Transform Your Outdoor Space with Stunning Southern California Patios

Benefits of a Patio Cover

Do you live in Southern California and are potentially thinking about adding a patio cover to your patio or outdoor space? Do you love to relax in your outdoor space and entertain friends and family? Keep reading below for more information about patio covers and more specifically, pergolas.

A pergola offers protection from the elements, including both sun and rain. Keep your furniture covered and your guests comfortable and relaxed.

Patio covers and pergolas are desirable additions to homes and can increase your property value and add beauty and curb appeal.

Regardless of the weather you experience, a pergola can be enjoyed year-round, keeping your friends and family comfortable, even in rain storms or hot days.

Designing Your Patio

If you are looking at designing a new patio, the first thing you need to do is to establish where in your space you would like your pergola to go. It's oftentimes a good practice to put together a quick sketch showing what your vision is.

Is your home more modern, traditional, or rustic? Determine what style your home is and choose associated materials, furniture, and accessories that will best suit your space.

Consider the traffic flow and choose walkways, paths, and gathering areas where people can hang out and decompress.

Adding lighting and decor is a simple way to add safety features as well as a subtle ambiance to your California patios.

Outdoor Living Space Ideas

Along with adding a pergola to your new outdoor living space, consider adding an outdoor kitchen, water feature, or even a fire pit.

Using outdoor furniture that is made from materials that will hold up in outdoor elements is a must. Spend a bit more and be sure to get some pieces that will work well and add style and value to your backyard and home.

What could be better than finishing a long day at the office and relaxing under your pergola or cover? Adding a water feature such as a pond or fountain can add a calming presence and sound to your oasis.

If you are a fan of cooking and entertaining, adding an outdoor kitchen may be the perfect addition to your patio. Be sure to add appliances such as refrigerators, wine coolers, or even a kegerator for those holiday family gatherings.

Choosing the Right Patio Cover Material

When choosing a pergola, be sure to choose the best material for your space. Alumawood patio covers are nice because they offer the maintenance-free feel of aluminum but the look of a real wood or cedar pergola.

If a real wood pergola is desired, keep in mind that wood has a tendency to rot and can become infested with insects over time. Wood needs annual maintenance and will need stanined, sealed, or painted every few years. Wood is a traditional choice and is timeless but will need lots of maintenance to get a full lifespan out of it.

Aluminum is by far the best choice when looking into materials for your pergola. It is strong, durable, and requires little to no maintenance. You may pay a bit more upfront, but you will get decades of use out of it.

Patio Installation and Care

Pergolas and patio covers can be installed as Kits or full extrusion projects, requiring cuts to be done on-site. If a kit is what you desire and you possess some mechanical aptitude, the project can be completed as a DIY. This is an easy way to save thousands of dollars.

If you don't have much confidence in your installation or carpentry skills, consider hiring a professional contractor to assist with your project. This will give you peace of mind and will allow you to rest at night knowing your project is being handled by pros.

It is quite important to understand what the associated maintenance will look like in regard to what material is used for your pergola.

Regular cleaning and inspections will alleviate long-term concerns and you can oftentimes repair any damage found.

Finding the Right Contractor

Finding the right contractor is important if you are not planning on installing your pergola. Be sure to do plenty of internet searching for local contractors, landscapers, deck builders, etc. Check out their reviews and how many they have.

Referrals and recommendations are a great way to find contractors. Ask your friends and family if they have had any work done on their home or backyard space. Most people will freely give you this information.

Be sure to check into licenses they possess and ask about what permits may be needed for the project. It is always a good idea to compare quotes before you begin your project.

Budgeting for Your Patio

Budgeting for your pergola is an important part of the process. Determine your needs vs your wants and come up with a concise budget that you can easily stay under.

Don't forget to take into account the overall cost. This means the cost of the materials, installation, and any long-term maintenance that may be needed. It's wise to know this on the front end so as to not be surprised later.

Think of long-term investment and how you plan on paying. Oftentimes, you can find financing to use for your project. This will be a bit easier on the pocketbook and allow you to work on a payment plan.

Southern California Patio Considerations

Southern California has a unique climate that you will need to consider. Don't forget to speak with your local building codes to determine what exactly is needed. You don't want to begin your project without proper permits - This will create problems for you down the road.

Architecture and style are a bit different in Southern California. Different colors, materials, plants, and the like are prevalent. Make sure you choose proper materials and plants/flowers that will go well with your space.

Working with a general contractor or landscaper who is familiar with Southern California is a great idea. You can lean on them to provide important information that will best suit your home and project.

Conclusion

As discussed above, a patio cover or pergola can transform your outdoor space. With the right materials and design, your Southern California patio will mesh well with your home and will provide you with decades of joy with your friends and family. Be sure to do your due diligence with any contractor you choose and have a good time with your project!