About Overhead Patio Covers

Retractable Awnings

• A retractable awning is one choice of an overhead patio cover. Made from canvas materials that are resistant to sun damage and available in many different colors and patterns, these awnings attach to the house and roll out to cover the patio. This makes them easy to retract when you want more sun on the patio.

Tent-Style Covers

• A smaller version of outdoor event tents, the patio tent is made of a durable canvas or sailcloth material, and is the perfect size to protect patio furniture and provide shade. This is not as easily removed as the retractable awning but is still not a permanent cover. These are also available in many colors and styles, including screened sides and scalloped edges.

Benefits of Overhead Patio Covers

• An overhead patio cover provides protection from the sun, can create a lower temperature on the patio and will help prevent fading and sun damage of patio furniture. Using a retractable patio cover makes opening up the area to the sun a fast and easy task. Overhead patio covers create a shady, comfortable family area where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors without being in unrelieved sunlight.

Cost

• A basic tent-style overhead patio cover can be found at most home and garden stores,and generally costs between $200 and $300.
  A retractable awning is more expensive because it provides more versatility. There are major brands like the Sunsetter, which are priced based the dimensions and cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.
  Retractable awnings that you can buy in the stores are a little more reasonable, ranging from $500 to $1,000 for a full-size awning.

Considerations

• When purchasing an overhead patio cover, you will need to make sure you get the right size to cover your patio area.
  If you choose a retractable awning you will need to ensure you have a stable wall on which to install it.
  A tent-style cover will require space for the corner posts to sit.
  All overhead patio covers that are made of canvas or cloth will eventually need to be replaced due to sun and weather damage. So be aware that this is not a one-time purchase.