Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - I want to build a patio cover - any suggestions?
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RockerGirl77
05-27-03, 10:45 PM
I want to build a patio cover - maybe similar to the one on this website: http://www.doityourselfpatios.com/patiocoverpics/pic68.JPG
but with way more space in between the wood slats on top. I have no idea where to start - does anyone know of any books or anything which have plans for these things in them?
I would ideally like to do a metal one because the main use will be for vines and wrap-around lights - but I think I will have to settle for wood because It seems a little less complicated.
Any ideas or help would be appreciated!! Thanks in advance!!
Heather
but with way more space in between the wood slats on top. I have no idea where to start - does anyone know of any books or anything which have plans for these things in them?
I would ideally like to do a metal one because the main use will be for vines and wrap-around lights - but I think I will have to settle for wood because It seems a little less complicated.
Any ideas or help would be appreciated!! Thanks in advance!!
Heather
lefty
05-27-03, 11:28 PM
The lattice cover shown in the pic is all aluminum (except for the plastic end caps on the beams, rafters and lattice tubes). Installation isn't any more difficult or involved with that one than it would be if it were done in wood. In fact, in a lot of ways it is easier because the material is so much lighter. The biggest piece in the pic you posted is a 2X6. At 32' of length, one of those weighs about 25 lbs.
I would strongly suggest that you go with the aluminum rather than the wood, especially since you are thinking of using it to support vines. Done in wood, and you are looking at having to repaint the whole thing in 5 years or less (and how are you going to paint it with vines growing on it?), and in less than 10 years you are going to have to start replacing parts. However, the aluminum cover in the picture has a minimum 10 year warranty on the finish, and it's alumimum -- it can't twist, rot, split, warp, etc. Maintanence is to simply hose it off a few times a year.
I would strongly suggest that you go with the aluminum rather than the wood, especially since you are thinking of using it to support vines. Done in wood, and you are looking at having to repaint the whole thing in 5 years or less (and how are you going to paint it with vines growing on it?), and in less than 10 years you are going to have to start replacing parts. However, the aluminum cover in the picture has a minimum 10 year warranty on the finish, and it's alumimum -- it can't twist, rot, split, warp, etc. Maintanence is to simply hose it off a few times a year.
RockerGirl77
05-28-03, 12:07 AM
Good point - I didnt think about the aluminum weighing less than the wood. Originally when I said metal I meant more of a wrought iron kind of look but I can't seem to find anything even remotely similar to what I'm thinking out there so I may just end up going with something similar to whats in that pic.
Thanks again for your suggestion!!
Heather
Thanks again for your suggestion!!
Heather