You know how you just get that feeling when you are in a convertible? It’s sunny, wind blowing through your hair, it even affects the way you feel. Life seems to have less stress and cares. Well, you can get a similar feeling on your patio. There are patio cover design ideas that incorporate this same type of convertible-like top into your patio space. True, it doesn’t feel quite like the open road and wind in your hair feeling, but it can come pretty close. Think of those times when you’ve just wanted to forget about the long day or week and just go out back, kick your feet up and relax. Your patio is just the place to escape and if it so happens that you have a place to catch some much needed shade, then that’s all the better. But, how about those times when you want to let a little sun in? You can’t do it with a typical covered patio.
However, there are some styles now that allow for you to do just this. They are a combination of the best of the pergola type patio covers and the retractable awning. Combining these two items creates a nice hybrid. It is basically a more permanent patio cover with a roller awning type of shade that can retract when you would either like more sun or to stay protected in high wind conditions. The last thing you want is for your fabric cover to act as a sail sending your structure tumbling or at the very least, tearing. Now, this idea is what precisely has been needed for some time. There are times when you just want a portion of your patio space covered, no problem. Picture, if you can, a pergola structure with the roof being like a large window on your home. Next, pretend that you have four panels of curtains that can roll down to cover that large window. Each one of these panels can be independently closed or retracted to allow the sun in. Well, if you can picture this, then you know what this ‘convertible patio cover’ is like.
The fabric is made of a durable polyester or nylon that is also resistant to mildew, water and ultraviolet rays. All this being said, you would still like to have it retracted into its protective tube or cover when not in use. It is all the more likely to last for many years if taken care of this way. You can still have plants and climbing vines growing up the posts of your structure, you just want to make sure that they don’t get too tall. If they start to get into the patio roof tracks, they will affect its performance and function. This is the last thing you want. Not only will your shades be non-functional, but you’ll have to hack back your beautiful greenery to make way. The best thing is to just grow smaller plants or keep a careful eye. If you really want to dress up your patio cover, you can also add decorative items to the posts. They are made of either wood or metal and can be drilled like any other posts. You may wish to hang some items like a thermometer or hummingbird feeder on them as well. And, of course, you will have all of the usual patio furniture and table accessories beneath so you can kick up your feet and enjoy that restul patio oasis.
Tags: covered patio, patio cover, patio cover design ideas, retractable awning