8 backyard covered patio ideas – expert approved ways to adapt your set-up for year round living

Your patio takes center stage during summer as the ideal place for hosting and relaxing. But if you feel it's an under-utilized space during the rest of the year, take on board one of our expert suggestions on how to turn your patio into more of a year-round destination.

Depending on your climate, backyard covered patio ideas can be a simple fix, such as adding a canopy or sail shade to make the space more usable during hot weather. Alternatively, it can mean installing a state of the art retractable awning or even going for a full remodel with a patio enclosure to create the outdoor space of your dreams.

Whether you want a simple shade option for hot days or to introduce a space stretching outdoor room, there are plenty of inspirational ways to make more of your garden patio ideas. Take a look at our expert suggestions to find backyard covered patio ideas that will work for you to make the most of this space.

The best ideas for creating a covered patio

Whether you’re starting over by building a new patio or reinventing an existing one, our ideas show you how to create an outdoor living space that’s both functional and stylish as part of your modern backyard ideas. Here's what our experts suggest.

1. Try one of the latest stretch designs

The latest cover designs redefine outdoor shading by offering versatile protection during the day and a cozy ambiance for evening gatherings. 'These models allow you to extend your living space seamlessly, enhancing your backyard’s aesthetics while providing reliable shade and shelter,' says Ashley Smith, president and managing director at Markilux USA Inc.

The trend now is for products that are both functional and durable, solutions that can withstand the elements, are easy to operate, and bring a sense of tranquility to outdoor spaces.

'The Markilux pergola stretch, for example, offers a new perspective for sun and weather protection,' explains Ashley. 'The awning cover is integrated into the design-reduced and high-quality awning system. The rhythmic and space-saving folding technique allows large areas to be shaded.'

It's a great way to introduce patio privacy ideas too if you want to screen your space.

Ashley Smith

Ashley Smith's background encompasses architecture, real estate investment, and property management. With a bachelor's degree in Architecture from Howard University, Ashley blends education and experience for a unique design-centric outlook. This synergy propels her curation of the NY and LA showrooms of Markilux, and over the past eight years she has overseen the expansion of Markilux's presence in the US market.

2. Think creatively to gain an extra covered area

Big design opportunities can come in small packages. You just need to get a little creative. After all, you can squeeze a small patio into an alcove. For another easy option consider tucking a patio up against an exterior wall of the house and all you need is a cover to complete the look.

If a patio space is only functional when the weather’s agreeable this limits its potential. A patio cover like this one lets you enjoy an outdoor set-up year round, and can help to bridge the gap between your interior and exterior living spaces. It helps transform a previously unused space into a cosy nook.

When maximising outdoor patio space and looking for an area to upgrade into an outdoor room make sure your design is connected to the rest of your home decor.

Patio furniture always softens and adds a coziness to your outdoor space. An inviting fire pit can be added to gather round. The added warmth will make your patio usable for more months of the year.

3. Install a stylish pergola

One of our favorite backyard covered patio ideas is to add a pergola. These provide cover that enables year round use of the space. You can also style them up as an extra room to create a seamless indoor-outdoor living moment.

'Requests for pergolas are on the rise,' says outdoor design expert Kriss Swint. 'Pergolas work well next to pools or as shade for an outdoor kitchen. With a pergola, you can install heating elements or a ceiling fan for comfort through all seasons.'

Today’s pergolas offer a more modern, streamlined look with customizable aesthetics that maximize the way they can be used. Customization can include choosing materials such as aluminum, vinyl, and eco-friendly options that are sleek, durable and easy to maintain.

'Pergolas are an increasingly popular addition to the yard,' agrees remodelling expert Aaron Brundage. 'Seen as a central hub for relaxing and entertaining, they provide shade and create a defined area for social gatherings. A pergola provides a multifunctional space that feels like a true extension of indoor living areas. As a backyard element, a pergola is a simple addition that has lasting value and can be enjoyed daily.'

Louvered pergolas are a popular choice that has gained traction thanks to their adaptability. Adjustable slats allow you to control sunlight and airflow while creating a comfortable hangout space that works in a variety of weather conditions. With a louvered pergola, all it takes is a flip of switch to create cover exactly when and where it’s most needed.

Kriss Swint

Kriss Swint is the director of marketing communications and design lead at Westlake Royal Building Products and managing editor of LiveAbode.com, Westlake's exterior design inspiration blog. Her role is creative visionary and design lead, naming and branding new colors, overseeing PR and social media, and directing the development of integrated marketing campaigns.

Aaron Brundage

Aaron Brundage is director of operations at System Pavers. He has over 15 years of leadership and sales experience in the construction industry. He attended State University of New York at Oswego and currently lives in Syracuse, New York with his family.

4. Create poolside shade beneath an elevated deck

'Homeowners across the country are going undercover,' says Leslie Adkins, group vice president of marketing and ESG development at Trex Company. 'From Buffalo to Bakersfield, it seems no matter where you live, the growing popularity of covered outdoor spaces in the backyard is evident to add shade, shelter and style to your home’s exterior.'

Sometimes this can be as easy as looking at what you already have and reconfiguring the layout. Ideas like turning the space beneath an elevated deck into a poolside paradise that's perfect for escaping the heat. This covered area features an underdeck drainage system paired with a soffit ceiling and integrated lighting to deliver the finished look and feel of an outdoor room.

