Patio cover kits are available for DIY projects that can actually save you money. Find facts and information on many types of patio cover kits you have to choose from. Patio covers have many benefits that will also add value and style to your home.

Patio Cover Kit Materials

You will find kits made of canvas, vinyl, Alumawood, and aluminum. There are many DIY projects and kits available that provide shade and protection. The kits you purchase are shipped to you and you have to do the installation yourself. If you are handy with putting things together, you should be able to follow easy directions. If not, you can hire someone to install them for you. Sometimes it is better to have someone who has experience with awnings to do the installation.

Each kit will come in a particular style and price range. The most important factor to remember is to have accurate measurements of the space you have for your patio cover. Make sure the cover you order is the correct size as some come in standard sizes, while others can be customized to a specific size that you might need.

Types of Patio Cover Kits

Aluminum is a popular patio cover material

Aluminum Patio Cover Kits

Aluminum kits come in standard sizes and usually easy to install. Directions for installing are included with each kit. You should find everything you need in the kits. You will find kits in lengths of 5’ to 70’ and projections from 6’ to 20’. They start at 6.50 a sq. ft. and up.

The kits come in free standing or attached styles. They can be attached to a roof, fascia, or a wall. All free standing models with have to have footings in place to hold the structure up.

You can purchase specific trim colors if needed such as, black, green, cream, tan, bronze, gray, and blue. The standard color is white for the awning and trim. An ICC report is available with some companies. If you live in snow prone areas, you can find out what is available for the snow load that you may need. Many quality companies will offer a warranty on their products. A ten year warranty is a great warranty, assuring you of the quality of the product you are buying.

Patio Cover Kit of Alumawood

Alumawood Patio Cover Kits

Alumawood come in either lattice or solid types. It is priced around $10-$15 a sq. Ft. Be sure to get a free estimate to get an accurate amount for the total cost of your kit. Also remember that if shipping is involved, that will also add to your cost.

Alumawood patio covers come with the following materials included for lattice running parallel to your home.

8 ft. Posts with side plates 2” by 6”

2” by 6” rafters (24” on center)

Either 2” lattice 4 1/2 “ on center or 1 1/2” lattice 3 1/2” on center

3” by *’ set back header beam

*Aluma lattice comes in several color choices from white, cameo, champaigne, redwood, platinum, adobe, desert sand, brown, and beige.

Vinyl Patio Cover Kits

Vinyl is a great product that takes the place of wood, or other types of metal materials. Vinyl, much the same as Alumawood, can be used for patios, gazebos, and decks. You will find vinyl to be maintenance free with a wide choice of colors available.

Retractable Canvas Patio Cover Kit

Canvas Patio Cover Kits

Canvas patio cover kits can be purchased in retractable or stationary styles. The retractable style is the most popular and most easily found style. The width can be made to the exact width that you need, up to 40’ wide. The projection is from 4’ 2” to 12’.

The canvas kit includes the unit and other materials, such as the canvas fabric, motor and switch, bolts and nuts, and brackets. This is a lateral arm awning that is retractable. The arm is extruded aluminum with some parts being forged aluminum. It often carries a 5 yr. Warranty.

Screened porch enclosures are made of  many materials and types, and homeowners want to know which materials work best. A screened porch can provide your family with a nice sunny screen porch that your whole family will enjoy. Find facts and information on many different ways that you can make a screened in enclosure. Most porches are surrounded with regular screening materials, but other options include plastics and glass, or using various materials such as netting, canvas as a screen, or outdoor curtains or outdoor drapes that will also give you a screening effect.

Dining area with enclosed porch

Custom Screened Porch Enclosures can be found online. When ordering, you will need to know the size of the porch you are

Advantages of a Screened Porch Enclosure

There are many advantages of having a screened in porch. It keeps insects and other flying bugs out of your living area. It provides protection from the rain and blocks out harmful UV rays from the sun. Adding a porch will also add to the value of your home. We have a screened in back porch that my family enjoys. We have also put up an outdoor fan, complete with lights. You will have many of the same advantages that you get from having patio covers, or a canopy gazebo in your backyard.

Other types would include screened porch awnings. If you already have a porch awning, you may want to add some type of screening material to the sides to make a DIY screened porch. This keeps you from having to deal with annoying insects. You can buy mosquito netting already made into various sizes. They are used widely on many types of gazebos for that very purpose.

