Pergola structure: “The pergola’s strength comes from wide-flange steel beams flanked on each side by 6-by-4 tube steel columns,” says Ginn. The roof structure sits on top of this solid structure. The steel is coated with Tnemec paint, developed in Kansas City specifically for this type of climate, making it an excellent choice for protecting the steel
Everything about this long and narrow outdoor patio in Mexico is pretty fabulous, but observant Houzzers bookmarked this photo for the unique bamboo ceiling treatment. The beautiful colors on the outdoor pillows were another favorite feature, as were the fantastic outdoor lanterns next to each column.
Cloth. A detailed and expansive structure isn't necessary for some simple sail-like shades. While you can easily spend thousands of dollars on a sophisticated shading system with guide wires and the like, a few posts, some wires and fabric will set you back a minimal amount of money and be a really nice way to shade the patio. As with the umbrellas, doing some research into the material for the shades is important. And make sure that the cloth is pitched to allow rainwater to fall off of it. Without that pitch, rainwater can puddle up in the middle of the cloth sail, causing the fabric to stretch and be ruined — or, worse, causing the whole system to collapse because of the weight of the water. And make it so you can easily take down the fabric canopy and store it for the winter, especially in climates that get ice and snow.
Umbrella. The most basic patio or deck cover is the freestanding umbrella. Whether grouped with a table or a chair, providing shade while you're outside having lunch or a morning coffee — or, better yet, a midafternoon quaff — a bright and colorful umbrella can add a splash of color and zest to an outdoor space while providing some relief from the hot summer sun. While there are many umbrellas that are part of the table, in which a hole for the umbrella pole is provided, I've always preferred umbrellas that can be easily moved — that way you can block the hot sun from any direction it comes from. Of course, a nice thing is that umbrellas can be had for little money, typically in the range of a few hundred or so dollars for a nice one that will provide many years of shade. It's also neat that you can integrate LED lighting within the umbrella canopy. While these lights won't illuminate an entire outdoor space, they'll shed some nice lighting onto the table surface, just where it's needed.
Outrigger Awnings and Sails, Sydney SaveEmail The rainproof shade protecting this home in Sydney gives the deck area an upscale look while also helping to keep the home’s interior cool. Well-designed, sturdily built shades and awnings can be just as durable as other pergola materials.
Awnings and shades. A waterproof awning by Outrigger Awnings and Sails makes this outdoor area cool and comfortable without making the space dark.
American Goldfinch Unlike most native songbirds, goldfinches are strictly vegetarian, relying primarily on a diet of seeds. Native grasses, sunflowers and noninvasive thistles are great food sources for goldfinches, and feeders filled with sunflower and Nyjer seeds supplement their winter meals. If you do use a feeder, be sure to regularly clean it to prevent house finch eye disease.
Removing large pine trees from the property meant a lot more exposure to sunshine, so Krefman designed a custom retractable shade structure that riffed on something he’d seen at the Parker hotel in Palm Springs, California, and on various awnings in Northern California’s wine country. The shade fabric slides along steel cables. When Krefman or McFarland want to open one side or the whole thing, they use a kind of cane to reach up and slide the fabric across. Magnets on the end snap the fabric in place when it’s fully opened. “I wanted to avoid a giant umbrella pole,” Krefman says. “This really freed up floor space and allows us to manage what gets sun and what doesn’t.” Krefman says that he and McFarland have an “open-door policy” on the weekends for friends wanting to get away from the San Francisco fog and into the sunshine. Friends stop by to hang out by the pool, and enjoy wine and cheese or cocktails. “We never know who’s going to show up,” Krefman says. “We stay busy entertaining, for sure.” Awning: PJ’s Canvas; furniture: Terra Teak Furniture
Umbrella mobility means you'll always have shade where you want it as the sun moves across the sky. Freestanding umbrellas either have a straight pole rising from a base, or the umbrella is offset. With an offset umbrella, the arm that holds the actual umbrella can be raised, lowered, angled and generally manipulated in a number of ways to get the shading exactly where you want it. This is ideal where there's room, as the base can be kept away from the table or chairs and won't block your way on the patio or deck. As for materials, the poles are generally either aluminum or wood, and the umbrella fabric can be a range of materials. When looking at umbrella fabrics, things to consider will be ease of cleaning, durability, fade resistance, UV protection, mold and mildew resistance, and water resistance.
Lining pergolas with unpainted wood can add beauty along with protection from the elements. A lofty pergola that allows plenty of airflow and light will prevent it from feeling too dark or enclosed.
Wood paneling. If shade is what you need to make your outdoor zone more usable, a wood-lined pergola could be the way to go. Consider incorporating a couple of panels of clear, corrugated roofing to let some light in.
Invest in a covered patio. Although it might be more of a splurge, a pergola like this one, paired with a perfectly positioned fireplace wall, conveniently blocks neighbors from seeing your dinner party.
Add a place for al fresco dining. Embrace la dolce vita with a great big outdoor dining table, and enhance your life with leisurely weekend lunches and laid-back dinner parties. Bonus points if you position your outdoor dining table next to your edible garden!
Narofsky Architecture + ways2design SaveEmail "If the pavers are spaced too far apart, the walking becomes self-conscious and stretched," says Joseph Huettl. "If they're too close together, plants or lawn won't grow properly." Huettl recommends using 1.5-inch to 3-inch gaps for gravel, 2- to 4-inch gaps for fine ground covers, and 3- to 6-inch gaps for lawn to grow.
This outdoor room is not complicated and nor does it have to be. It’s the surrounding spaces that create the atmosphere in this courtyard — no additional embellishment needed. Simplicity is the key.
Translucent colors are more forgiving in an overhead application, making the build-up of leaves and other debris less visible from the ground. For canopy construction, selecting a lightweight material is important, as it allows the support structure to remain thin and unimposing.
Looks like an enclosed porch
Birdy Dr., GJ,
The steps plus the patio with cover
Flat roof. Colored posts. Under roof boards. 2 ceiling fans.
Q