Summer is right around the corner, and it’s going to be hot!
Everyone wants to enjoy the outdoors during the summer months, but how can you do that and avoid the heat? Popular outdoor living projects, such as screened porches, patio roofs and pergolas, can help provide shade and a place to relax and read your favorite book!
Screen porches can be built over decks and concrete patios and can provide shade. One advantage of screened porches is they can extend the indoors outside with the addition of furniture, a ceiling fan and a television. There are many options when it comes to the design of your screened porch. Some of the most poplar features are skylights and “pet screen” which is heavy-duty porch screening designed to handle more abuse from the family dog, cat or children!
Looking for a more “open” feel? Then a patio roof covering may be a good choice for you. A patio roof covering can be free-standing, or can be built and attached to the existing house. Some options included beaded panel ceilings, lighting and ceiling fans. The nice thing about a patio roof covering is it can be upgraded to a screen porch later, if you wish. We recommended choosing a design which compliments the style and design of your existing home.
Pergolas are another popular option to provide shade. However, pergolas typically only filter the sunlight. So if you wish to only have partial shade, this may be a good option as the trellis ceiling of a pergola can have many “layers” depending on how much sunlight you wish to filter. Like screened porches, pergolas can be built over a wood deck or concrete patio slab. Typical materials used include pressure-treated or cedar lumber. Some newer pergolas offer composite components that are relatively maintenance free. However, if you don’t mind a little maintenance, nothing beats the look of a wood pergola.
For more information about outdoor living projects, visit Gettum Associates, Inc.
Written by Jason Gettum of Gettum Associates a Center Grove business offering design, remodeling, home improvement and room additions to the Indianapolis area. Read more of Jason’s home improvement and maintenance ideas here.
