Open Lattice Patio Cover

If you live in a region where it’s sunny all year you may simply need an open lattice patio cover to give a little shade, perhaps with a vine or some foliage growing through the lattice work. This open lattice patio cover design will give shade without cutting out too much light and they can be built from aluminum that looks like wood and is resistant to the elements and also maintenance free.

Solid Lattice Patio Cover

If you live in a cooler climate but one that does not get frequent snowfall or regular harsh inclement weather, then a solid lattice patio cover may give enough protection from rain and wind without totally enclosing the area. These solid patio cover designs may be ordered in cedar embossed aluminum that give a wood-like appearance but won’t require painting and will never chip or peel like wood that is painted.

Screen Rooms

In regions where there is sun and many months of warmth, screen rooms may the perfect choice because they offer protection from insects, provide shade, and give a general shelter from the elements, however the area remains open to the natural breeze and sunlight that will come in through the screened area.

Patio Enclosures

Total patio enclosures, perhaps using the newest aluminum patio covers may be the best solution to extending the use of your patio well into winter months in colder climates that receive snowfall. These solid enclosures can also be made from enamel finished frames and imitation wood that is actually aluminum and requires no maintenance. These types of patio enclosures offer 3″ insulated walls, horizontal sliding windows (and a good brand to keep in mind is Millennium Windows) and perhaps you may wish to add some French doors. Additionally you may have added protection with thermally broken extrusions and all the materials can be made from wind and rain resident materials that are aluminum. You can add a full gutter system with downspouts and even have a fully insulated roof. The windows could be screened so that they can be left open to offer air on warm days and be like a screen room, yet able to close and be sealed on cold winter days. Adding a screen room or complete enclosure to a deck can not only add value to your home but allow to have extra livable space, and perhaps even be an area for a bright home office or a place for plants and an indoor garden.

Aluminum Patio Covers

Aluminum patio covers have come a long way from the days when they looked like cold industrial metal framework additions to residential homes. They are now elegant and can match wood or other materials from which your home may have been constructed. Since it is important that any kind of aluminum patio cover not look like an afterthought, you may want to consult a contractor regarding how to build a patio cover from the newest alumawood patio covers that are on the market today. However, there are some good patio cover kits that are sold through home improvement centers that allow you to build a patio cover on your own if you are a handy type person.

Here are same popular styles and prices for a variety of patio cover options:

• Classic 12 Ft. x 14 Ft. Attached Aluminum Open Lattice Patio Cover that is maintenance free for about $1,600 from The Home Depot
• Arrow Buildings 10 x 20 ft. attached vinyl patio cover for about $1,600 from Sears (vinyl-coated and galvanized steel parts)
• Classic 10 Ft. x 20 Ft. Attached Aluminum Solid Patio Cover for about $1,500 from The Home Depot
• Classic 10 Ft. x 18 Ft. Attached Aluminum Solid Patio Cover for about $1,400 from The Home Depot
• Classic 10 Ft. x 20 Ft. Attached Aluminum Open Lattice Patio Cover for about $2,200 from The Home Depot

Vinyl Patio Covers

Vinyl Pergola and vinyl patio covers are not what you might imagine. These lovely lattice patio covers look like metal or wood or can be pure white or painted or treated to have a variety of finishes. They are easy to install and usually come in vinyl patio kit packages that include galvanized steel inserts for beams and post bases, materials pre-cut lengths and all the instructions needed to erect in just a few days. These patio covers can be added to a deck or patio or can be made as freestanding pergolas near your house or even in a garden.

Vinyl patio covers are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that outlasts their wood patio cover counterparts because vinyl lasts a lifetime. Pergolas and vinyl patio covers are maintenance free and are only a little more expensive than wood, yet will never need to be replaced. Just to give you an idea of price, and 8X10 cover will cost about $2,000, an 20X14 will cost about $4,500. These are patio covers that are attached to the house. For ones that are freestanding pergolas, they will cost about $2600 for an 8X10 and almost $5,000 for a large 20X14. These patio cover kits include everything needed to finish your project.

Metal Patio Covers

Metal patio covers are not just for a patio or deck or porch but may also be useful as carport covers that double as a garage to provide shelter for cars and vehicles from rain, hail, snow and heat, or deck covers for country homes or even boat covers. Carport kits and patio cover kits (including the boat cover models) are usually prefabricated from aluminum or steel and come in single wide and double wide aluminum options. However, for deck covers you will probably need custom sizes to fit with your home, apartment or condominium.

There are two basic kinds of prefabricated models, the free standing carports and the attached models. You can hire a contractor to install these covers or if you are looking to do it yourself, there are metal carport kits and metal patio cover kits for handy do it yourself homeowners.

Alumawood shade structures come in two styles:

• Laguna lattice patio cover
• Newport solid roof patio cover

For paint, it is recommended to use the brand called Aluma-Shield which is considered the most durable paint of aluminum patio covers because it’s made with a Teflon protector and is made exclusively for Alumawood structures.

Equinox Louvered Roof is a very unique style of cover because it is in essence a lattice structure that allows you to open and close the lattices to have more of less lattice opening or select an angle for shade protection or totally close off the lattice to have a solid cover. It is all controlled by a button and so is very easy to use. These modern coverings can be had in almost any finish you desire like aluminum, steel, wood, stucco, or painted looks.

Maxx Panel Insulated Roof is a high-density thermal foam that gives covers insulation and strength and integrates a tongue-and-groove connection system with an internal gutter system and a thermal break protection with a cedar embossed durable coating on aluminim that comes in many colors. All this is designed for extreme climates, either very hot or for heavy snow areas. This patio roof cover system can be used for alumawood shade structures, sunrooms, patio enclosures and screen rooms. You can find these wonderful patio cover products from an Amerimax dealer in your region.

DIY Patio Covers

Building a patio cover on your own may require you to take some time to consider these problems: how and where to insulate, where are the gaps and crevices that may cause leakage, where to best place the gutters and eves troughs, where does the sun and best lighting will come, where does the wind hit the house and when there are rainstorms or snowstorms which sides are the hardest hit. These things you will probably know if you have been living in your home for a while. Try to cover the areas or sides that get the most direct wind and rain and snow and leave windows and doors to the sides that receive the most sunlight.

There are DIY Patio Cover kits that start from as little as $6.50 per square foot. Naturally there are many that are more expensive.

Patio Cover Plans

Patio cover plans are not universal, the one that may be right in a tropical setting will not work well in a cold northern one. So when selecting from patio cover designs, be they online or in magazines, be sure to focus on ones that are specifically designed for your climate and region. Also, consider the style of the home and decide if aluminum patio covers will look out of place, say for example your home is made of brick or have siding or is totally wood or has a stone finish. And weigh the pros and cons of wood patio covers carefully because some styles may require expensive yearly maintenance whereas some aluminium patio covers are totally maintenance free. Many contractors and engineers have written books about patio cover design and offer them for sale online. Some are very unique patented cover designs, while others are basic. Here are a few places to get such plans:

• Black & Decker Complete Guide to Patios: Plan, Build and Maintain by Phil Schmidt
• Ortho’s Patio Plans (Ortho’s All About Home Improvement) by Ortho Books
• Patio Roofs & Gazebos: A Complete Guide to Planning, Design, and Construction by Editors of Sunset Books
• The Black & Decker Complete Outdoor Builder: From Arbors to Walkways: 150 DIY Projects (Black & Decker Complete Guide) by Editors of creative Publishing
• Walks, Walls & Patios: Plan, Design & Build by Editors of Creative Homeowner and Glee Barre
• Complete Patio Book: The Latest Looks in Pavings, Great Outdoor Room Amenities…by Editors of Sunset Books
• Design Ideas for Decks & Patios by Heidi King
• Decks: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide) by Steve Cory and Glee Barre
• Decks & Patios for Dummies by Robert Beckstrom & National Gardening Assoc.

