24 Covered Patio Ideas to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Living Space (2024)

FAQs

What is a good size for a covered patio? ›

We recommend a minimum of 25 square feet per person. So, if you plan to host 15 people- plan for a space around 375 sq. ft. We recommend a patio around 550 square feet for comfortable entertaining.

Patio Covers

The term patio cover is often used interchangeably with pavilion and pergola; however, the main difference is that they are attached to the home rather than being a freestanding structure. They are used to cover a patio or deck, and can have either a partially open or completely solid roof.

A patio cover is ideal for those who plan to use the outdoor space for frequent dining or entertaining. A pergola is more suitable for a more casual or occasional dining experience . Provides provide a pleasant atmosphere but may not offer the same level of weather protection for extended use in all conditions.

First of all, the covering will protect the floor from the elements, saving money on repairs. They also provide an outdoor entertainment area that can be used even during rain storms. Finally, covered patios extend your living space. In other words, they are worth it for many homeowners.

Depends on the species and grade of the wood, spacing, plus local codes, snow loads, etc. Here with 40 lb snow load and 55 lb total roof load, a 2x6 can span around 8″ on a floor joist at 24 inch on center and around 9′6″ on a rafter on 24 inch on center. The closer the spacing the further the span.

The major difference between a porch and a patio is that one is attached to your house and the other is a separate space. Additionally, porches have roofs while patios do not. While porches can be located on the front, side, or back of a home, patios are most often only on the side or the back.

A covered patio is an outdoor living space that could be entirely or partially covered by a roof, offering shelter from the elements. Meanwhile, a pavilion is a free-standing structure that gives an outside living area with a roof to provide shade and protection.

A verandah is an attached outdoor structure with a roof that runs along one or more sides of the house. The patio, on the other hand is a paved recreation area that may be attached to the house or be freestanding. It may or may not have a roof or even walls. They are great for outdoor entertaining or simply relaxing.

A gazebo or pergola is the perfect addition to your garden if you want to increase shade and create an outdoor lounging area. The main difference between a gazebo and a pergola is that gazebos provide more protection from the rain and require more space, whereas pergolas come in more flexible sizes.

A pergola without a roof helps define a space and create a focal point in your garden, without creating a fully enclosed area.

What is a free standing patio cover called? ›

A freestanding covered patio is called a pergola. Unlike gazebos, which are round or octagon-shaped garden structures, pergolas are structures with a square or rectangular shape.

Simple options—adding cozy lighting, perking up your furniture with a fresh coat of paint, adding temporary container gardens—are low-cost ways to make a big impact.

Diversity advocates who also venture into the outdoors help change the look of hiking—or canoeing or any other outdoor activity—one person at a time, and you can do the same. Asking a friend from a different background or culture to join you gives you a hand in bringing a sense of harmony and civility to the outdoors.

For a dining area for four people, you'll need about 10x10 feet. For six to eight, make it 12x12 feet. To accommodate a typical round table with six chairs, provide a circular area with a diameter of at least 9 feet.

"As a rule of thumb, 3m x 3m is a sensible size for a typical patio with a table big enough for four or maybe even six people," say their experts. "You can get away with smaller if there are less people, or if the furniture is dainty."

Start by measuring your patio furniture to determine the correct size for your covers. For chairs, measure the width from one edge of the backrest to the other and the depth from the front of the seat to the backrest. For tables, measure the width and length from the outermost points of the tabletop.

It's quite easy to incorporate a food area, seating, and a hot tub on a 12-ft. -by 12-ft. deck if you don't need large spaces for many people. This simple ground-level deck doesn't require a railing and offers plenty of extra living space for a relatively low cost per square foot.