How to Create Covered Outdoor Living Spaces You Love

covered outdoor living spaces
Do you like the idea of spending more time outdoors, but don’t want to have the experience ruined by the weather? If so, covered outdoor living spaces are the perfect solution. When you add coverage to a new or existing sitting or dining area on your property, you create so many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family. But if you’re new to outdoor renovations, you probably have a lot of questions. So, let’s dive in and see what you need to create the covered outdoor living spaces you’ve always wanted!

Types of Outdoor Living Space Covers

You might already have an existing outdoor living space that needs a roof, or perhaps you want to build your space from scratch. Either way, you’ll need to figure out what kind of coverage will best serve your space and your needs. Here are a few of the most popular types of outdoor covers we build for clients:
  • Gazebos – Gazebos are freestanding structures (often circular or octagonal) that are typically placed in a flat, open area, like a backyard. Gazebos can serve many functions, but depending on the size, they might be more for aesthetics, or for creating a comfortable place to enjoy a coffee or even host an outdoor meal for a small group.
  • Canopies or Awnings – The difference between canopies and awnings often comes down to semantics, but both are great options if you want coverage that extends directly from the side of your home. These are ideal if you have a deck or patio that needs partial coverage. Just keep in mind that some canopies and awnings won’t offer as much protection from wind or rain as other types of coverage. 
  • Pergolas – Pergolas are perhaps the least functional of all types of outdoor covers, as they feature an open-air design. However, pergolas can be fitted with solid roofs or even climbing plants that can provide full or partial coverage from the sun and rain. 
  • Patio Covers – Covered patios come in all shapes and sizes. Some covers come closer to canopies, while others are more like pergolas. However, with a patio cover, you typically have a structure that can be either free-standing or attached to your home, with the ability to add screened coverings along the sides or even glass walls to have greater temperature control and protection from the elements.

How to Create Covered Outdoor Living Spaces

While it might seem like a huge endeavor, creating a covered outdoor living space doesn’t need to be a hassle. Here are a few simple steps to get your project started out the right way:

Define The Purpose Of The Space

What do you want to use your outdoor living space for? Do you want to be sipping tea in the morning or hosting dinners in the evenings (or both)? Will it be adjacent to a pool area, giving your kids a place to come dry off after a swim? These are all questions that will help you come up with the initial design.

See What The End Result Can Look Like

Before you start any outdoor building project, make sure to do some research. Google outdoor patios and covered areas to see what others have done before. This can also inspire you and help you decide what styles, cover types, and designs you do (or don’t) like.

Reach Out To The Professionals

Finally, when you’re ready to start digging into the details (materials, timeline, cost, etc.), you’ll want to reach out to the professionals at Custom Build & Design. We can help you come up with a design that fits your space and desired aesthetic perfectly. Then, we can build it for you at an affordable price. Reach out to our team today to learn more!