5 Smart Tips for Designing a Patio Cover or Pergola

By Ruthie Chipps

Pergola (AKA Patio Cover) with adjustable louvers and double cornice at www.KitchenIcons.com near La Crosse, Wis. , Rochester, MN and Minneapolis, MN

Sun-Safe Covering

Outdoor living spaces have surged in popularity and are a top focus for commercial and residential design projects today. Concerns exist in locations that receive harsh direct sun--resulting in un-usable outdoor spaces. UV rays are linked with skin cancer, which will impact an estimated 25% of the population. The solution to this challenge is to consider investing in a patio cover.

Adding an effective shade structure provides cover and comfort while increasing overall value. Studies have proven and experts agree—if resale becomes required, the return on investment is almost always more than the original cost. “Outdoor oasis environments” are a prudent financial investment to any home.

Restaurants and hotels have found that investing in a “smarter” patio cover can pay for itself within a year.

Following are five smart tips for pergola designs:

1. Consider life-long quality materials - aluminum is the answer

Low maintenance and durability are important requirements in patio cover designs. Use of treated lumber with exterior paint or transparent stains equates to lots of regular maintenance and ongoing painting or refinishing every two to four years. Additionally, weather can take a terrible toll and limit a pergolas life when built from wood. Since COVID-19, the cost of treated lumber and cedar has skyrocketed. In some cases oak today costs less than pine.

Computer rendering for a rooftop aluminum adjustable patio cover

Bottom line on wood structures: They are very costly due to the maintenance and eventual re-build from impacts of weather exposure. Termites, pests, mold, mildew and wood rot can frequently be a major issue even on a well built deck or pergola. Even exotic woods, such as ipe, can have issues with fading and homeowners often complain of difficulties if a deck has both sun and shade (irregular fading).

Wood structures also offer limitations in protection from the sun since they are not adjustable. As seasons change, so does the trajectory of the sun as it sets to the west.

Aluminum or steel - which is better?

Although steel may be slightly less costly than aluminum, it will eventually begin to rust—even through powder coating. Anywhere there is a chip or scratch, the steel can begin to rust, causing troublesome staining. Heavy gauge extruded aluminum, in contrast, is the preferred substrate for a shade structure with minimal maintenance and maximum longevity. High quality powder-coating of aluminum will eliminate concerns of rust or deterioration.

Patio Covers by— Kitchen Icons utilize only the thickest extruded aluminum for pergola and patio structures, producing a superior product with longevity, form and function. They also incorporate advanced adjustable louvers (motorized) which promote comfort and cover from weather elements, such as sun, rain and snow.

Getting too hot on the deck or patio? Simply adjust the louvers from the post or off your mobile device for more shade. Starting to rain on your dinner party? The rain sensor will automatically close the louvers and keep everybody dry while continuing the festivities.

Customization: Patio cover companies also offer a variety of colors including custom colors, hidden interior gutters with water management systems, LED lighting, ceiling fans, heaters and even drop-down screens to block wind.

KitchenIcons.com adjustable louvered pergola and Hestan outdoor living suite.

2. Determine sun angle and seek patio covers that are adjustable

Assess how the sun shines as a first step in the planning process. Monitor throughout the day in different seasons and note how the sun impacts the space.

Adjustable patio covers allow you to control the amount of shade with your iphone or android. These premium patio covers are ajustable up to 170 degrees.

Adding a shade structure overhead doesn’t necessarily block the early morning or the late afternoon setting sun. Another option is to consider adding side-shade elements such as drop down screens which are contained within a color-matched aluminum cannister. Add screens on either side or also at the back. Screens are motorized and can also envelope the entire area 360 degrees to the ground.

3. Consider “smarter” patio covers that sense wind & rain.

Patio cover manufacturers offer numerous technology options for customizing your outdoor “resort” style space at home.

“The trend is for homeowners and businesses to find ways to reduce the harsh impact of the sun and other elements such as rain. They also want to have the option of adjusting how much sun (warmth) is delivered to their outdoor space,” explained Jeremy Chipps, General Manager of www.KitchenIcons.com and www.BuildingIcons.net, a La Crosse, Wisconsin (La Crescent MN) supplier of outdoor living products, including adjustable louvered patio covers and pergolas. “With a simple touch of a wall control or app, the patio cover adjusts up to 170 degrees. A rain sensor automatically closes to protect from rain, making the patio cover functional during inclimate weather or when that sudden thunderstorm appears during a party.”

Wind sensors can track wind speed allowing the louvers to open in higher winds inhibiting the patio cover from lifting off (like a parachute) from the deck or patio.

Restaurants, resorts and homeowners sometimes invest in complex umbrella systems which have a tendency to rip or tear and sometimes may be found in the neighbors yard or down the street. (A serious liability that may NOT be covered by insurance).

4. Choose design elements from modern to classic for architectural harmony

Patio covers can blend with existing design features of the home or structure, whether modern, victorian or traditional. Adding cornices and other options can enhance the overall design making it a timeless architectural statement.

5. Look for bug-free options and climate control

Consider enclosing your pergola or shade structure with drop-down screens/vinyl walls for protection from wind, sun and the ever-present insects in some parts of North America. Automatically controlled retractable screens provide flexibility with function. Improve the comfort of your patio further with heating and cooling elements that extend the seasonal use of outdoor spaces. On very hot days, cooling spray systems are also an outstanding option.

When it comes to gaining shade in outdoor spaces, designing a pergola or patio cover that is durable, adjustable and comforable will enhance your experience while providing great return on investment.

Well-built adjustable aluminum powder coated patio covers can demonstrate financial dividends at re-sale, while enhancing the outdoor experience through all seasons—from day one.

For more information on patio covers and pergolas, visit: https://www.kitchenicons.com/patiocovers or call Jeremy Chipps at 608-317-5700.

Patio covers provide powerful protection from the sun and weather elements.

Ruthie Chipps is a content producer and has designed outdoor kitchens and patio covers. Her expertise is in nutrition, health, culinary, wellness and quality smart-home building practices. More at www.NewMediaIcons.com

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