Screened Porch

Nice Shaded Screened Porch

By choosing to add outdoor curtains or drapes, you have an opportunity to add a little style and color to your porch design. You can enhance your outdoor patio furniture by bringing in colors that will contrast or blend in with your furniture. Color is always a good choice for decorating and giving special touches to a design. Try adding in some throw pillows onto your chairs for added accents. It is easy to liven up an area by choosing a few techniques that will give your screened porch enclosure a great makeover.

You may want to add some porch windows if you choose to have a solid type of screened or enclosed porch. Windows give you an option of opening and closing the windows to regulate the flow of air into your porch. There are many companies that specialize in working with sun porches and screened in patios.

Screened porch enclosures are beautiful and will give your family a place to sit and relax with friends and neighbors. Visit porchawningsexpress for many other informative articles.

A canopy gazebo is a type of  outdoor gazebo that you can incorporate into your outdoor design. Although most homeowners would prefer a porch awning or patio cover for shade, they also might like to investigate their options on canopy gazebos, or other types of outdoor gazebos for their landscaping needs.

Cozy Canopy Gazebo

Advantage of a Canopy Gazebo

A canopy gazebo will give homeowners another place to have a nice shady respite for outdoor relaxation. You will find many uses of a canopy gazebo. They can serve as a focal point and center of interest in any type of landscape. It will draw your eyes toward it, especially if you landscape it with flowering shrubs or climbing roses. You can also put in a walkway made of stones that winds and curves its way up to the structure. Many homeowners enjoy outdoor entertaining with their friends and relatives.

A gazebo canopy also provides protection from the hot sun and rain. These structures are water repellent and come in handy  when the rain comes in unexpectedly. Many homeowners will use their added space to provide a quiet, cozy place to sit outdoors and read their favorite book or take a quick snooze in the fresh air.

What sizes are gazebo canopies?

You will find that the sizes of the actual gazebo, along with its canopy, will come in many different sizes. The most popular sizes are 8x8’ and 10 x 10’ and 10 x 20’. Many other sizes are available if you need a different size.

What shape gazebo can I find?

Outdoor gazebos come in various shapes. The most common and most popular shape is the square, followed next by the rectangular ones. Hexagonal gazebos and octagon shapes are also available. They tend to cost a little more than the common shapes.

What materials are gazebos made of?

A canopy gazebo consists of a metal or aluminum frame that has four posts and a top. The top portion of this type is made of canvas which is very popular and can be easily replaced if it should tear or wear away. Other gazebos may be made of wood, or wrought iron and may be a permanent structure or a portable type of structure.

Permanent gazebo versus portable gazebo

If you are concerned about what type of gazebo that you should purchase for your backyard, you should consider what you will use your gazebo for and how much money you are willing to spend on purchasing one. Permanent ones are more expensive and are usually a little heavier than the portable type. They are usually made of wood with a wood or shingled roof; Or, they may be made of wrought iron or some other type of metal. This type of gazebo is meant to stay in one place.

Portable types include pop up gazebos and canvas gazebos. They are easy to assemble and take down and are lighter in weight. They can be taken to different locations and can be used for many types of outdoor functions.

Building a DIY awning is a great project for homeowners. If you are handy with tools and construction projects, you will enjoy this DIY project. This is a great outdoor awning project that your family will enjoy for  years to come. Enjoying the great outdoors is something continues to be an on-going pastime for many American families. You need to make some preparations before purchasing any materials so that your awning project will be a positive experience and turn out the way you are planning.

Simple Awning Design

The cost of a DIY project can be considerably less than having a carpenter come in and do it for you. If you have any doubts about any part of the construction, you can find details books on how to start building your awning from scratch. There are some simple rules to know that should help you out and point out the main steps to concentrate on.

Measuring Your Space

As with any project you will need to measure the area accurately. You should design your awning in a way that it will blend in with the architecture of your  home. It should be in proportion to the are you are places it and should not be too large.

Consider the lengths of the wood that you are going to use since this plays a big part in the construction process. You don’t want to have too many joints, are joints in the wrong places that might compromise the stability of the structure. If possible put your ideas on paper and see if it will work on paper with the dimensions you have.

Choosing Supports

The posts that you use to support your structure is very important. Don’t skimp on getting good heavy duty posts since this is the support for the entire structure. The roof and wood will add weight to the structure as will wind and snow if you live in the northern states.

