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Patio canopies have a great number of uses and applications. They can create the perfect environment to exercise outside without having to worry about sunscreen or rain, but still allow you to enjoy the outside air and keep your equipment from damage. If you have plants that need sunshine but also shade, the pots can be transported into the canopy area. If you've planned a cookout planned and it starts drizzling, a canopy means you don't have to cancel your plans. If your pet stays outside most of the day, he can still have a place to retreat for shade. If your patio chair cushions are in the sun all day, they may fade, but if protected by the canopy, they will maintain their color and last longer.
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There are quite a few options available for installing a patio canopy, available both online and at your local home improvement center. There are freestanding canopies, lattice styles such as pergolas and attached retractable awnings. The freestanding options range from umbrella styles to overhead detached canopies that have an independent structure to them. The attached ones can be secured directly to your house or garage. They can be fixed-open canopies or retractable, with either an electric opening device or a manual hand-crank device. Lattices or arbors are normally wood structures that can be open with plants grown up around the woodwork or have canvas sheets attached.
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The simple-style umbrellas or fixed awnings have a few options, such as the material they are made of--wood, metal or even plastic--and a variety of colors and patterns. The detached canopy structures have even more variations available. Some of these are simply a square shape with no openings, while others will have additional venting at the top, side netting and curtains. The lattice style can go even a step further in customization, from the simple wood lattice structures to intricate draping of fabrics, gutters, shingles and even electrical wiring for fans, lights or cooking areas.
- Since the styles available to range from small, simple installations to large intricate installations, the time to set them up can also vary. A small, simple awning, umbrella or canopy can be set up and installed in one day. When a larger structure is being built, such as the lattice ones, they can take days or weeks to install. The larger ones are meant to be a more permanent solution and can also add a good amount of value to your home.
- Putting the canopy together can be as simple as snapping some of the bars into place and setting it to the proper location. The more complex ones may involve planning, cutting and assembling, depending on how detailed the canopy area is. For simple canopies, there should be a set of directions for assembly. These normally have steel bars that interlock, starting at the top, having the canvas inserted into the designated slot and then hooked into each other. Once the top area has been assembled, it is then connected to the leg portion, if it is a detached canopy. If it is an attached canopy, it is then screwed onto the holding board against the house or garage. The more detailed ones follow a similar process. With the exception of a kit, they are normally designed by the person building it, so the materials must be cut and assembled using bolts, screws and nails versus having interlocking components like the kits.
- When assembling any canopy, be careful when using the tools and use proper safety precautions. Take precautions to not bend the bars during assembly. For more complex canopies, power tools may be used, such as saws, nail guns and drills. When using these products, safety glasses should be used and possibly gloves for protection. Have all loose items removed and be fully alert when operating the machinery. Make sure all measurements are correct before cutting, and line up items correctly before assembling.