• Ideas For Great Patios & Decks by Editors of Sunset Books
• Black & Decker Complete Guide to Porches & Patio Rooms: Sunrooms, Patio Enclosures, Breezeways & Screened Porches by Phil Schmidt
• Building Screened Rooms: Creating Backyard Retreats, Screening in Existing Structures, A Complete How-to Guide by Editors of Sunset Books
• Porches & Sunrooms: Your Guide to Planning and Remodeling (Better Homes and Gardens(R)) by Better Homes and Gardens and John Riha
• How to Build Patio Roofs, a Sunset Book by Sunset Books Dream
• Porches and Sunrooms: Designing the Perfect Retreat by Michael Snow
• The Black & Decker Complete Outdoor Builder: From Arbors to Walkways: 150 DIY Projects (Black & Decker Complete Guide) by Editors of creative Publishing
• Porches & Other Outdoor Spaces: A Design Guide for Living Outdoors by James Grayson Trulove and Connie Sprague

Glass Atrium Sunroom

Alternatively you can choose to make a total glass atrium style sunroom with panels of glass or clear plexi extending onto the roof. The key to these sunrooms is sealing the joints so there is so leakage. Also you must take into account that in regions with heavy snowfall, these types of glass or plexi roofs must be slanted so the snow can slide off easily and not accumulate and become heavy.

A patio cover roof must be designed keeping the local weather in mind for it to be a servable and practical home addition.

A solarium or sunroom is a large undertaking that will require a professional, and it will be expensive. They can be straight glass or curved glass styles, or even a cathedral roof which is pointed or conservatories Sunroom design that is round or octagonal in shape. All of them will be custom built to suite the space available. These may be aluminum sunrooms and patio rooms that are white, sandstone or bronze with glass or they may be aluminum exterior frames in white or bronze with wood interiors and glass roofs.

Remember that a sunroom can have a glass roof or a solid one, can have total glass windows or just screens, can be framed in wood, metal or aluminum and can be a small addition over a porch r a complete front or side or all around home addition or even a separate building in a garden or near a pool. Unlike a simple carport or lattice patio cover, this kind of sunroom patio involves major construction. Because of this, it is impossible to quote approximate prices because there are far too many variables involved. You will nee to get a personalized quote from a sunroom expert in your area.

Here are some more books regarding sunrooms you may find useful:

• Porches and Sunrooms: Planning and Remodeling Ideas by Roger German
• Porches & Sunrooms: Your Guide to Planning and Remodeling (Better Homes and Gardens) by Better Homes and Gardens and John Riha
• Complete Patio & Deck Book: Creative Ideas & Fabulous Fix Ups (Lowe’s Home Improvement) by Sunset Books

Where To Buy Wooden Gazebos

The best places to buy wooden gazebo kits will depend on which country you live in since you should order from manufacturers and distributors in your own region to keep costs down. There are very different designs and huge price variations depending if you are in the US, Canada, Australia or the UK. We offer suggestions for buying options primarily for those in the United States and the UK.

In the US, Countryside Gazebos is a fantastic place to purchase some of the most intricate and beautifully designed outdoor gazebo models that are prefabricated and ready to assemble. One of the reasons we recommend their products is that you are not limited to just one or two designs, but have dozens of options and also you may design your own garden, deck or patio gazebo to suite your specific needs. For example you can choose to create a freestanding hexagonal gazebo that fits over a hot tub in a garden or over a deck, or you may want a small patio gazebo that is an extension to a porch and matches the wood or specific design of your house.

Outdoor Gazebo Cost Considerations

Please keep in mind that building a wood gazebo addition is a luxury and is not cheap, even prefabricated kits will cost several thousand dollars.

Naturally you can try to save some money by hiring a builder in your region and creating a simple design of your own, however even the most basic gazebo plans are not so simple because they are usually freestanding buildings that require a platform, a support structure, a solid roof, usually shingled and decorative features like spires and latticework or carved or doweled posts, as well as screens, doors, a variety of window styles and ventilation options.

Even an open style backyard wedding gazebo will cost a couple thousand dollars if it’s made from wood. If you’re on a very limited budget, or need a pergola, marquee tent or a wedding gazebo for one specific occasion, it may be best to rent one for the day instead of building a wooden structure. Another alternative is to but an affordable pop up style folding aluminum gazebo with a fabric roof. We will discuss these options further in this article. For now, we will focus on the designs that are available in solid wood from Countryside Gazebos.

Countryside Gazebos For Sale Online

If you choose to go with one of the prefabricated designs, you will have about a dozen to choose from. The options, aside from size variations, are things like choosing pine with screen openings or selecting a maintenance free vinyl framework. If you think the vinyl option will look cheap and plastic-like, then you haven’t seen the latest designs that are very elegant and can have cedar shakes or shingles or any style roof to give it an even richer look to match your home.

Wood Gazebo Plans & All Inclusive Prefabricated Kits

The basic designs start at over $5,000, but these are solid pine octagon designs that are 12 feet and include everything including the screens, , the cupola roof, cedar shakes, flat baluster railings, the decorative upper trim, and all the posts and braces. You can specify shingle color or type, add a paint or varnish to match your home, select trim and accessories of your choice, choose different window and screen options, or even add a design element of your own. The screen gazebo designs are naturally the best since they will keep the insects out and make the structure much more versatile for small dinner parties or barbeques.

You may also choose 14 feet designs or 12 feet by 18 feet styles that are oval or rectangular in shape. If you prefer a custom sized 10 x 10 gazebo for a small area or adding to a deck, then you can go to the design your own gazebo section and choose a smaller than standard plan. You will be able to view your structure as you design it online by going to the Virtual Designer option. It’s fun to watch your creation being built before your eyes, and alter items to decrees or increase the price as you build to suite your budget. When you’re done, if you like what you see, you can click and order what you’ve created and everything will be sent to you. If you require a builder to put it all together you will need to add about a thousand dollars more to your budget, so if you and a few friends can do it on your own, you can save some money by not hiring a contractor.

One final note about building a freestanding structure or addition. Although it may seem to be a small item you’re adding to a garden, it is in fact considered a building and in most places you will be required to obtain a building permit before starting to put up the structure. Check the building codes and permit requirements in your region beforehand just to avoid trouble. If you want to avoid permits and contractors then perhaps you may want to choose a portable gazebo tent or the many lovely metal and pop up gazebos that are not only much more affordable, but can be put up and taken down seasonally and will require no permits.

Pop up and Metal Gazebo Designs

In the US, there are marquee tents and metal designs that are practical and affordable alternatives. In the UK, there are also a similar item that are usually referred to as pop up gazebo structures or portable gazebo tents. In essence they are similar, however, the UK has more variety in the quick portable and pop up models, and the US has more options when it comes to semi-permanent metal, wrought iron and aluminum gazebo models.

Let’s have a closer look at all the designs and what you can expect to pay and where to shop. In the UK, the most affordable pop up gazebos are available online through Argos. They are very practical and cheap, starting at just under £15. Here’s what you get for that price: A steel frame and a polyester roof that’s 2.4m square. It comes packed flat and can be assembled quite easily by two people. Since it is a lightweight model, the entire unit being just 6.5kg., it is not recommended for use where there will be strong winds or inclement weather. It has no screens, so it is mostly protection from sun or very light rain for a garden party.

There are other models for £29, £39 and even u to about £65 that have various different features. Some are metal gazebo structures with canvas or polyester walls and have screens and flaps that can be put up or taken down, and others are gazebo tents more suitable for carnivals or festivals or as street booths. Gazebo awning designs can be placed on a deck or patio and the larger screened gazebos can be placed in a grassy garden or outdoor area and have protection from mosquitoes and a little wind protection should you use it at the seaside. They can be wonderful additions to a day at the sea with the children, serving as a place to change, a lounge area for mum and dad, and a shady place for a beach picnic. For a full day by the seaside or for a weekend party, a £40 portable gazebo may be just the thing.

However, we recommend a slightly more expensive design for the garden or home patio. It’s available at Argos and costs just £69, but it has a touch of elegance and is very versatile with clear screens and zip panels. Here’s everything it includes: It has complete closure with fly screens and four easy access entrance panels that zip and unzip, and two fixed panels. I comes in a lovely blue and creamy colour designed polyester fabric that drapes over a steel frame. It ‘s 4 meters wide and 260cm high, so it has ample space for a table and chairs, or cushions and blankets or whatever you desire to relax on, even a couple lounge chairs. It’s supported by cords and pegs, however it still is not a good source of protection against high winds, so it’s best used on warm sunny summer days. We suggest this item because we feel it is the best value for your money taking into account size, versatility, openness and pleasing esthetic design for casual or semi-formal use.

The larger party gazebos, which are 6m by 3 meters, rectangular in shape, and can be closed or opened and have small windows with screens, are practical also, although somewhat less esthetic, and cost about £99. For a large screened gazebo this is a good price, however, it is not an easy up gazebo by any means. It will take some men a bit of time to get this model up and ready for a function.