It is recommended to get posts 8 x 8 inches square, but this will depend on the size of your awning. You should also use metal angle iron to connectthe bottom of a metal or wooden support post to your floor decking or concrete. Each post must be secured into a permanent position so that your awning does not fall down.

Awning fitted perfectly in place

Put Your Design on Paper

Decide before you begin your project how long each piece should be and write it down. Mentally go through the steps and pieces that you will put in place. It is better to use nuts and bolts, rather than rely on nails as they are prone to come out and not be as sturdy as bolts. Wood Screws is the next best option for some portions of your project, such as put in the decking materials if you are doing a floor also.

Roof and Coverings

This is the part that will allow you an array of options to choose from. The type of awning cover that you choose will depend a lot on where you live and the weather conditions in your area, and what activities will be going on under your awning. You may choose from a roof made of simple outdoor fabrics that will coordinate with other furniture or colors that you are using. You may choose a traditional trellis type covering, or a solid wood or shingled roof, or some type of metal. You may also choose to install a DIY retractable awning canopy that can be rolled in and out as the weather changes.

Finishing Touches

Once your framework and roof are in place, you are ready to add any finishing touches to your awning. Many homeowners like to install some type of lighting. There are many different types of  lights and accessories available that can be placed on a deck or patio area under your awning. Place some outdoor furniture and some colorful cushions out and you will have created a great outdoor addition to your home for you and your family to enjoy.

Adding a porch awning to your home is beneficial in many ways. Before you decide to make a purchase, you should gather information, and then make a wise decision based on that information. Porch awnings can add to the resale value of your home if you should ever decide to sell your home.  These stylish awnings provide, not only shade, but protection from the glaring sun and the harmful rays that can cause skin damage. This allows you more time out in the sun and outdoors that you might not choose to do normally.

Porch Awnings Provide Shade

The sun can also cause havoc on your outdoor furniture and upholstery by causing fading of the material prematurely. Having a porch awning can save you money as well. They can actually cut down on your energy bill since the awning blocks out much of the sun. This also includes blocking out glares that come through your windows. It is very annoying to have glares on your television screen when you are trying to enjoy a program.

By having a porch awning over your deck, you are able to spend more time outdoors entertaining since the weather is not as much of a deterrent as it would be without a porch awning.

Porch awnings come in many fashionable styles, as well as a variety of colors and patterns to match your outdoor decor and  colors. You will find it very easy to locate a porch awning that has just the right color or even a pattern that you are looking for.

Porch Drop Shades

A porch awning can be made to attach to your home where you have easy access to have the shade when and where you need it to be. Porch drop shades can be very stylish and colorful and they add a different option for you to choose.

A Retractable awning can be rolled in an out as needed. There are also types of awnings that do not roll out and will provide the homeowner with constant protection from the elements.

There are many companies that sell porch awnings. Don’t be afraid to shop around and see what each company has to offer. Sometimes they have sales and discounts on shipping and installations.

If you have been contemplating building a porch awning and are concerned that it may be too hard to build one yourself, then read over some helpful tips that you will need to know before trying a DIY project of this scope.

You are surely aware of the advantages that a porch awning can bring to your home and family. Having enough shade where you need it is priceless and can even add to the value of your home. Your family will delight in all of the opportunities that they will have to go outdoors and have parties and activities without the glaring hot sun to put a damper on events.

You may even decide to add a little outdoor lighting to your porch awning while you are at it. Lights will give you the ability to entertain after the sun goes down when it is much cooler outdoors and more enjoyable.

Take Precise Measurements

What you need to know before starting your project

Plan where you are going to place your porch awning and to know how large of an awning that your chosen space will accommodate. You will need to take precise measurements so that you will know how much lumber and the correct lengths of wood to get. There are many books and plans for awning kits that will help give you more precise directions for doing each step in the construction of a porch awning.

Also make sure that the size of your awning will not overpower your home, or be so small that the awning looks totally out of place where you have it. Try to make it hang and slope down naturally and have enough room for the supports that will be needed for your DIY project.

The posts that support your awning is the most important part of your project since the post will bear the weigh of the entire project. Don’t skimp on quality and size in this area. This is where you may need to consult a builder if you are not aware of the proper sized posts for your awning. You will need to use angle iron or metal housing when it comes to attaching the bottom of the posts to concrete or decking surfaces.

Use angle iron for joints and posts.

