Covered structures: Things to consider before adding one to your landscape
Are you thinking about adding a covered patio area or shade structure to your landscape this year?
There are many things to consider when designing a covered structure. The first decision is to determine the purpose of your covered area.
In warmer climates the goal is often to add shade, however, here in the often shady and damp Pacific Northwest our biggest deterrent to spending time outdoors is the nine (or so) months of rain we get each year.
Nothing extends your ability to spend time outside enjoying your garden, especially here in the Northwest, like a covered outdoor living space. Imagine sitting outside (even in the rain!) relaxing, reading a book, or cooking dinner with friends…in April! Covered areas can encompass outdoor kitchens, cozy furniture for lounging and relaxing, dining areas, and spas. You can even add heaters to further extend the use of your space.
If your primary goal is to create shade, a good option is to go with some type of open shade structure like a pergola. If your goal is to protect yourself, your furniture, grill, or outdoor kitchen from rain you would be better off to go with a solid roof structure.
Other things to consider are:
- Zoning and codes for your property – Impervious surface limitations and property setback restrictions (varies by jurisdiction)
- Whether you want the structure attached to your home or free-standing
- Proximity to house – if your covered area is near main windows of your house, like a kitchen or family room, be careful not to block too much natural light from entering your home
- Open roof vs. solid roof structure -open structure will block less light than a solid roof structure but a solid roof structure will do a better job of blocking the wind, rain, and snow
If you determine that a solid roof structure is what you are after, the next decision is to determine which type of roof covering you want.
Covering types: benefits and disadvantages
Corrugated metal:
Benefits:
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Easy to clean
Disadvantages:
- Does not allow light in
- May not blend well with all design styles
Corrugated metal panels
Polycarbonate:
Benefits:
- Long lasting
- Allows light in
- Can be tinted to reduce glare
Disadvantages:
- Can develop a haze
- Needs to be cleaned more delicately
- Not completely translucent (like glass)
Polycarbonate roof covering
Retractable awning (fabric) and Shade Sails:
Benefits:
- Provides shade without a large structure for support
- Available in many patterns and colors
Disadvantages:
- Develops mold and mildew easily in our area
- Needs to be retracted or removed in inclement weather and protected from rain and wind
- Not permanent
Solara adjustable patio cover:
Benefits:
- Can be solid or open
- Allows light through when open
- Available in neutral colors to coordinate with home
- Motorized or manual opener options
Disadvantages:
- Can be damaged under heavy snow load if closed
Solara shade system over wood pergola
Glass:
Benefits:
- Long lasting
- Allows high levels of light in
- Easy to clean
Disadvantages:
- Although very strong (tempered), can be cracked or broken
Glass Covered Awning
Parasoleil architectural panels:
Benefits:
- Open shade allowing light in
- Artistic patterns and colors available
- Highly customizable
Disadvantages:
- Not solid, allowing rain though
Parasoleil covered structure at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show
Shingles to match your home:
Benefits:
- Cohesive look with home
- Can be installed with skylights to let light in
Disadvantages:
- Can be difficult to perfectly match home
Shingled roof and outdoor Kitchen
We hope this has given you some ideas and brought up some things for you to consider before deciding what type of covered area you want. If you’d like more help in designing your covered area feel free to contact us- we’d love to help!
~Heidi
Organized under Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design.
