Once you decide to enhance your home in British Columbia with a finished outdoor space, you’ll have to sort through your options. You may be attracted to the architectural statement made by a pergola. On the other hand, you could be leaning toward a patio cover because it offers more protection from the elements. Deciding between a pergola canopy or a covered patio depends largely on your preferences and goals for the space. Both are lovely upgrades to your outdoor spaces that offer multiple lifestyle benefits.
Traits of a Pergola
These canopies are constructed of wood or aluminum. Depending on their size, the structures normally have four large corner posts that support rafters positioned at right angles to the cross beams. It’s a free-standing structure that does not attach directly to your home’s wall or roof. For this reason, it can cover an outdoor space right next to your house or be positioned over a patio that is out in the yard or next to a swimming pool. The structure creates some shade by casting multiple shadows over the patio, but it does not usually have a solid roof. The main advantage of this type of outdoor space covering is the ease with which you can decorate it. People often choose to hang outdoor lights or potted plants from the rafters. The results can be stunning with foliage and flowers enclosing your seating area with soothing vegetation. At night, the lighting creates an inviting oasis where you can enjoy a cool evening breeze.
Overall benefits:
- Breezy and open
- Safest for grilling due to no solid roof
- Can hang lights, audio speakers, and plants
Traits of Patio Covers
A roof over a deck or patio is attached to your home’s structure on one side. Posts support the remainder of the cover at its outer corners. It will be outfitted with a solid roof that shields the space from rain. This roof will have a gentle pitch to direct rainwater away from your home’s exterior wall and foundation. In this way, it serves as a patio cover Vancouver homeowners can rely on to help keep a foundation dry if you’re having an issue with that. As for the roof, you have the option to install opaque material to shade the area or construct one with clear acrylic panels that allow in natural light while still stopping the rain. You may appreciate a clear-paneled cover if your patio is already shaded by large trees. Then you would want the natural light and additional protection from falling leaves or needles.
Overall benefits:
- Rain protection
- More shade with solid roof option
- Buffer between interior room and hot summer sun
How to Make a Final Decision
Protected outdoor spaces soften the edge between indoor and outdoor spaces. As a result, your home feels larger and more connected to nature at the same time. To make a choice between your options, think about how important rain protection is to the space. Some people are more interested than others in relaxing in their outdoor spaces when the rain is falling. Additionally, try to visualize how your options will look. A pergola canopy adds more architectural interest compared to a covered patio.
