Need help with Covered Patio Design

Gennadiy Baturin

7 years ago

I have a concrete slab in South-West part of the house. The size is about 20x20

It is shady in the morning, but in the afternoon, when it could be used the most of the time it has too much sun.

This is how it looks now:

I am thinking to build a cover, type of pergola or something, but need help with the placement and design in general.

I want it to cover the double door, so I do not get wet if have to go out in the rain.

Another problem is the bay windows. I have a couple of chairs inside next to this window, not sure if I will get enough light with the cover.

I would like to have couch, table, maybe fireplace under the cover. Also it would be nice to keep dining table to eat outside.

I have no idea how to approach the area design in general.

I do not know what size to build, is it the bigger the better?

Should it attached to the house or detached on the posts?

Any advise is appreciated.

Thank you

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Comments (5)

mindshift
7 years ago
If you put a roof over this area it will shade the bay window and the patio door. The interior will be darker. However, a PERGOLA is not a roof, so won't protect against rain. Be mindful of how much space you have and how much space can be taken up by furniture before things get crowded. Chairs offer more design versatility than a sofa. HERE is a Houzz article on furniture in outdoor spaces. As to wanting an outdoor fireplace, I would set it away from the house, and HERE is a link to Inspectopedia's rules on height of chimneys in relation to the roof.

There is a PRODUCT that allows a patio roof to overhang the home's roof. This prevents rain from getting through and allows more headroom and slope for the roof. These roof risers must sit over the top plate of the exterior wall, though, which means you might not be able to cover the side of the patio nearest the bay window. HERE is a photo of a completed roof addition. Otherwise, consider a standard PAVILION with an awning between the door and the pavilion.
partim
7 years ago
Also plant some trees that will give you shade when you need it. Shade from a tree is cooler than the shade from an awning, because the trees evaporate water. I love the trees on the west side of my house. You can plant them in addition to adding an overhead structure.
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BeverlyFLADeziner
7 years ago

Some options
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
7 years ago
Some ideas here http://insidetherosariansgarden.com/dw/45677/718nxa-fascinating-to-pergola/45631/
partim
7 years ago
Don't forget that the hot west sun will come sideways onto the patio. Design your pergola with a cover on the west side, and/or plant something hedge-like. It can be a fast-growing shrub that loses its leaves in winter, since you only want the shade in summer. For example, a couple of large panicle hydrangeas like Limelight.