Patio Covers Question - Need Advice on Choosing the Best Option

[nobes]

Hi everyone,

I’m in the process of deciding on a patio cover for my outdoor space and could use some advice. I want something that offers protection from the sun and occasional rain but also looks stylish. My main concerns are durability, cost, and maintenance.

I’ve been looking at both aluminum and wood options, but I’m unsure which would work best in terms of longevity and upkeep. Does anyone have recommendations or experience with different types of patio covers?

Any pros/cons would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[yellowbrics]

Both aluminum and wood patio covers have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your priorities regarding durability, cost, maintenance, and aesthetics. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Aluminum Patio Covers​

Pros:

1. Durability: Aluminum is highly resistant to weather conditions, including sun, rain, and even snow. It doesn’t rot, warp, or crack over time.
2. Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep; occasional cleaning with water and mild detergent is usually sufficient.
3. Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive upfront than wood, especially for larger covers.
4. Lightweight: Easier and quicker to install than heavier materials like wood.
5. Customizable Finishes: Many aluminum covers come with wood-grain finishes or powder coatings that mimic the look of wood, giving you a stylish appearance without the maintenance.

Cons:

1. Aesthetic Limitation: While modern designs are improving, some aluminum patio covers may lack the natural warmth and charm of real wood.
2. Temperature: Aluminum can get quite hot under direct sunlight, although insulated options can help with this.

Wood Patio Covers​

Pros:

1. Aesthetics: Wood offers a natural, timeless beauty that can enhance the style and value of your outdoor space.
2. Customization: You can choose from various types of wood, stains, and finishes to match your home’s design.
3. Insulation: Wood stays cooler to the touch under the sun compared to metal.

Cons:

1. Maintenance: Requires regular staining, sealing, or painting to protect it from rot, insects, and weather damage.
2. Durability: While durable, wood is more susceptible to weathering over time compared to aluminum.
3. Cost: High-quality wood can be more expensive upfront, and long-term maintenance adds to the cost.

Key Considerations​

1. Longevity: Aluminum typically lasts longer with minimal care. Wood, if well-maintained, can also be durable but requires consistent attention.
2. Climate: If you live in an area with frequent rain or high humidity, aluminum might be a better option as it’s more resistant to moisture. For drier climates, wood can hold up well and maintain its beauty.
3. Budget: Aluminum is generally more budget-friendly, especially when you factor in maintenance costs over time.
4. Style Preference: If you prioritize aesthetics and want a more natural look, wood is hard to beat. Aluminum can mimic wood but may not provide the same authentic feel.

Hybrid Option​

Consider a hybrid patio cover that uses aluminum for the structure and integrates wood accents for aesthetics. This can provide the best of both worlds – the durability and low maintenance of aluminum with the charm of wood.

Recommendations​

• For Durability and Low Maintenance: Aluminum patio covers, especially insulated or powder-coated options, are ideal.
• For Aesthetic Appeal and Natural Warmth: Wood patio covers, particularly those made from cedar or redwood, offer a beautiful and customizable solution.

If budget allows, consult a local contractor or patio cover specialist to explore samples and options in your area. This can help you visualize how the material will complement your outdoor space.

 

[PJB12]

Hi Nobes,

Covers the retract are often an attractive option. They come in many, many widths and lengths.

These retract into tubes mounted on the wall when not in use. By doing that, exposure to UV rays, wind and snow loads are minimized. You can also roll it partway back if you are cooking outdoors to prevent smoke & grease from clinging.

Some even have motors and remote controls or phone apps.
And some are free-standing, but still retractable.

We have a sideways one. The tube is mounted vertically on the house and the "awning" pulls out as a privacy screen on the patio.

Sunsetter is one brand name, but there are many, many others.

Yellowbrics wrote a very nice post with the pros and cons. I've seen aluminum awnings from the 50's that still look great. Some new ones can be purchased with the top face bare aluminum. By doing this, 97% of the radiant energy from the sun is reflected instead of going through to the patio. (Once painted, the radiant benefit is void.)

Paul

 

[bud16415]

Our neighbor had an 8’ wide Sunsetter on their deck for quite a few years long enough to require the canvas to be replaced once. They decided that they wanted a 10’ wide one that they should have got in the first place. The old one was leaning against the garage between our properties and I ask him about his new awning and how they liked it and what was the plan for the old one. He said he had it listed on Facebook for sale. I said how much and he said I would get the neighbor discount of free.



He helped me haul it over and I installed it off the end of our hot tub covered pergola. At first I didn’t think it would work as the supports are made to have their base attached to the floor or the wall directly under the place the top is attached. Doing that was great but when opened up the support blocked the way we walk to the area. I got the idea to make the lower support out away from the wall and that left one of two ways to walk past one open and one when retracted. We leave it up 90% of the time in the summer and only close it when high winds are in the forecast. When the leaves start falling I roll it up for winter and the snow. We get much more use of the deck in the summer with it being shaded. If we want sun we have room to sit to the other side.



It has gave us no problems for the ten years we have been using it.

 

[PJB12]

Our neighbor had an 8’ wide Sunsetter on their deck for quite a few years long enough to require the canvas to be replaced once. They decided that they wanted a 10’ wide one that they should have got in the first place. The old one was leaning against the garage between our properties and I ask him about his new awning and how they liked it and what was the plan for the old one. He said he had it listed on Facebook for sale. I said how much and he said I would get the neighbor discount of free.



He helped me haul it over and I installed it off the end of our hot tub covered pergola. At first I didn’t think it would work as the supports are made to have their base attached to the floor or the wall directly under the place the top is attached. Doing that was great but when opened up the support blocked the way we walk to the area. I got the idea to make the lower support out away from the wall and that left one of two ways to walk past one open and one when retracted. We leave it up 90% of the time in the summer and only close it when high winds are in the forecast. When the leaves start falling I roll it up for winter and the snow. We get much more use of the deck in the summer with it being shaded. If we want sun we have room to sit to the other side.



It has gave us no problems for the ten years we have been using it.

One of my brothers has 3 Sunsetter brand and loves them. He's had them well over 10 years.

His don't have supports. When the motor opens them, metal arms fold out with the cover. So, it is just an awning magically hanging in mid air by itself. That's a cool feature.

 

[Madeline Abrielle]

Hi everyone,

I’m in the process of deciding on a patio cover for my outdoor space and could use some advice. I want something that offers protection from the sun and occasional rain but also looks stylish. My main concerns are durability, cost, and maintenance.

I’ve been looking at both aluminum and wood options, but I’m unsure which would work best in terms of longevity and upkeep. Does anyone have recommendations or experience with different types of patio covers?

Any pros/cons would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Hi,

Both aluminum and wood patio covers are good choices for protection from the sun and rain. Aluminum covers are durable, low maintenance, and cost-effective. They can withstand various weather conditions and require minimal upkeep. On the other hand, wood covers offer a more natural and stylish look but may require more maintenance in terms of staining or sealing to maintain their appearance and longevity.

If you prioritize longevity and low maintenance, aluminum covers might be the better option. However, if you prefer a more elegant and customizable look and are willing to put in the effort for maintenance, wood covers could be a great choice.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of your outdoor space.

It's a good idea to consult with professionals or visit home improvement stores to see different options in person and get tailored recommendations based on your needs.