There is nothing more serene than sharing a home-cooked meal with your family out on the patio. While some may think this is the stuff of daydreams, others have chosen to make it a reality by setting up a nice patio area. An essential element of a tranquil outdoor area that you can use to gather family and friends is the shade provided by a patio cover. Patio covers come in a wide variety of shapes, materials, and sizes, each carrying their own price tag. Here are a few options you may want to consider when construction your patio.

Lattice Wood

Many people choose to cover their patios with lattice wood. This cover is basically several horizontal beams of wood (thin or thick) that are held up on the ends with a large vertical beam. Lattice works well to provide some patio shade while allowing in natural light. It will not do much to shield you from the rain, though, so if you live in an area where rain is common, you may want to consider other options.

Acrylic

Acrylic panels which serve as patio covers are usually semi-transparent, allowing in natural light. These panels will shield you from water and are relatively cheap. However, many acrylic panels have been known to change colors in the sun, moving from see-through to a kind of yellow color. 

Solid Wood

Instead of lattice wood, some people choose to either extend their roof to cover patios or place solid wood overhead in order to be completely protected from the elements. Solid wood patios seem to last for up to several decades if they are maintained. 

Umbrellas

Definitely the cheapest method, large umbrellas can be placed over outdoor furniture to provide respite from both sunshine and storms. However, they are a little more high-maintenance than other types of covers since they often break and can get swept off in the wind. Most umbrellas used as patio covers do not last more than a few years. 

In conclusion, there are many different patio covers to choose from. It really depends on your personal aesthetic, your budget, and if you will be doing the work yourself. There are many professionals out there who are likely more than willing to come and give you an estimate on the patio cover of your choosing. Patio cover installation can be a huge challenge so instead of getting in over your head, hire a professional for patio cover installation today.