Essential Guide to the Best Outdoor Structures for Your Space
Types of Backyard Structures
Have you been thinking about adding an outdoor structure to your backyard or patio? Adding a backyard structure, such as a pergola, awning or gazebo can add additional living space or functional meeting space to your outdoor living area. Some of the most common types of outdoor structures are Arbors, gazebos, greenhouses, patio covers, and pergolas. These are all somewhat similar in what they offer but have many distinct differences that we will go over below.
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These outdoor structures are generally used for shade creation, a fun place to meet with friends and family, and also a central focal point of the backyard living area. This can add additional square footage to your livable space and open up a wealth of entertaining options for hosting friends and family. These outdoor structures can also be used as an easy way to separate your outdoor spaces. Perhaps you have an outdoor garden or flower beds on one side of your backyard and then a pergola or other structure on the opposite side. With the amount of materials that are available to build outdoor structures out of as well as the customizable options, you are sure to find a structure that falls inside of your budget.
Patio Cover Options
In a very general sense, a patio cover will cover an existing patio and give protection from the sun and rain. It will create shade, thus giving a gathering space for friends and family.
Canopies and sail shades are a less expensive way to cover your patio. They are often adjustable and are typically made out of a cloth or fibrous material. They can deteriorate over time and are not nearly as durable or long-term in comparison to other items like pergolas or gazebos.
Retractable patio awnings are ideal for folks with limited outdoor space. You still get the important functionality of an outdoor structure but have the ability to make it smaller and not take up much space when it is not needed. They are customizable to the size you desire, along with the color and fabric they are constructed with. A fixed patio cover is a much more durable, stable, and permanent option for a structure than the above-mentioned styles. Examples of a fixed patio cover would be pergolas, gazebos, pavilions, and more. With all of the different options available, budgets and costs will be very different across the board. As we discussed above, there are (3) materials that are most commonly used for patio covers. These are wood, vinyl, and metal. Wood is the most traditional material for patio covers, pergolas, gazebos, etc, and will typically be used as cedar, Redwood, Teak, or pressure-treated lumber. Wood will need maintenance performed every two years with either paint, stain, or some sort of sealant needed to keep up the quality.
Vinyl is a virtually maintenance-free material and will last for many years with no maintenance other than simple soap and water needed. Vinyl is not as strong or durable as wood but will not have the same issue with rot and insect infestation. Metal, mainly aluminum, is the best pick for a patio cover, namely a pergola. Aluminum is a modern material allowing for clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic. It is easily paintable and does not require constant maintenance.
Creating an Inviting Outdoor Living Space
If hosting friends and family at your home is of interest to you, a patio cover is a perfect addition to add space to your outdoor living space. For colder months, an outdoor fireplace is a perfect addition along with firepits and heaters. An outdoor kitchen under a pergola is a wonderful structure to add to your backyard space.
You will need to determine what you are looking to do with the space. Are you looking to install a pergola as a freestanding structure or are you perhaps looking into attaching it to your home? You will also need to understand which pergola or patio cover material you want for your space. It is best to speak with local contractors and even your local building department to determine which of these materials work best for your location. It's important to design your patio cover to be both functional and comfortable. You want to have plenty of seating options, dining spaces, and enough lighting for your guests to see. There is also a need to match the architecture of your home and space. This will allow for a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature.
Custom and DIY Solutions
With all of the available options, pergolas, and patio covers can be customized to suit your needs and even your budget. Many pergolas have DIY types of installation available that will save you thousands of dollars on the overall project. With different colors, sizes, and options available, you truly can create a unique outdoor living space in your backyard. Many of these options can add a personal touch and will impress your neighbors!
Maximizing Your Outdoor Space
Outdoor structures can be used to be multi-functional. You can offer built-in seating areas, dining areas as well as places to relax after a long day. You are also able to create a sense of separation in your backyard space. There can be a separate garden or landscaping area as well as a dining or seating area. The customization is limitless and you can make happen what you see fit for the space.
Choosing the Right Structure for Your Outdoor Space
When choosing the right structure for your space, you will need to take things like backyard size, climate, budget, and personal style before making a decision. If you are a fan of hosting friends and family, a more permanent structure that will shield you from the elements namely the sun and rain, is the most important. If hiring a contractor for this work, be sure to include them with all plans and where you are looking to install. It is a good practice to have them examine your space before you proceed, just to make sure there are no unseen issues during the project.
Maintenance and Upkeep
As with any outdoor structure, routine maintenance can be an important factor in how long it survives. As noted above, all patio cover materials are not created the same. Wood will tend to rot and can have issues with insects. Wood will need to be painted, stained, or sealed on a bi-annual basis. This will help lengthen the lifespan of your structure. Materials such as Extruded aluminum and vinyl need very little maintenance year after year. Simple soap and water will clean the vast majority of dirt and grim found on the pergola or patio cover. If simple maintenance is done on an annual or bi-annual basis, the life of your pergola or cover will be extended, dramatically.
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