How To Build A Patio Cover For Your Home
Patios are great for entertaining guests and relaxing out in the shade while observing your garden or the street. Knowing how to build a patio cover is a simple matter, actually building one is another thing. However, if you build one yourself, you would probably be able to save more than having to hire some expensive contractors do it for you. If you make your own patio cover, you would have to take some important steps first before buying materials to save you time and effort.
First do some assessment. Check first the area of the patio where you will be creating a cover. Determine the necessary dimensions. Also identify whether your patio cover will be painted or plain wood color, or if it should be made with PVC or a pre-fabricated aluminum. Also, determine if you would still need city permits since a patio would be considered an extension of the house. Patios are generally 12 feet in length with single storey.
The next step in how to build a patio cover is to determine your materials and equipment. A range of materials can be incorporated in your patio cover, including but not limited to three most commonly used patio covers:
(1) WOOD
Wood covers add elegance and class to any patios. It could be designed and cut depending on your wishes. However, installing wood covers for your patio may require you to hire a really good carpenter, which would really cost you a lot. Wood covers offer great shade but it cannot be retractable as it is considered as a permanent fixture. Albeit being very popular, it would still require high maintenance for wood treatments against weather conditions, termite control and the like.
(2) ALUMINUM
Aluminum patio covers are great for all types of weathers, especially if you live in an area where you experience all four seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall. Subjecting an aluminum patio cover to all these different weather conditions would require less maintenance. These covers have been fortified with heavy insulation to prevent snow buildup. Aluminum covers are very durable and less susceptible to damage. It can be retractable when the weather is great and you would not need a shade for enjoying your patio. However, these type of covers maybe complex to install but it can be easily maintained and cleaned by just hosing it down with water.
(3) VINYL
This is the least expensive option and the most easily maintained but it cannot be used during winter season. Vinyl covers have wonderful designs and colors that would match the owners tastes. It is very flexible as it can be retracted or be easily taken down and kept in the garage, especially during winters and also when you wanted to enjoy the sun.
When you have finally decided what patio cover would be best for you, you would need to plan your patio design. Check also if you would be installing it by attaching it to your house or if it would be free-standing. You should have a good guide on how to build a patio cover for you to make it look like it is done professionally. Building one requires you next to have the necessary hand tools and other equipment for installing it. You need to have a 3/8-inch drill bit, hack saw or electric jig saw with fine-toothed blade for cutting metal, a measuring tape, a caulking gun, screwdrivers, hammer, socket and shank, metal snips, a crescent wrench, a carpenter’s square, level, ladders, some heavy duty pencils, and nut and bolts. After gathering all equipment, you can start building your patio cover.
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