excellent protection from sun and rain while maintaining an elegant appearance.
We recommend using high-quality western red cedar shakes for the best durability and visual appeal. The overlapping pattern of cedar shakes helps water flow off easily during rainy weather.
15. Climbing Vines on Trellis
We recommend adding a trellis with climbing vines to create a natural shade cover for your patio. A vine-covered trellis brings vertical interest while maximizing limited space.
Popular climbing plants like jasmine, wisteria, or honeysuckle work well to transform your patio into a green sanctuary. The vines provide cooling shade during hot summer days.
16. Vinyl Patio Covers
Vinyl patio covers offer a low-maintenance solution to protect our outdoor spaces. These covers resist rust, fading, and peeling while standing up to harsh weather conditions.
We appreciate vinyl covers because they come in many colors and styles to match our home’s exterior. They’re also more affordable than wood or metal options.
17. Fire Pit with Overhead Shelter
A covered patio with a fire pit creates the perfect spot for year-round outdoor gatherings. We recommend placing the fire pit in the center of your covered space to maximize seating options around it.
Safety comes first – make sure your shelter has proper ventilation and enough height clearance above the fire pit. A high ceiling or partially open roof works best for smoke dispersal.
The overhead structure can be as simple as a pergola with retractable shade cloth or as substantial as a solid roof with ceiling fans.
