There are dozens of types of outdoor covers available. Which one should you choose?
When building or buying a backyard structure, selecting the right outdoor cover can make or break the whole project.
Do you want something that’ll leak, warp, fade, or look totally out of place by next summer? No? Here’s how to avoid that happening.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why your pergola absolutely needs the right outdoor cover
- The four main types of covered outdoor pergola (covered patio options)
- Matching an outdoor cover to your pergola or patio structure
- Key qualities to look for in outdoor cover materials
- Solid Roof vs. Open Roof pergola covers: Which is best?
Why your pergola absolutely needs the right outdoor cover
Alright – let’s get into it.
Outdoor pergolas are about more than just providing shade.
Your pergola cover will dictate almost every element of how it performs. Rain protection. Ventilation. Aesthetic.
Slatted polycarbonate panels give a totally different feel to your backyard space than something like thick insulated roof panels.
And this matters more than you might realise.
Wrong pergola covers are the number one reason people underutilise their backyard structures for most of the year.
Too hot to use in summer. Not enough protection from rain in winter. Not enough insulation for cold evenings.
You’ll live with your decision for many years into the future.
The cover is the long term commitment. Don’t treat it like an afterthought.
The 4 main types of covered outdoor pergola (covered patio options)
Thanks to modern manufacturing, there are more pergola cover options than ever before.
Let’s break them down…
- Polycarbonate Panels
Transparent or tinted plastic sheets that allow for natural light while keeping rain out. Lightweight, low cost, and easy to install. But these panels can trap heat during summer months.
- Shade Sails/Fabric Canopies
Solid option if you’re after a relaxed cover that is totally adjustable. Easy to remove (great if you live somewhere with heavy snowfall). But not ideal for places with high rainfall, and won’t last as long as hard surface materials.
- Aluminium Louvered Roof
Large roof panels composed of individual aluminium slats that rotate open and closed. Allows pergola owners to control airflow and sunlight by adjusting the angle of the slats. Premium choice for covered outdoor pergola and one of the most popular options currently.
- Timber/Solid Roof Panels
Permanently transforms a pergola into a fully sheltered structure. From insulated composite roof panels to timber decking boards and metal roofing – a pergola with solid roof is the best choice for families who want a backyard space they can use all year long. Regardless of where they live.
- Retractable Awnings
Attaches to the mainframe of your structure and rolls back and forth as needed. Compact, elegant, and highly functional. Best when used as a light shade option, rather than primary rain protection.
How to match an outdoor cover to your pergola or patio structure.
Picking the wrong outdoor pergola cover is something a lot of homeowners struggle with.
Just because a material looks good doesn’t mean it’s suitable for your build.
Here’s an easy guide:
- Freestanding pergola or patio cover in an open area? Solid roof or louvered are your best bets. Too much wind = shrinkage and wear for fabric covers.
- Pergola or patio cover attached to your home? Polycarbonate sheets or solid panels will mitigate water pooling against the house.
- Hot climates with intense sun? Go with a louvered roof or UV-rated polycarbonate sheet. These stand up to direct sunlight much better than other materials.
- Do you want year-round pergola coverage? There’s really only one option. Solid roofing. All wood materials fail eventually when exposed to the elements 24/7.
Before committing, consider how the space should perform. Instead of just how it looks.
Did you know that according to the NAHB, 69% of home buyers now view patios/decks as a necessity when looking for a house?
Keep that in mind when choosing an outdoor cover. Because a well-built covered pergola boosts that value even further.
Key Qualities to look for in outdoor cover materials
Here’s the thing about cheap outdoor pergola covers.
They don’t stand up to years of wear nearly as well as some of the more expensive products.
When browsing materials, look for these key characteristics to ensure longevity and value for money.
- UV resistant – will it fade in colour or degrade after years of sunlight?
- Load rating – can it handle rain/snow/debris buildup?
- Maintenance – how much work does this cover need to stay looking good?
- Thermal – does the material heat up underneath? (Critical for summer)
- Warranty – most good brands offer between 10-25 year warranties on their materials. Short life expectancy = suspect quality.
Aluminium roof panels and insulated composite roofs are leaders when it comes to meeting these criteria. Wood ranks highly for aesthetics, but requires significantly more maintenance than aluminium or composite products.
Solid Roof vs. Open Roof pergola covers: Which is best?
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably trying to figure out the RIGHT outdoor cover material to buy.
Is a solid roof the obvious choice? Or are open roof pergolas good enough?
Here’s the short version…
If you live somewhere with evenly tempered weather and plan on using your pergola mostly during the spring/fall…
Then an open roof can work great.
Love natural light and don’t mind if the pergola gets wet when it rains? Perfect. Go niche.
But for everyone else dealing with heavy rain, extreme summers, or cold winters…
Open roof pergola covers are a non-starter.
Solid roofs are what separate a pergola from an outdoor room. The difference between using a backyard 3 months a year versus 12.
With the right insulated roof panel it’s even possible to heat the pergola in winter. Bonus.
Got it? Great.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Outdoor Covers
There’s four things that’ll dictate which outdoor cover is right for any build.
- The structure. Freestanding or attached to the home.
- The climate. How much rain/sun/winter does the area see annually?
- Usage. A basic cover, or something to use all year?
- Budget. Cost of materials vs ongoing maintenance.
Once those four categories are nailed down, the decision should be simple.
Fail on any one of them. And another pergola cover purchase won’t be far away.
Start with the structure. Plan for the climate. Choose durable materials.