The framework of your awning will need to be planned out, measured and cut to specific lengths. Seek out help and advise if you are non aware of how to plan for the drop of the roof, since this is very important. The degree of the angle is crucial to the structures stability.

Once you get your basic framework planned out, you can then move on to deciding what type of awning cover you would like on the roof.

Outdoor blinds can be the perfect solution to give you more shade and privacy for your outdoor enjoyment. It doesn’t matter if you are putting up outdoor blinds to keep the privacy for the inside, or outside of your home. It will give you both at the same time. Many times you may be entertaining outside and not want to disturb others inside your home. This is an alternative to putting up porch awnings or roll out awnings over  your window or patio doors.

Outdoor Blinds

Outdoor blinds provide shade for your windows. This will have the same effect as having a canopy over your windows. Blinds keep out glares and the intense heat from the sun on your window panes.

As for as privacy, blinds are excellent to add to your home. They are usually of a roll up type that can easily be raised or lowered when needed. This can block out the sunlight and provide shade as well as a nice back drop to entertaining.

Choose colorful blinds to serve as accents, or to blend in with any existing patio furniture that you are using outdoors. Try to match some upholstery with bright colors, or whatever color scheme that you have going on.

There are many options for blinds and shades. Pull down shades can be purchased with a wide choice of many colors. Some companies advertise well over 35 types of outdoor materials to choose from.

Outdoor Blinds for Privacy

Outdoor Blinds for Shade

Outdoor blinds can be placed around patios, screened rooms, arbors, hot tubs, gazebos, and just about anything else you need them for. They can be taken down very easily and stored over the colder months. Taking them down each season will prolong the life of your blinds and let the sunlight in during the colder months when we need all of the warming sun that we can get.

Outdoor blinds come in standard widths of 4 ft, 5 ft, 6 ft, 8 ft, and 10 ft widths. Most of them are adjustable and will pull down around 84 inches or so.

Materials

You can choose from many types of materials, Sunbrella fabrics are very good quality. You  may also choose to check out the mesh fabrics that feature Airflow Mesh fabrics in a variety of colors. These can be purchase in varying widths, beginning with 4 ft widths to 10 ft widths. The sizes correspond to the widths of the blinds.

Roll up shades can be placed on the outside of a patio or window to keep the bright light and harmful UV rays from getting into your home. Many of you may be searching for more information on roll up shades. This article will give you an overview of roll up shades and how they are beneficial, types of roll up shades and much more. They can reduce your energy bills and can keep away glares from appearing on your TV or other electronic products.

Roll up shades, as well as roll out awnings, come in many different colors and can be made on varying types of materials. They can be custom made to fit your patio doors or windows. This is good news if you happen to have odd-sized ones that are a little outside the norm.

They are also used as privacy screens. This is especially nice if you happen to live in neighborhoods that have connecting backyards. Too often, yards and houses are so close together, that the inside of your home is on display if you have your lights on and no covering on your windows or doors. They also add to the look of your home by creating a wonderful appearance from the outside as well as the inside of your home.

You can bring your home to life by simply adding roll up shades that are brightly colored, or ones that will match the color of your home exterior, or ones that will match the fabric on your outdoor furniture. Color is always a great factor to consider when you are adding anything to your home, whether it is inside or outside. Beautiful roll up shades can be attractive as well as keep out the sun. This is a combination of it all!

Roll up shades are fairly easy to install. The most important point to make, is that you need to get the correct measurements of all sides of your window or door opening and keep these handy so you will have them readily available when you are ready to make your purchase. If you are not confident that you can measure correctly yourself, you can find a contractor or someone who can measure correctly to assist you.

Roll up shade around deck area

Roll up shades for your window, as well as your door, come in many colors. They come with an aluminum head rail and some type of pulley system to raise or lower them as needed. The awnings material can vary, but most of them are made of a special type of polyethylene, vinyl, or bamboo products. These outdoor shades are the perfect addition to your yard or garden area as well. There are many places online that offer beautiful roll up shades and discount roll up shades that are definitely worth taking a look at. Be sure to shop around and find the ones best suited for your home. More information on other types of patio covers and canopies can also be found on this site.

If you have recently purchased a retractable awning kit, this DIY guide will help you through the steps with ease. Whether we are talking about awnings, canopies, or sunroofs it is a fact that they all can extend your patio by providing shade and allowing your outside dining season to be extended. There are a variety of styles to choose from, and you can purchase kits that contain hardware and materials to install these types of covers yourself.