Portable Gazebos For Sale In The USA

Some of the best designs and most affordable pop up styles in the US are available at places like ACE Hardware, The Home Depot and Target. Even Amazon has some models that well worth taking at look at. Perhaps one of the best is a design sold through ACE that is just under $80 and is very stylish for garden parties or relaxing without too much sun. It’s called the Astonica, and it’s a 10 x 10 gazebo with a steel powder coated frame and a lovely taupe fabric covering. It’s also one of the few elegant waterproof gazebo designs in that price range, great for protection from surprise showers.

If you can afford to spend just a little more for an elegant wrought iron or metal gazebo, we highly recommend doing so. The difference is massive in terms of esthetic appeal. For about $199 to just over $200 you can have a very stylish wrought iron gazebo from Home Depot that could be used for a wedding or almost any function that’s formal or casual.

The variety of gazebo canopy replacement designs is what will make all the difference. For example, there are canopies that start at just $129 that are really chic and elegant, and complete sets with draped fabric awnings that would make any wedding or outdoor party a delight. Some of the more elaborate styles cost between $190 and almost $400, some include the frame, some are just the drapery or awnings that can be used on any appropriate size steel or aluminum frame. However, even the more expensive designs may be a very practical alternative for a wedding gazebo since they cost almost as much to rent for a day or weekend. The beauty is that they all fold up and can stored for summer use and not just for one event.

The one we feature here in the image costs just $188 from Home Depot and is 10 x 10 gazebo that’s portable and easy to assemble spontaneously. It includes a steel frame, the stakes for inserting into the ground to give it stability and all the cords you need to attach it, as well as all the gorgeous draped netting you see in the picture and the fancy valance and curtains and a storage bag.

If you’re looking for a more permanent fixture that’s not made of wood and is very affordable, you must see the dreamy fantasy designs that Home Hardware has to offer that costs just over $400. This ornate, 10 foot high garden gazebo is octagonal and offers 43 square feet of space. The solid steel structure is rust resistant and powder coated with curved arches and curled decorative floret accents. This French style gazebo masterpiece is an ideal choice for one special occasion or for a permanent garden or deck fixture since it comes with the appropriate brackets to anchor it and make it permanent. If you are searching for gazebo plans and finding that all the wooden ones are thousands of dollars and just not practical for a short summer season or a one day event, then just imagine this delicate metal gazebo in your garden or on your wooden deck, draped with white curtains or adorned with flowers or just left as it is.

Used awnings for caravans can be found by searching classified ads, but it takes time and doesn’t always mean you’ll find bargains on quality brand name annexes and full awnings. What you need is a list of items that are readily available in one central location, and a comparison of what the used items are worth new. Why? Because we’ve noticed that some annexes may be retailing used almost for as much as the new ones. It may look like a bargain initially, but if you’re not aware of a sale or a special offer, you may end up paying the same for a used product as a new one.

You also need to be aware that a full awning will be required to use an annex, and the same brand or style will be a must because the annexes usually attach to the full versions by way of zipping into the side of one of the removable walls and therefore increasing the capacity. But in order for one piece to fit with the other you’ll need the same brand and probably the same model.

Where To Shop For Cheap Caravan Awnings Both New and Used

Where can you go to get the used caravan awnings for sale alongside the new models? There are not a lot of places online that offer both services and have good lists of products that are second hand. But one we’ve found one that’s outstanding, the Glossop Caravans site, which is also part of Awning Land. While they carry a full selection of new Bradcot, Doema, SunCamp, Eurovent, Fiamma and other awning brands, they also have an area for used models and annexes categorized by brand, make, model and price. It’s easy to cross reference the used items with the new ones in their showroom or online catalogues and see how much you are actually saving.

How To Save Mixing Used and New

We’ve noticed that when it comes to buying the caravan awning porch annexes, the savings are much less than when buying the full models. Perhaps a good idea would be to buy, for example, a full Bradcot classic awning that’s used for about £299 (versus the new one for £599) and then add a new annex for about £149 (because the used ones are between £99 and £125, so the savings are very little). In this way, for about £450 you could have a full awning with an annex that would have cost abut £750 if you had bought the entire set new.

You can also get a new full Bradcot Sport awning for about ­£399 and then add a used annex for £99 or £125. There are many variable options that help to save money without wandering all over looking for used bargains.

You can get used caravan awnings that are larger or higher quality while paying the same as what you would for a smaller new one

How? As an example of what’s available right now while writing this article: there’s an Isabella Commodore Concept design that retails new for over £1,400, and is a luxury awning. The same item is available used for about £650 (which is equivalent to buying a Bradcot classic design new for about £600). Yes, you’re still spending what a new one would cost but you’re getting a luxury item.

If you’re interested in the Isabella line and want a bargain, there are some Isabella Ambassador series used caravan awnings for sale at Glossop Caravans that are going for about £300. The new Ambassadors in that series are retailing for about £1,300, so you can really save by buying a used one.

Buy Caravan Awning Annexes and Full Porches For Less

To help you with your search for the latest used annexes, porches and full awnings, here are some of the hot deals you can find at Glossop (at the time of writing):

1. Full Awning, size: 875cm, by Isabella, Model: Commodore 3009 Marine, Price: £649.
2. Full Awning, size: 925 cm, by Isabella, Model: Ambassador, Price: £395.
3. Full Awning, size: 900 cm, by Bradcot, Model: Classic, Price: £299.
4. Full Awning, size: 780 cm, by Bradcot, Model: Active, Price: £295.
5. Annex, by Bradcot, Model: 340 Annex, Color: Grey, Price: £99.00

More Caravan Awnings and Porches

For more information on what’s hot in awnings for caravans, browse our related posts that deal primarily with new models. If you’d appreciate recommendations for creating a home Porch Awning, please refer to the post that deals with creating beautiful outdoor spaces that are covered and yet affordable, and offer functionality year-round. For ideas on how to select the best Motorized and Retractable Porch Awnings, we offer valuable manufacture and retailer advice so you can choose the best options for your home. We also have ideas for Carports and where to get Carport Kits online. If it has to do with the outdoors, be it at home or on the road, we have ideas and innovative products that will make your patio areas more comfortable and practical.

The art of crafting outdoor patio furniture that doesn’t get damaged by the elements, is comfortable, stylish and keeps with the natural outdoorsy themes of gardens, decks and patio areas, has reached a crescendo with resin wicker and cast aluminum. What do we mean? Let’s take a look.

While everyone knows what wicker and rattan furniture is like, and how it reacts to even a little moisture or sun (how quickly it deteriorates), and most home decorators appreciate the idea of wrought iron bistro sets and patio dining tables because of their classic elegance (although prone to rust), and many are leery to opt for the rust-proof aluminum (because it gives the appearance of being cheap and often looks tinny), while the newer terms like “resin wicker” and “cast aluminum” are less known and therefore sometimes overlooked.

Here are the main questions that arise when discussing garden chairs, lawn furniture and metal or wicker patio furniture choices:

1. What is resin wicker outdoor furniture all about? How is it different from natural wicker?

2. What’s the difference between cast aluminum outdoor patio furniture and plain aluminum? And why do we talk about wrought iron when aluminum is mentioned?
3. Does it really matter what patio furniture sets are made from so long as they’re comfy, match the décor, and are affordable?
4. Resin Wicker Outdoor Furniture

How is resin wicker different from natural woven varieties?

Although it’s not immediately apparent by looking at chairs and tables, the main difference is that resin wicker isn’t wicker at all. In fact, the slender wicker-like fibers that are woven into end tables, patio dinning sets and bistro sets are synthetic resins, which in other words may be called “plastic”. We refrain from using the term plastic outdoor furniture when talking about the wicker style because it creates an incorrect picture of common plastic chairs and tables that are molded, are really cheap and not the least bit stylish.

Although resin wicker is synthetic, it’s woven and even stretched over heavy duty steel frames with much attention to detail. For example tables may have glass or ceramic inlays, there may be layers of different styles of weaving around edges of chairs or as decorative elements – all very similar to the genuine wicker creations from tropical islands, the Philippines and other Asian countries noted for handcrafted outdoor furniture.

Why choose resin over genuine wicker? Anyone who has bought the gorgeous handcrafted real wicker chairs and table sets and has put them on an open patio deck, or set them in a garden and has watched them slowly (sometime not so slowly) disintegrate with moisture and sun, will understand why resin is superior. Although it’s possible to treat natural wicker, its life expectancy is a few years at best, even if covered or taken care of. Eventually termites, mildew, moisture, mold, heat, water, or exposure to sun, will cause the furniture to weaken structurally. The woven seats will unravel or get holes due to rotting and weakening fibers, the legs will teeter and often fall off, and the chairs, tables and loveseats will end up in the garbage much sooner than their owners would like.

