When it comes to choosing outdoor patio covers, most people think of wood. Wood is a naturally beautiful product and once it is kept in good condition can look fantastic. But therein lies the problem. Wood requires regular maintenance. It has to be repainted usually at least on an annual basis and must be repaired as soon as damage appears. It can crack or splinter in extremes of temperature such as during a very hot summer or a cold winter and it can be difficult to prevent warping if you live in an area prone to wet weather. If you suffer a lot of humidity it can cause wood to rot.
What alternative materials can be used for outdoor patio covers?
Instead of wood you could use steel or aluminium. Both of these products have been improved upon in recent years and are fast becoming a popular alternative to wood. With the busy lives most people are leading, they like the fact that there is very little maintenance associated with these products. While they may not have the natural beauty of wood, they can be designed to make the most of these materials. Once they have been treated properly they require little or no maintenance. You also have more freedom as they are less of a fire risk than wood or canvas if you are using an outdoor fireplace or grill.
You can buy steel or aluminium kits but before you start errecing an outdoor patio cover you must check local building regulations to see if you are allowed. Usually outdoor awnings made from material can be set up without causing any problems. But some building control officers will object to the more permanent structures you install when using wood, steel or aluminium. It is best to check first as you do not want to waste your time or money. You also need to be sure your home can support the weight of any new structure you set up.
Why set up an outdoor pergola or gazebo?
There are a number of reasons why you would want to set up an outdoor pergola or gazebo in your backyard. The most obvious one is the fact that spending time out in nature is a great remedy for stress caused by our busy lives. Using your outdoor space to provide you with more room at home is a great idea. You get to enjoy nature and spend time with your family and it is much healthier than leaving the kids indoors watching TV.
If you are a keen gardener you can grow various climbing plants to decorate wooden gazebos or outdoor pergolas although you wouldn’t do this if they were made from fabric.
While being outside is great for the children, often the sun can be too strong. Rather than risking them getting burnt a lot of parents prefer for their kids to remain indoors. If you have a patio awning you can provide a lovely shaded area safe for them to play in so they get the benefit of fresh air without running the risk of skin cancer. It is not just kids that like the shade. You may find that family of all ages prefer to eat and enjoy the garden in an outdoor gazebo rather than sitting on the lawn. If you have any pets you may find that they love this shaded area too.
Even if you don’t have kids, having outdoor patio shade is useful. If big enough you can use it to protect your car from the damaging rays of the sun. If the awning is made from wood or metal it will protect your vehicle from bad weather as well.
Finally the right outdoor patio covers can add a touch of glamour to your home and if you were to think of selling may help secure you a buyer.
If you have invested in garden furnishing then an outdoor patio furniture cover should be next on your list of purchases. Patio furniture is expensive and not something you want to have to replace too often. By taking care of your furnishings you can preserve them helping your investment to last for years. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions i.e. stain the wood if recommended and follow the storage care guide.
Measure your outdoor patio furniture a few times!
When picking the right type of cover you will need to be careful to measure your furniture so you can pick the right size. It pays to measure up a couple of times so you don’t waste your time or money buying unsuitable items. You want covers that protect the furniture against the elements and also wear and tear. Therefore it is important to select the right fit. Some people think that they can just throw an old sheet over the pieces and hope for the best. With a little bit of wind, this covering will blow away leaving your furniture exposed. Yu need covers that not only fit well but are also designed for use in the climate you live in. If you live in a very humid area you will want to choose mesh covers to keep the air flowing between the furniture and the protective covering. Otherwise you are just inviting an attack of mold.
Will outside furniture cover patio umbrellas do the job?
The short answer to this question is no! Patio umbrellas are great at providing some shade on hot sunny days but while they protect an area of the table from the sun’s rays they do not usually provide sufficient protection for the entire patio set. Generally they are unsuitable for use in the rain and when it is windy they should be folded down. So by all means add a patio umbrella to your furniture set but use it properly.
Where can you find a swimming patio furniture cover?
As items near to the swimming pool are more at risk of chlorine and bleach damage than furniture sitting on a green lawn you need to make sure you are buying covers that protect against these substances. Don’t spend too much on them as they are going to get bleached and stained. So long as they protect either the wicker or wood underneath they are perfect for the job in hand. You should be able to find these covers in your local garden store or Home Depot. Failing that find a pool supplier in your area and ask them to recommend somewhere.
There are so many different shops selling outdoor garden furniture covers so it pays to shop around. You can find great deals particularly if you shop off season. If you are not too worried about color or patterns you could look in your local outlet stores to find some bargains. If you enjoy shopping online you will find many of the larger stores run sales and often the sale price is less than 50% of the regular price.
When shopping, look for outdoor patio furniture grill covers as well. People often forget that the grill needs protecting from the elements especially if it is not portable so cannot be moved indoors. A grill cover should be flame proof and you can find ones to match the outdoor patio furniture cover if you wish.
Some people will look for a free patio furniture cover but be careful relying on these items. In this business you tend to get what you pay for. Don’t put your investment in garden furniture at risk by penny pinching at this stage.