You can make an awning project of working with any one type of awning or porch awning by following steps to install it onto your patio. I have chosen to hang a DIY retractable awning kit to install. A retractable awning is a versatile, convertible top you can roll up for sun exposure, or flip down and roll it up to go under cover. It is also known as a roll up or roll out awning as well.

General Info on Getting Started
Most kits come with a mounting board you affix to your house so that the awning is not attached directly to your siding. If your kit does not contain a mounting board, purchase a ledger board for this purpose. Because you are adding a fixture to the side of your home, you must secure it properly. Siding alone is not strong enough to support the weight of an awning when it is fully extended. A strong wind could destroy the cover and take chunks of your home’s surface with it. You should use a stud finder to affix mounting boards or other hardware, such as screws, nails, and such to structural points. Points such as joints, studs, or headers.

While you’re finding the exact spot to insert your mounting board, remember that you don’t want to hammer or drill into wiring or plumbing lines. Lines should be centered in wall studs, so you can penetrate the stud up to one inch. You will have to figure out how thick the siding and sheathing are to be able to figure your fastener length.

Preliminaries
As with any kit, read directions carefully before assembling the awning, and double-check that all parts are included. Careful measurements will ensure that your awning provides the coverage you desire without blocking views or cramping headroom.
Your instructions will include the awnings’s pitch height, which is how far the awning drops down when it is fully extended. When determining where to attach your mounting board and brackets, first decide where you want the brim of the awning to fall. Allow for plenty of headroom. You’ll want to enter and exit the covered space without ducking under the awning brim. And you don’t want guests to feel claustrophobic under the cover. Consider these variables when deciding where you want the awning brim to fall. Then, add the pitch height to this measurement for the total height. (For example, 6 ft. Headroom (1.8m) plus 1 ft. (0.3 m) pitch height for a total of 7 ft.(2.1m) This final measurement is where you attach the awning to your house.
Supplies

• Stud finder
• Power Drill
• Phillips screwdriver
• Wrench
• Level
• Tape measure
• Chalk
• Mounting board (in kit), or lumber

Steps
1. According to kit instructions, determine where you will hang the mounting board and awning brackets by figuring in pitch height.(See preliminaries) Using your tape measure and chalk, mark this height on your home’s siding with X’s.
2. Locate structural points with a stud finder. Mark these with X’s.
3. Using a level, draw a straight line where you will attach the mounting board to your home.(You will drill awning brackets into this board, according to instructions.)
4. Before hanging the mounting board, drive in awning brackets. Refer to your kit for spacing measurements.
5. Next, hang the mounting board.
6. Proceed with kit instructions, securing the awning to the brackets

I hope this has been helpful. For more information on all other topics relating to porch awning, canopies, and patio covers, visit Porchawningsexpress.com.

If you have recently acquired a caravan porch awning, or if you have owned one for a time, you should know that they need to be card for regularly . You may wonder “How in the world can I care for an awning?” Here are some helpful suggestions.

When you first purchase your caravan porch awning, make sure that you have read the instruction manual and follow the instructions of how to properly set up each portion. If your caravan awning has been set up correctly, then you are ready to enjoy relaxing outdoors and taking advantage of your nice shaded area. Having a caravan porch awning will allow you to set outdoors out of the harsh rays of the sun. You will also have a nice sheltered area to enjoy when it rains. Many caravan owners enjoy sitting under their awning when a nice little rain shower is passing by. It is very relaxing to sit and listen to the rain.

You should make sure when your caravan porch awning is not in use, that you store it properly. It should be stored in a dry area, free from moisture. Make sure that your awning is dry before you bring it in. If you have to pack it up quickly, make sure you unfold it as soon as possible and open it up to dry. Storage areas such as garages, attics or basements of your home may be a good site to store your awning when not in use. You don’t want mold to set into your fabric. If it does, you should use soap and water and a soft cloth to try to remove the mold. It may be necessary to use a soft brush. Do not use anything too stiff, as it could take off the protective coating that is on your fabric or material.

If the substance do not come off, you should try to obtain some canvas cleaning materials that are sold especially for cleaning canvas materials. Blue Diamond is a company in the UK that sells quality cleaning products for caravans.

Remember, that your awning will last you for a long time and give you many years of protection against the elements if you will just remember to take good care of it and keep it clean and free of mold and rust.