On the other hand, resin wicker will not get infested with termites, will not retain moisture and therefore is not prone to mildew, mold or rot. The frames are steel and therefore the legs and seats remain in tact even after years of use and outdoor exposure. Colors don’t fade quickly in the sun and, although the seats and backs and table tops are also hand woven, the materials are so resistant, it is unusual to find them with holes or falling apart. They are in fact completely weather resistant even when left uncovered and unprotected.

What about price? Outdoor dining furniture is not usually cheap, unless you choose the basic plastic round tables and molded chairs, which are fine in a pinch, but not something decorators will choose to enhance an outdoor patio or garden. Amongst the choices that are stylish and practical, the Hampton Bay patio furniture collections, which come in resin wicker, offer good value and a natural-looking alternative to genuine rattan or wicker products, and are even comparable in price to the leading metal, aluminum (cast aluminum) and wrought iron designs. Here are some examples of what you can get that’s reasonably priced:

1. The wicker chairs featured in this post are either Hampton Bay or the Bayside designs. One that is really great value (at the time of writing this piece) is the Hampton Bay Java model that’s crafted in resin wicker and comes in white and costs about $99. It’s available through Home Depot, either in their department stores or online.

Put together complete outdoor resin furniture sets to suite your needs by selecting other complimentary items. For example, the matching loveseat costs only $179 and comes in white, and has a 1 year warranty. The end tables, also crafted in resin wicker, are really affordable at just $79 each.

Fulllength coffee tables are about $99, and the glass top dinning table is only about $95. Create a set for a few hundred dollars and have furniture that will last year after year.

Oh, by the way, don’t forget that you can get traditional floral or contemporary patio furniture cushions that fit these large wicker chairs and loveseats, and if you choose the fabrics by companies like Sunbrella, or Plantation Patterns, they will also be weather resistant and will withstand a lot sunshine without fading.

These items can be placed on a deck or in a garden. They also make ideal lawn furniture or can be garden chairs in areas that are unprotected by a patio cover or roof. They are all crafted with steel frames so they won’t easily fall apart. All are guaranteed to be weather-resistant, fade-proof, and will not become saggy in the seat, give splinters or get filled with mildew even in humid regions. Cleaning the Hampton Bay outdoor furniture is also easy. Just use soap and water – in fact you can spray them with a garden hose. They are indeed, affordable, stylish and maintenance free. (Just a note: the other furniture sets that are very elegant and well crafted, available through Home Depot, are the Martha Stuart Living collections. There are great bargains like a complete 6 piece set, when on special, for about $975. Choose your own accent cushions separately.)

II. Wrought Iron, Aluminum and Cast Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

We begin this segment by answering the initial question: How is cast aluminum different from regular aluminum outdoor patio furniture? That will also answer why aluminum comes up when wrought is mentioned.

First of all, aluminum is lightweight metal, often crafted in simple outdoor furnishing designs that are contemporary, but are seldom decorative or made in traditional garden styles. On the other hand, cast aluminum, while still being light weight and resistant to corrosion, is molded or poured and used for wrought style creations. The cast aluminum outdoor furniture that’s on the market resembles the classic wrought iron designs that have been used for centuries in gardens and terraces around the world. The main benefit is that, while it’s forged metal, which in every way resembles iron, it’s light to move, easy to maintain, resistant to rust and durable even when left outdoors in inclement weather. It has almost taken over the metal garden furniture industry due to it being less expensive to manufacture (because of its lower melting point), more cost efficient to transport (which is why when buying online these products usually qualify for free delivery) and resists the elements offering better value for your dollar spent.

Good examples of outdoor furniture chairs, tables, loveseats and other items that are weather resistant, can be found from a company called FlowerHouse. We recommend these creations because they’re uniquely delicate in structure (with butterfly wings as backs) and yet crafted from cast aluminum that’s also been powder coated to give an additional durable finish suitable even for poolside environments where water, chlorine, sun exposure and other abuses could harm furnishings.

The price of these chairs start at just under $140 and full benches are just $389, while tables cost about $279. These are good prices considering the unique styling, the durability of the materials used and the ease of purchasing.

High Quality Hanamint Outdoor Furniture In Cast Aluminum

For high end cast aluminum creations that are top of the line, more expensive, but exclusive and unique, there are few better choices than those that come from the Hanamint outdoor furniture collections.

The Hanamint styles have been gracing gardens and terraces since 1993. They specialize in both cast aluminum and cast iron pieces. Although some of the manufacturing process takes place in China, their finishing and distribution centers are in the United States. They offer online catalogues, however their products are only for sale through showroom dealers and reputable online retailers.

Alumont is also a manufacture of high end cast aluminum outdoor patio furniture that’s a cut above. Their collections range from classic scrollwork to sleek contemporary simplicity.

The process that’s used to craft these intricate pieces of furniture is extensive, done in the Alu-mont manufacturing plant in California. The finishing of the framework is one of the most rigorous of the industry. First the metal is ground so that all pieces are smooth, ready to undergo an eight step process that includes washing, double rinsing, applying an aluminum sealant, then oven drying. Next a powder coating is applied and then the cast aluminum frame is baked once again.

If there are cushions attached to the frames, then the straps that mount them to the metal are riveted in place and UV protection is applied, as well antifungal treatments, to ensure mold and mildew will not grow therein.

The wide range of collections are then shipped to distributors and retailers, many of which are online representatives of the products.

The Alu-mont and Hanamint lines are often sold by the same retailers, and are related in some ways since Hanamint Corporation made an agreement with Alumont and now work together. Although you can’t buy directly from the manufacturer (unless you’re a retailer or furniture dealer), you can still browse their catalogues and choose items that suit your needs knowing they are high quality products. Then, knowing the item name or model number, it’s easy to find a retailer who sells the outdoor garden furniture you’ve chosen. In that way, you’re not at the mercy of advertising gimmicks or so called special offers on items that will not prove themselves to be bargains in the long run.

For more specific information regarding Teak Furniture that’s expressly designed for outdoor use, and high quality Wicker Furniture, please browse related topics. We offer advice on shopping for Patio Furniture, choosing Cushions and Patio Covers to protect chairs/tables as well as ideas on building roofs and getting the best Sun Shades, Aluminum Patio Covers and Awnings.

We provide suggestions on choosing wood versus vinyl (and other materials) for covering decks and porches (also Carports), and provide insight into alternatives.

We also have interesting ideas on little extras for your garden like Gazebos, Sheds, garden houses and even unusual Summer House concepts for having holidays at home.

And speaking about holidays, we have lots of ideas and the latest news on Caravan Awnings (both new and used) for mobile homes and campers, so your travels can be enjoyed as much outdoors as on the road.

When it comes to putting up outdoor buildings, covering decks patios and porches, furnishing or decorating your patio or garden, we have recommendations that are both stylish and practical. We have solutions for helping you expand the usage of your outdoor space into the winter months and how to create patio enclosures that will keep you within your budget.

Awnings Canopies And Shade – Retractable Patio Awnings Without Support Posts

What Do You Want?

• Want instant shade over your patio, deck or garden without investing in a complete roofing system or an expensive patio enclosure?
• Want pushbutton ease for opening and closing the canopy cover?
• Want a patio cover that has no visible braces or ugly poles or supports to block your view or obstruct ease of movement on a deck?
• Want the best aircraft grade aluminum frames that are none-corrosive, and a canopy that won’t fade in the sun, is waterproof and mildew-free?

If you’ve answered YES to the above questions you’re looking for the Sunsetter Motorized retractable patio awning designs that offer everything you want and need for ideal sun protection and ease of use. Built with durability in mind, the newest retractable awnings are not just easy to use but great to install without massive remodeling of your outdoor space. Why? Because the home awnings that are lightweight aluminum with canopies that extend as much 10 feet out from the house, are attached under your home’s eaves and/or directly onto your existing structure. The real benefit of this kind of patio cover is that it can be installed very low or high as needed. For example it can be placed at 7 feet 6 inches in height or higher as needed. This allows flexibility in terms of not obstructing upper level windows and also allows the awnings to extend out from existing patio doors. Naturally the larger versions that are 15 feet long by 10 feet wide will be best over decks and garden areas, however there are also smaller designs that can create shade over windows and doors, and these canopies are extremely affordable, most under $200.

Why Choose Motorized Canvas Awnings Instead of Patio Roofs?

