One of the most often asked-for features when a landscape design is being created is a patio and it is easy to understand why. By adding a patio to your landscaped garden you benefit in the following ways.

• You have added space for entertaining guests
• It extends outdoor living space
• It requires very little maintenance
• They can be used in all seasons
• They add value to your property

We are sure you will agree all of these would be most welcome to any homeowner who is planning to have new landscaping and is looking to maximise the benefits that the completed project will bring them and their family. That final point about adding value to a property has an associated benefit which is a home is more likely to be purchased by a prospective buyer if it has a patio within its garden versus another property that does not.

Another point to consider when adding a patio is whether you wish to have it covered, and if so, how are you going to do so? Given that many of you reading this will live in an area where most days are dry and sunny rather than rainy, a cover might not seem a priority. However, given that they can provide excellent shade from the sun’s rays, we suggest you consider a patio covering for that reason.

As for what types of covers are most suited to being added to a landscape design that includes a patio, we have outlined the most popular patio coverings below. Note that even if you already have an existing patio rather than about to have a new patio created as part of a landscape design, all of these covers will still be suitable for adding to it.

Patio Cover #1 – Gazebo

If you wish to retain the 360° view from your patio then a gazebo is one way this can be achieved. With support on each corner and a roof above, a gazebo within a landscape design can either be freestanding and thus portable and collapsible, or it can be a solid structure. Either way, they protect from the sun, and the rain should the weather turn foul. Gazeboes also provide scope for decor and lighting within them.

Patio Cover #2 – Skillion Roof

You may hear these referred to as lean-tos or shed roofs, but in all instances, they are a single flat roof that is sloped. They are usually connected on one side to the wall of the house with twin supports at their outer edge. This minimalist design means they provide an extremely open feel to a patio due to them not having any walls or side panels. Skillion roofs can be used to fit solar panels for power, have an extremely long lifespan, and require little in the way of maintenance.

Patio Cover #3 – Pergola

These are hugely popular with homeowners looking for simple covers for their patios. Their popularity is borne out of their simplicity, and also their design which can be highly attractive. Unlike gazebos, pergolas are never freestanding but instead always attach on one side to the property. Providing excellent shade for those under them, pergolas can also be made from a variety of materials which include aluminium, wood, metal, and even fabric.

Patio Cover #4 – Retractable Awning

For those of you that want the option to leave your patio completely open when the need arises, or do not like the idea of poles or pillars on the corners of it, it could be that a retractable patio cover is the answer. The most common is a retractable awning which is attached to the side of your property, whereby the awning is extended for use either manually by turning a handle or by an electrical motor and likewise retracted.

Patio Cover #5 –  Sail Shades

For the least expensive, and yet one of the most durable options for covering your patio, you should look no further than sail shades. Admittedly, they are not as adept at protecting patios from rain if the weather takes a turn for the worse, but if you live in an area more usually bathed in sunshine, they are ideal. We say that because they provide excellent shade from the sun, and they do so whilst at the same time providing a colourful and modern addition to your patio area.