By Vance Neely
Talk of outdoor living spaces, and many homeowners will agree that they prefer an extended patio over other options. Patios are incredibly functional, and when designed right, you can add real value to your property. Ideally, you should consider a covering for the patio, so that the space can be used in all seasons, but it is okay to not have a patio cover either. However, it is important to select the right kind of patio covering, and for your help, we have a quick guide below.
Find a good installation service
This is half the job done, quite literally. Companies like https://www.bestbuywindowsandsiding.com/ work with clients in a personal manner and ensure that they get all the help needed to get the design and function right. You can expect to get a free consultation session on options, materials, and design, along with an estimate for the project, depending on your budget. Talk to your installation service first, so that you can be realistic with financial aspects of your decision.
Think of various materials
Just like the structure of a patio or pergola, there are different materials for the choice of patio covering too. Many homeowners prefer vinyl, which can withstand weather elements rather well and comes in various textures and color choices. Wood is the traditional choice, but additional treatment may be required, to prevent damage from sun and moisture. Another good choice is aluminum. We are not including awnings on this list, because that’s not technically a professional covering, instead is just a cover.
The design and décor
From the beautiful pergola-style patio covering to the lattice pattern that’s quite popular, there are varied design ideas worth considering. At the end of the day, you would want the patio covering to work with your home exteriors and feel like an extension of your interiors. Make sure that you consider the furniture, overall setup, before taking the final call.
How much to spend?
That depends on the budget. Wooden patio covers are expensive in general, and if you are not keen on a high budget, go for vinyl, which is among the versatile materials. Also, it is a good idea to review and check the materials in terms of durability, and keep in mind that you have to pay for installation too. Get an estimate from your contractor in advance, so that you don’t have to deal with unwanted costs later.
Installing patio covering doesn’t have to be super expensive.