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of choosing a canvas awning is to have a covering that is quick to put up and take down, versatile in summer and easy to roll away in winter. In summer it opens and offers shade instantly, but in winter the retractable mechanism allows you to close it completely so that it doesn’t take up any physical space. During summer months, it’s also a benefit to be able to choose how far to extend the canopy so as to get partial shade and partial sun. Also, since the fabric (of which the awning is made) is totally waterproof, it can act as protection during light to moderate rainfall, which means a gloomy day with scattered showers needn’t interrupt a barbeque or family gathering. What’s the canopy made from? From acrylic Dacron, but has 5 layers so that it withstands not only moisture and humidity but intense UV rays without fading the color (which by the way can be white or beige or blue or burgundy or other shades, even stripes to match your décor). What’s more, the structure itself, which extends over your deck or patio, and has extensions which are called “arms”, are crafted from aluminum that’s finished with a high grade baked-on enamel.

What About Motor Noise When Changing The Porch Awnings Settings?

Motorized awnings, crafted by Sunsetter, and Sunsational window canopies, which have automatic systems for opening and closing the canvas coverings, are remarkably quiet. The motor itself is called a SOMFY and is secreted within the roller portion of the awning. It makes a slight, soft purring sound that is unobtrusive. But what happens if there’s a loss of power? Then you’ll have to use the manual crank. A full patio awning takes about a minute to open or close.

What Do You Need To Install Retractable and Motorized Automatic Awnings?

Nothing special is required because the awning can be attached to a wall that is covered in any kind of aluminum or vinyl siding or even brick, masonry and wood. About the only thing that will be required so that the motorized mechanism will function, is that you’ll need access to an electric outlet. The manufacturer recommends that you use what is called a ground fault interrupter if possible. That said, and although it’s not a complicated installation procedure that requires a contractor, builder or construction expert, it is recommended that at least two strong individuals do the installation.

Can a Canvas Awning Be Used As A Carport?

Due to the fact that it’s canvas, and not a freestanding structure with posts and poles built into a cement pad where a vehicle will be parked, and because it will likely not be a good idea to have it open during heavy winds, snowstorms or an intense rainy season, the canvas retractable awnings are not recommended as carports. They are specifically designed as patio, deck or porch awnings over an area that is used for summer relaxation, for protection from sun and light rain and not as a protective roof for an automobile that needs coverage year-round.

How To Order Retractable Patio Awnings

You will need to decide where you wish the motor to be installed, be it on the right hand side of the roll or on the left. You will also need to consider where the brackets will be best situated on the wall where the awning will be mounted, or if you prefer what is called soffit brackets instead. It will also make a difference what hardware is sent with your order depending on what surface will be used – for example concrete or brick or wood. Since these things are custom made when you order, as well as the length and width and the fabric color, you will likely need to count 2 to 3 weeks for delivery of your order.

Can these custom awning orders be done online?

Yes! Once you know the exact size, and have ascertained what your specific hardware needs will be, and know where the motor will be best, then you can go to online shops like Stacks and Stacks and place your order very easily. Many of these items can be shipped within the US free of charge, but check if this is the case for your region by entering your Zip code just to be sure. Also check for Canadian and international shipping because some products can be shipped abroad and some are exclusively sent to domestic destinations.

For more information on Awnings, Canopies and Patio Shades as well as some unique ideas for Gazebos and Carports, please browse related topics. We offer advice and recommendations on the latest garden Sheds, unusual German made Gartenhaus garden houses, and where to buy high quality yet affordable Teak Furniture and Wicker Furniture. We also know where to get outdoor Patio Cushions that can withstand sun and moisture and how to protect your outdoor areas and gazebos with curtains, mosquito netting and complete patio enclosures. We help you enjoy your gardens, patios and decks for longer periods of time throughout the year by showing you how to cover them, furnish them and even protect them so they are more functional for your needs.

Here is a guide to the best prefab storage sheds on the market today, which include the Arrow prefab units as well as the Yardmaster metal shiplap shed kits.

Why Choose An Arrow Metal Shed

Outdoor storage sheds made of metal are not what you might imagine them to be. They are NOT massively heavy industrial steel frameworks that must be installed by a professional metalworker who will come to your backyard and solder and saw until you end up with a contraption that rusts and needs a lot of maintenance year after year.

The space-saving metal garden sheds that Arrow manufactures, which are in fact prefab storage sheds, are sleek little units that have been treated and coated with the most technologically advanced metal finishes that resemble the vinyl or aluminum designs, but instead have the quality of galvanized steel construction. No soldering and not even special metalworking professionals are needed to assemble the kits that come all ready to put together using a pair of pliers, a Phillips screwdriver or a cordless electric screwdriver with a magnetic tip, a ladder and a pair of gloves.

Roof Styles

The metal buildings sheds by Arrow come with three basic roof designs that you can choose from. The gabled roof, which is your classic V slope, the gambrel roof, which is a barn style, and the slopped roof, which is the space saving model that is really only half a shed with the roof slopping in one direction away from the wall.

Let’s look at some examples:

1. 

   The gambrel design comes in a little red barn style that’s not just stylish for a garden area or backyard but practical for storage of essential yard equipment like a tractor mower. Due to the 8 foot ceilings and 544 cubic feet of storage space on the interior of the 10 X 8 model, a small tractor can fit and easily pass through the extra wide doors that are over 55 X 69 inches.

   

   There is also the option to order the larger unit which offers 952 cubic feet of space and is 10 X 14 feet in size. This barn is not just for storage but can also be a work space. Assembly of these large kits is made easy due to a numbering system that comes on each piece ready to put together, and since the panels can be dropped into place horizontally there’s little guesswork involved. No need to spend time drilling holes and wondering where to screw what because everything you order from Arrow comes pre drilled and pre-cut ready to for assembly.

   

   By the way, aside from the classic little red barn design, there’s also an elegant Yorktown model with the same gambrel roof style. Actually there are two models in this series, each a different size. Check the model numbers YT108 and YT1014 to decide which size is best for your needs. Compare prices and dimensions with the same roof design in the series called the Lexington and the Concord which are similar.

2. 

   The metal sheds with gabled roofs are the Arlington, which comes in sizes 10×8 and 10×12, the Salem, which is smaller 8×6 or 10×8, the Newburgh, which is similar to the Salem in size 8×6 and 10×8 and the Hamlet series which is the most petit of the medium units and comes in three sizes: 6×5, 8×6 and 10×8. If you need affordable and practical storage solutions for your garden or outdoor area, for things like bicycles or gardening equipment, the smaller Hamlet is a very good choice. The gable roof offers a 6 foot height in the peeked area, so although it’s small it still offers standing room (depending on how tall you are).

3. 

   The cheap metal sheds that Arrow offers are extremely practical for the price. One example is the Yardsaver, which comes in two sizes 4 X 7 and 4 X 10, and both have the sloped roof that can be attached to a fence or wall and slopes to one side. It’s a sort of half shed, but allows for blending into the surroundings or being placed in small areas. Why is it easy to blend in? Because it comes in an eggshell colored woodgrain finish with panels that are placed horizontally, which tend to blend with a fence or the siding on a house quite easily. One of the great suggestions that the manufacturer has for this particular item is to use it for concealing ugly metal or plastic garbage bins or to store firewood which otherwise may get wet.

Some other metal buildings sheds that Arrow makes have flat roofs, like the Garden Shed which is a small unit that’s just 8 X 3 and comes with shelves and racks as well as an easy swinging door. The whole unit is created to be able to set against a wall and be out of the way, but it can also stand alone if necessary. One extra feature that the Garden Shed offers is a locking door for better security.

Just in case you are dreaming of wood structure that’s actually made of steel, then your dreams are coming true because Arrow has a collection called Woodhaven which really looks like wood, yet is steel, and also maintenance free. There’s no need to look at wood designs that rot or require a lot of care, or the plain white vinyl coated aluminum sheds or even the cheap plastic ones if you can get galvanized steel pre built sheds ready to assemble that look like genuine wood and yet last a lifetime!

Yardmaster Metal Sheds

The most famous of the collections by this well-known manufacture is the Yardmaster metal shiplap shed. Let’s take a look at why this is one of the top selling models.

In part the popularity has to do with the overall design that is styled after the wooden sheds we’ve all grown up around, but are not very practical because they require so much care. And that’s where the ship-lap range of products is different.