'The space beneath an elevated deck is loaded with potential,' says Leslie. 'With the addition of a deck drainage system to divert water and keep the area dry, this space can be outfitted with furniture, lighting and appliances to create an outdoor room with comfort and function.'

Leslie Adkins

Leslie Adkins is the group vice president of marketing and ESG development at Trex Company, a leading brand of outdoor living products. She has extensive expertise related to outdoor design trends, along with planning and building dream outdoor spaces.

5. Make a sheltered space with a gazebo

In many parts of the country, rain, snow or cold temperatures can significantly reduce the amount of time you’re able to spend outdoors. A gazebo is an excellent addition to backyard covered patio ideas because it gives you more flexibility whatever the weather.

'To extend your time outside, consider adding a gazebo to your outdoor space,' says Kriss Swint. 'These structures provide shelter, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space even when the weather isn’t ideal.'

Gazebos are permanent structures usually made from wood but can also be made from metal. Often designed in a rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal shape, they have an enclosed roof and walls, and come in both modern and traditional designs. Designers love gazebos as they tend to be the best choice for convenience and flexibility, and the joy is they come ready covered.

6. Try a patio enclosure

'Covered and enclosed patios have been gaining popularity as we seek more space in our homes,' says Melissa Skinner, vice president of marketing at Patio Enclosures. 'Covered patios, screen rooms and sunrooms allow you to make the most of these indoor/outdoor spaces in comfort and style.' Melissa points out that this trend is showing no sign of slowing down, especially as people are staying in their homes longer.

What is the most popular design? 'In terms of trending design and home décor for covered patios, cozy chic seems to be the most popular design by far but how you plan to use your covered patio space will really dictate its overall layout and look,' says Melissa. 'We’ve seen backyard covered patio ideas that include yoga studios and exercise rooms. It's important to choose the right equipment and furnishings to bring that vision to life.'

Patio enclosures have glass and screen walls to keep out the elements, yard debris and critters. 'For a cozy patio space including comfortable seating with plush pillows and throws is key,' says Melissa. 'Since covered patio rooms tend to be extensions of the interior of the home, pulling in colors and design elements from indoor rooms is a great way to make the space feel like it’s a natural addition.'

7. Create a lush botanical canopy

We love the idea of using climbing plants to make a living patio cover. Any structure like a gazebo or pergola makes the perfect foundation to create a botanical canopy with climbing vines that you can sit beneath to enjoy the flowers and fragrance.

The good news is, if you would like to enhance your patio with flowers and foliage it's easy. The dream is to look up at a cloud of wisteria or bougainvillea blooms but there are plenty of other fast-growing climbing plants to choose from that will also work well.

If your patio is in a sunny spot choose plants like roses, clematis and sweet peas, while if your patio is in a shady spot instead choose plants like climbing hydrangea, star jasmine and honeysuckle.

Think about how best to support the plants if they're not a self-clinging variety. Choose a trellis or wires that complement your existing framework and the rest of your landscaping, as well as supporting the weight of the foliage as it grows.

8. Try a retractable awning

'We consistently struggled to find a solution that worked for our southeast-facing patio, which saw a ton of sun,' says Nicki O'Brien, who works for Custom Exteriors, an exterior remodeling company based in Northern Colorado. 'We tried sail shades and pergolas, and even had a permanent metal roof structure.'

Because the area is also known for occasional heavy snow loads, Niki found that many of these options failed without maintenance or storage during the winter, making them unusable for the mild winter days.

'Then two years ago, we happened upon a retractable patio awning at a significant discount,' explains Niki. 'Even with the discount, it was still several thousand dollars. The price point had always been a deal breaker for us.'

But Niki decided to go for the awning and is now a firm believer in them. 'I wouldn't choose another option for backyard covered patio ideas. A retractable awning is so versatile, and there is really nothing else that compares.'

Installation was pretty simple, it can be used in every season without the risk of damage, it has a sensor that auto-retracts if the wind or other elements are risking damage, and it is adjustable to let the sun in for those who want it and block it for those who don't.

Niki O'Brien

Niki O'Brien is the operations manager at Custom Exteriors LLC, an exterior remodeling company based in Northern Colorado. Custom Exteriors LLC offers products backed by people that care and genuinely love helping people improve their homes

FAQs

What is a lanai cage?

'Lanai cages are a staple here in Florida, known for keeping pests out while letting in fresh air,' says David H Shultz, owner at Shultz Realty in Naples. 'They’re a popular choice for patio enclosures and can be enhanced with integrated or standalone retractable roofs and integrated screens, allowing homeowners control over sun and shade for a more versatile outdoor experience.'

With one wall open, a lanai is designed to function as an outdoor room or an indoor/outdoor hybrid space. They offer shade and protection from the sun, increasing livable space for entertaining and relaxing, making them a dream family hang-out space.

David H Shultz

David H Schulz is a Licensed Realtor in Naples, Florida. He focuses on selling and assisting purchasers of luxury homes in resort golf communities and on the waterfront in Quail West, Mediterra, Grey Oaks, Tiburon, Lely Resort, Esplanade Golf and Country Club Fiddler's Creek Resort and resort communities like Naples Reserve, Winding Cypress and Olde Naples Waterfront areas.

So now you have all the inspo you need for backyard covered patio ideas. Use these suggestions if you're considering a Mediterranean patio to offer shade, and include them as part of your front yard patio ideas too as a way of enhancing privacy.