The metal sheds require no maintenance because they are constructed from galvanized steel that’s not only top quality but has been hot-dipped and polymer coated so that there’s no need for paint, and yet there’s no rust either. What’s incredible about this company is that they are so confident of their product’s maintenance-freedom that they offer a 12 year guarantee as follows: “we are so confident in our rust proofing system, that we will replace free of charge any undamaged panel which has perforated through rust within 12 years of purchase.” Not many companies back up their products for that long a period of time.

Again, as most of the new materials, the sheds have a woodgrain finish and therefore don’t look like cheap plastic models, and they do tend to look better than most other vinyl ones. The shiplap shed we’re talking about comes in four different dimensions, but all have good height that allows for headroom. There are so many little features that Yardmaster offers like safety edges, transparent roof panels, and screws that are also rustproof. Also the sheds come with an anchor kit and a complete gutter system. Lastly, there’s also a locking sliding door. The kits are packaged flat so they arrive easily at your home, and come with complete assembly instructions. What more can you ask for? (Perhaps two strong men to put it together and then half a dozen more to help with the yard work…..dream on…)

For information on Sheds and Gazebos, as well as Carports, Aluminum Patio Covers and other outdoor related products, please browse related topics. Discover a whole new world of garden house ideas in our post on the Gartenhaus cabin-like sheds, and get lots of fun and practical ideas on how to enhance your outdoor Patio Furniture with water-resistant Patio Cushions by Sunbrella and other companies. Also, get the latest scoop on the top retractable and motorized Porch Awnings that will add shade and comfort to your deck or garden without any structural changes.

Wooden Summer House Designs With Windows

If you have a garden area with a couple meters of space in a corner that’s not being used, one of the best ways to take advantage of this is by adding a summer house. Some of the most affordable wooden models are crafted by Hallmark, like the Solis corner designs that are not only functional, but decorative. They include such extras as glazing and long glass double-doors. They take up about 1.33 meters of width space and are just 1.84 meters in depth. They are perfect height for walking into at 1.98 m tall. They are well constructed with the traditional tongue and groove system, while the roof is one solid sheet of mineral felt material. Aside from the main doors, there are also two other glass windows. All units are protected with a styrene glazing and a basecoat treatment.

If you’re in the UK, the price is just £455 and the delivery (within mainland UK) is included. It takes about two weeks for your summer house to arrive at your door.

By the way, if you have a little more space, try the 1.43m X 1.43m design for just £595. The features are basically the same, it’s just the size that’s different. You can also pay for complete installation, but we believe it’s not very good value because this adds about £250 to the price, and it’s possible to assemble on your own. We highly recommend doing it yourself (it usually requires two people).

The octagonal garden summerhouse designs in wood that are also made by Hallmark, such as the Avon Buttermere styles, are practical and delightful additions to a classic English garden. These are about 2 and a half meters wide by almost 2 meters deep and are almost 2 meters high. They also include doors and windows as well as a glazed wood exterior finish. For £850, we believe this is good value because everything is included.

There’s a slightly smaller version that costs only £745 and offers the same features in a more compact style. Either of the Avon houses can transform an ordinary patio deck or garden into a charming space. Placed near a pool, these little houses can serve as change rooms. In a corner, under a tree, they make ideal children’s wooden playhouses. On a deck, they may be used for serving tea or as shelter from the sun, and placed away from the house, they can be beautiful storage sheds with shelves for gardening products, even a spot to starting seedlings. Although not sold as a greenhouse, they could be a great place to start bedding plants in the spring.

The deluxe wood summer house designs that are not exactly cheap, but certainly offer ample space and lots of great features, are the ones like the Henley houses crafted by Forest Garden. These are timber summer houses that measure 274cm in width and 242cm in depth and are 303cm in height. The floor is made from wooden boards and the doors are wide (190cm x 86cm) with locks that are secure. The special extras are that the timber has been treated with an anti-rot solution and is therefore guaranteed for 15 years. The roof is crafted with felt tiles so that it looks like it has shingles. The door has safety glass as do the windows, which open from the bottom to let in fresh air. The kit comes complete with instructions ready to be assembled. How much does all this cost? About £2,150.

One of the more versatile and affordable units that can be ordered as a kit is the Launceston collection which is by Forest Garden. The model that’s 2.79 meters high, 2.14 meters wide and 1.99 meters in depth (actually really large for the price) also includes 4 panoramic windows and a French glass door. In this case the timber is not guaranteed or treated, so it will require yearly maintenance and treatments against termites and rot. However, as wood houses go, this is one that’s priced right at £875, which includes free delivery.

Hillhout Log Cabins and Garden Buildings

Since having a wood structure that requires yearly treating may not be ideal, there is another option, and that is ordering the Hillhout log cabins and garden buildings that are distinctive and fully pressure treated. Choose from the luxury collections like the Newfoundland Grand log cabin that is 420cm in width and has a 200cm terrace extension (or a 320cm terrace), and also comes with double doors, felt roofing shingles, and 28mm thick logs for all the walls, or choose some of the smaller, more affordable garden buildings.

The same styling, which is somewhat alpine, is available in the economical versions that fits in most gardens. These summer houses are timber buildings (or log cabins) that are wide and thin and have terraces or porches that are ideal for sitting and reading. Inside, the depth is not what it appears from the outside. They are much smaller than they look on the inside because they are designed to accommodate a large porch. The interior space is less than 2 meters in depth, although the width is the same.

All the kits come with doors and windows, but you can add more as you like if you place a custom order. You can also add side storage areas or extend the roof in one area to have added coverage for storing firewood or garden items. You can also order window boxes and add roof drainage systems like gutters and eaves (which is recommended). By the way, the design that we’ve featured is called the Salland Log Cabin, which is in fact a wooden summer house that is maintenance free (as stated it’s been fully pressure treated against termites and rot.

One of the smallest log cabins by Hillhout (which can double as a garden storage shed or a little house to sit in the summer), is the Letland. This is a very versatile house that comes in five sizes, but all are large enough to be a small writer’s studio, office, or weekend garden hideaway for one (or two).

If you want something you can customize in many different ways, choose the Lapland design by Hillhout. This unique little wooden summerhouse can be placed in a corner, on a deck, in a garden, hidden or in the open. It also comes in 6 different sizes and you can choose windows and doors and all the features of the larger models, even extensions and extra openings. The prices of these models is really affordable, starting under £2,000 and going up to a little over £1,800 for the largest design. Just remember that these are bespoke cabins, imported from Holland, and therefore you will need to give a deposit of 25% of the total price. You will not be charged the rest of the price until the order arrives to your garden, which takes about 2 weeks.

These garden summer houses, in many cases look like full cabins or homes where you could live. And certainly you can have a marvelous holiday in your own backyard. However there are many people who extend the use of their garden summer houses into year-round places for working. Writers who need a small private studio are finding that these buildings are ideal, as are many people who work at home and want a small separate building where they can have their office.

With a little ingenuity, there’s no reason why these summer house creations can’t be equipped with electricity for internet, a small heater, stove or fireplace for cool winter days, a bed for guests or romantic getaways, or even a library. The uses of a separate building on your property are endless. Only you know what your priorities are and what needs a corner summer house or a full log cabin will satisfy.

You can find all these summer houses for sale online. The Hallmark and Forest Garden designs are available through several dealers such as Internet Gardener, and the unique Hillhout creations can be found through Garden Site, Taylor Garden Buildings and other reputable online garden and timber buildings dealers.

For more information on garden buildings, from sheds to Gazebos (and even German Gartenhaus styles that are unusual and high-end treated wood), please refer to related topics. We also provide recommendations on where to get quality outdoor furniture, patio furniture that’s cast aluminum and resin wicker that’s maintenance-free, ideas for protecting your tables, chairs, loveseats and benches with patio covers, and where to get vinyl and aluminum roofing systems and patio enclosures to extend the use of your outdoor spaces.

If you need a porch awning that offer shade and are automated or retractable or motorized and remote control, or if you’re looking for a solid Carport Kit to keep your vehicles protected, or if you need Caravan awnings for your motor vehicles when on holidays. We have what you need when it comes to outdoor living, not only in the summer, but all through the year.

House Awnings

If you’re searching for house awnings but finding that most of the patio covers are for motor homes or annexes for tents, like the caravan porch awning designs that are popular in the UK, take heart. Not all retractable awnings are intended for mobile use or for those who want to have added space while camping. The porch canopy designs you’re looking for are available online and some of the best are made by a company that has 30 years experience, namely SunSetter, who specialize in residential retractable motorized and manual covers that are ideal for adding shade to your residential outdoor areas.

The versatility of their products is such that you can choose a design that attaches to your home or a freestanding model that can be placed in a garden or even beside a pool. The freestanding garden awnings made by SunSetter are called Oasis and can be set up even on a lawn to create a gazebo like area where a sun shade would not normally be possible. It offers shade or sun – fast! How fast can you make the switch?

The manufacturer states that their freestanding units can be opened and closed in about 30 seconds, which is almost as fast as you can put a patio umbrella up or down. The great thing is that the unit can be left outdoors all year round so it doesn’t have to be setup each spring. All that’s required is a quick retraction of the awning and voila! It’s packed away for the winter season.

Basic Facts about the Oasis Freestanding Retractable Awnings

Although the models that are designed for porches and deck areas can be custom sized, the Oasis is a prefabricated unit that’s a standard 10 feet by 16 feet design. The frame is aluminum, the best aircraft grade, with an additional finish in bronze using the baked-on enamel finishing technology. The arms that extend and create the roof are crafted from stainless steel and have a dual cable mechanism for easy manual opening and closing, via a crank system. The awning itself is acrylic which blocks UV rays and comes in an assortment of sixteen colors. It’s easy to install and comes with a 5 year warranty. If need be, there are additional accessories available to compliment the area. For example, you can select patio lights and floor mats, and also protect the awning fabric with a special cover. There’s also specific cleaning products which are sold in kits. SunSetter also grants a trial period of 90 days for you to see how you like their products, and if the one you’ve chosen isn’t for you, it can be returned. There’s also a flexible payment plan you can take advantage of, as well as many discount coupons, which are available when ordering online.

Motorized Awnings For Home Porches and Decks

Since the freestanding designs are manual, you may be seeking the motorized porch awning styles that operate at the push of a button for more or less shade or complete retraction. What’s good about these styles is that there are no supports apart from the arms that extend laterally, therefore you have total access to the entire deck or porch – no poles, no posts, no supports to interfere with however you use your shaded area. It operates using a cable system and a motor that’s not even visible, but hidden within the roller part of the awning.

Are these units able to be controlled remotely? Yes! Imagine that you can alter your level of shade or sun even from the house. The remote control comes with the unit, so it’s not an added expense to have this feature.

What sizes are available? You choose what you need, measuring by feet. You can have a patio cover that’s 10 feet in length or 11 feet or 12 feet…all the way up to 20 feet. And the extension of the coverage can be as wide as just over 10 feet.

How much space do you need to calculate from the ground to an eves or window overhang? You need about 7 feet of height, a little less with some models, but the exact figure for the larger awnings is seven feet and six inches just to be safe.

Can the retractable awning be mounted into stucco or a brick or cement wall? Yes. It can also be attached to a home that is finished with siding.

What about power for the electric awnings? You will need to accommodate a grounded power supply within twelve feet of the unit. This may be the only feature that requires a professional to install if you don’t have an outlet near enough.

What accessories can be added? There are panels that can be added to act as weather breakers and also a wind sensor can be added so it automatically retracts when there are strong gusts. The sensors are wireless.

For more information on how to protect your deck or porch using wood or aluminum patio covers, or how to decide if you should choose an awning, a patio cover in aluminum or vinyl, or a patio shade in some other custom design, please browse our related topics. We also feature a segment that pertains to Caravan Awning selections for mobile homes, campers and tents as well as some suggestions on how to create practical Carports.

If you need advice on what Patio Furniture to choose, we have lots of great ideas from Teak Furniture to Wicker and even suggestions for how to care for them and how to cover them to prolong their life. If you need Sheds, Gazebos or other styles of Gartenhaus, please refer to our articles on these topics where we recommend what’s available and where to shop online for everything you need to make your outdoor space more uniquely your own.

Metal and Wrought Iron

Untreated wrought iron will be prone to rust so try to choose iron patio furniture that has a powder coat finish or has had an electrophoresis treatment which will help the metal to be more durable, specifically with the biggest problem, rusting.

You can get treated wrought iron patio furniture sets that include 4 chairs with curved arms and full backs and a large 40 inch round style table for under $400. The cheapest small bistro sets can be bought for just over $200. In most cases these sets, although they are a bit of an investment initially, will be maintenance free and will last for many years even if exposed to the elements during inclement weather.

Patio Furniture Covers

Even if you choose treated or powdercoated finishes, it is advisable to cover your wrought iron or metal furniture when exposed to prolonged rainy conditions or during winter months. Vinyl or polyester patio furniture covers will protect and increase the lifespan of your tables and chairs for a very small investment. A good choice would be the Terrazzo outdoor covers sold through Sure Fit. They cost between $25 and just over $30 and are not just stylish but made from durable heavy duty fabric with elastic StayON loops and a cord around the bottom hem so that the covers won’t slip off. They also have vents so there is airflow, yet the outer material being Rain-Tie, will protect from moisture, rain, and even cracking in hot or extremely cold weather.

The Need For Patio Furniture Cushions For Wrought Iron Chairs and Lounges

One other consideration when choosing metal or iron (over wood, rattan or wicker furniture) is that in general the seats are lattice slats of iron and are not very comfortable for sitting on without some kind of padding or without thick patio furniture cushions. Iron tends to be more decorative than comfortable, and is therefore recommended for deck, garden or patio bistro themes, or for areas that you will use for entertaining and dinning and not for lounging in the sun or getting really cozy with a book. Although there are wrought iron lounge chairs, as a whole, iron furniture pieces are much more for formal usage and give an air of elegance rather than a laidback or casual atmosphere of relaxation.

We recommend, if you are looking for patio dining furniture because you enjoy outdoor entertaining and/or have afternoon tea or luncheons in your garden, then wrought iron is a great choice, however for poolside or garden leisure, or if you mainly use your outdoor space to have barbeques, play with the children, relax in the sunshine or read, then you may want to consider casual patio furniture styles in rattan, wicker or teak. That said, there are gorgeous iron lounge chairs that cost about $170. However, please note that these will come without any kind of padding, and obviously cushions will be a must.

The cushions you will need, unfortunately can cost almost as much as the chaise lounge iron frame, making a complete patio lounge chair or chaise cost over $250 in many cases. If this is within your budget, then you certainly will have an elegant and comfortable place to relax, however it is a more expensive option as a whole.

DC America makes some very elegant chaise lounge chairs, specifically the Charleston design, which is beautiful for a poolside or grassy backyard area, however it’s not really cheap. The frame costs over $200 and the cushions are sold separately. You can spend as much or as little as your budget allows by choosing the top Sunbrella weatherproof fabrics or cheap alternatives from discount cushion shops. Please see related information in Outdoor Patio Furniture Cushions that recommends some of the top Sunbrella products, and also find other ideas in Decorating Your Outdoor Space: Using Natural Fabrics and Exotic Motifs for Patio Cushions.

ICI is another furniture manufacturer you should keep in mind for high quality and uniquely designed garden patio furniture in wrought iron. They have the classic Mandalay decorative styles and contemporary models that are less curly and swirly but more angular/clean lined.

Artistic Luxury Patio Furniture by KNF

If you’re looking for something genuinely artistic and unusual to give your patio or outdoor space some extra personality, then we recommend looking into a shop called FrontGate where you can get unique luxury patio furniture designed by KNF. One such outstanding set is the Mosaic Outdoor Dining Furniture that features a stone tabletop with thousands of mosaic tile and stained glass inlays set together with powdercoated and weather resistant wrought iron. Matching chairs are delicate, simple and elegant, ideal with cushions to accent the colors of your bistro or outdoor dinning area. Exclusive KNF garden and patio furniture is not a cheap option, however it one of the most elegant options if your budget allows for a little luxury.

We’re not going to recommend very cheap patio furniture designs made from resin because, although they may be a practical solution, they’re available through most home improvement stores and are not a large investment. Therefore, we move onto aluminum patio furniture choices which we believe offer good value as an alternative to resin yet without the larger investment iron.

Aluminum Patio Furniture

When we talk about aluminum patio furniture it may bring to mind cheap aluminum folding chairs for $20 or $30 that have simple canvas seats. While this may be a budget shoppers choice for a quick fix, it isn’t a permanent solution to decorating your outdoor space, nor is it very elegant or decorative if what you ultimately desire is a dinning area or bistro or even a lounging space with some style. So, what we hope to help you with is finding affordable alternatives to iron by choosing what is called cast aluminum patio furniture that actually looks very similar to wrought iron but is CAST instead of forged or crafted by hand from separate pieces or soldered together.

The most popular and practical, as well as genuinely affordable, are the cast aluminum benches that can be used in a garden, on a deck or porch or even alongside tables instead of loveseats or traditional chairs in your outdoor dinning space. One affordable choice would be the Nassau Cast Aluminum Bench that is only about $170 through dealers like Living Direct. The beauty of this piece is that it’s totally rust free having been coated with many layers of powder paint, in either antique bronze or a black finish, that protects it from all the damage the elements may present.

A classic choice, although nothing new to the world of gardens and decks and patios, is the forever delicate and elegant bistro set, traditionally in wrought iron, but now available in cast aluminum. There is a patio furniture store, part of the Hayneedle shops, which offers a gorgeous three piece bistro set that won’t ever rust and is a real bargain at just $230 for two chairs and the bistro table that has a hole ready for an umbrella if you wish to add a little shade. The great thing about these pieces of furniture is that they’re really lightweight and can be moved around a lot more easily than the wrought iron ones. There are several styles to choose from, one that is larger will cost about $40 more, and is called the Tea Rose design.

Large Outdoor Patio Furniture Sets In Cast Aluminum

We’ve mentioned that patio dining furniture in cast aluminum is a more affordable choice, and that is basically true, however if you need a very large set, for example a table that seats 8 and the matching chairs, although it will still be cheaper than iron, you will need to budget a little over $2,000 even if you go with aluminum. There’s a beautiful and very functional choice by Oakland Living that’s called the Mississippi and comes in an antique bronze finish and features a large oval table and 8 matching chairs. The complete 9 piece patio furniture set costs just under $2,300 and is available for ordering online through dealers who specialize in outdoor Oakland Living furnishings.

Is Wooden Patio Furniture Still A Good Option?

When you decide to buy patio furniture and invest in quality products that will last, you may be wondering if wooden patio furniture is still a wise choice considering the maintenance free and long-lasting options that are now so readily available in iron, aluminum and innovative wicker resin designs. The answer to this question is that buying pine or wooden furniture that is just painted or stained, or choosing natural wicker that’s untreated, or going with really cheap patio furniture that has little or no weather protection, is akin to throwing your money, and hard work designing a comfy outdoor space, down the drain.

The wind and rain and sun will damage your furniture in a single season unless you have a full patio enclosure or a gazebo that is closed, or unless you use vinyl patio furniture covers every time it rains or snows and unless you repaint, seal, varnish or maintain the wooden or wicker pieces on a regular basis. There is a lot of work involved in maintaining wooden pieces, and they simply do not last. However, there is one exception and that is choosing high quality teak patio furniture that will withstand a great deal of abuse and require much less care than other types of wood or natural materials. Oiled, or treated, teak will withstand harsh weather. The wood will slightly change color over time, but it won’t rot or disintegrate like other woods.

One place to shop for teak is ironically called All Things Cedar, where you can find some good bargains on chaise lounge chairs for about $300, although that will not include the cushions. As you will notice, teak is not a cheap patio furniture solution by any means. In fact it is one of the most expensive routes to take when decorating your garden, poolside or deck.

Why is teak a good choice?

Teak is a very dense wood. Its natural density makes it resistant to wetness and therefore not prone to rot. It is almost impervious to the usual damage that sun and rain and wind and even snow and cold temperatures also because the teak wood is high in natural oils. If the furniture has additionally been kiln dried so as to have tight joints and also has been oiled for extra protection, you can be quite confident that your chairs, lounges and tables will not get damaged easily by the elements even over a period of time. In fact, the wood will develop more character, a richer tone and a warm outdoor look of wear that actually enhances its grace.

Why is casual patio furniture made from teak so expensive?

In part teak, otherwise know as Tectona Grandis, is expensive because it comes primarily from Java, Burma (Myanmar), India, Thailand and other Asian countries where deciduous trees can thrive. Although it is a tropical species, it requires unique conditions that are dry, and therefore not a rainforest species, and thrives in Southeast Asia where dry, hot temperatures combine with hilly regions that allow for the large trees to grow on plantations specific for harvesting the wood for commercial purposes. And that brings us to yet another price factor that concerns teak.

Teak is not a cheap wood to produce since it takes a lifetime for a tree to reach maturity, up to 60 yeas, and therefore new plantations may not see a profit for a very long time.

The most famous plantations are on Java and date back to the 1800s, and are now monitored and regulated so as to protect them from disappearing by poor harvesting methods.

So, due to the locations where teak thrives, the length of time it takes to grow and the strict harvesting rules involved, teak is the gold of woods and is therefore expensive. For more information please see Outdoor Teak Furniture where you will find detailed advice regarding shopping for teak as well as many more unique design ideas for those who absolutely have their heart set on wooden patio furniture.

Dorema

Caravan porch awnings and caravan awning annexe designs by Dorema are similar in that they are designed for the hardy campers and travelers who appreciate being able to enjoy campers and motorhomes all through the year and therefore feature waterproof material that is innovative, lightweight yet durable and aluminium frameworks. Unpredictable weather, extremes that go from sizzling hot to freezing, and the desire to not allow such extremes to inhibit outdoor enjoyment, make Dorema porches, awnings and annexes some of the best on the market. Check your dealer for the seasonal discounts that can save you up to £200…for example, we’ve seen some of the caravan porch awnings on sale for about £470, down from over £670.

For about £430 you can get a complete awning like the Hacienda design by Dorema, however the larger sizes are over £600. You can get the right size by using the measurement chart provided by the company.

Bradcot

For comparison purposes here are some other choices. Let’s look at what’s available in Bradcot caravan awning models. The first one we recommend because it is the most affordable is the Active.

One of the advantages of the Bradcot caravan awnings is the ability to create your own open space or closed space by altering the 5 pieces that can be opened or closed, for lounge style, leave it open, for an enclosure with a side window for ventilation, close the material.

The Bradcot designs are made from Ten Cate which is a polyester that’s coated and is also heat reflective and also has a steel frame or can be altered and ordered with fiberglass. When you order your awning you will also receive curtains, pegs, ladders, ropes, storage bag, wheel cover and draught skirt. The awning itself , in the case of the Active model we’re talking about, offers a projected space of almost 2 and a half meters. That’s a large patio where you can relax, cook, sleep or play outside and not be restricted by the inner area of your camper or motorhome.

The units are slightly more expensive than the Dorema, but not by much. The Active costs about £499, which is only about £69 more than the Hacienda by Dorema. Both offer fiberglass frame options, both use the Ten Cate material, both come in similar sizes, colors and designs, so in the end it will come down to small details like curtain fabric and design. The Bradcot Active, in our opinion is more classic, with soft white curtains and delicate accents, while the Dorema styles, colors and patterns are more colorful, modern and bold.

Eurovent Caravan Awning

Although the caravan awning for sale by Eurovent is similar if you choose the same size as the other brands, yet one advantage is that you can select smaller versions that are much more affordable, like the Anjou porch awning for just £285 or the Sierra for just £109. Naturally these are smaller porches that are about 2 meters by 2 meters, but it does allow for some extra outdoor space at a very bargain price.

There’s even a version called the Space-Lite that is just under £90. The large porch caravan awning designs that are most similar to the other above mentioned ones would be the Eurovent Soleria, which costs about £380 and is also made from Ten Cate and has a steel frame that’s Zink coated. Although they are the best cheap caravan awnings, the price difference between the three companies is not all that large. So if style is a determining factor, then you’ll notice that the Eurovent models are the ones with most “country” appeal since they have gingham or plaid accents for curtains.

In conclusion, the findings on the three top companies in the UK that make awnings for caravans, the most expensive tend to be the Bradcot, next the Dorema and last, or cheapest are the Eurovent.

Standard Sizes and Extra Deep Designs

Just one final note: caravan awning sizes are standard at about 2 or 2.5 meters deep, extra deep ones will be 3 meters or a little more. However, they can be 7 to over 10 meters in length, in other words, they will extend from the length of the side of your trailer, camper or motorhome, and may even have additional extensions or annexes that go beyond.

Summer Holidays At Home

If you’re not planning on motoring about this summer, but will be staying at home and having friends over for barbeques, you may be in need of some ideas on how to get the most out of your deck or garden by using outdoor patio covers, sunshades, awnings that extend from windows, or complete patio enclosures or garden gazebos. Learn about rattan and wicker furniture, patio cushions, decorating ideas, Teak furniture, and how to protect your outdoor furnishings with vinyl and polyester covers by following our related topics. But if you have a motorhome and have decided to get an awning, and you have an area at home where you can park and enjoy the outdoors, you may be able to make your camper or motorhome a place where you camp or just relax under your caravan awning without motoring anyway at all.