outside patio cover that doesn’t make it dark inside

5 years ago

Note the patio is large at about 22’x24’.
Front runner is a pergola but I was hoping for better cover. Hoping not to loose the visual appeal and not block the light. Not sure if I can achieve utopia here.

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monsieursmith
Original Author

3 years ago

So I kicked this off a little over a year ago. One day it dawned on me of what to do. Alas, the project is complete. ( it’s actually been about 95% since October of last year, but had to finish a few things off. I went a completely different direction and used the area right next to the patio and I couldn’t be happier with the finished product. In the mean time I also built a fort for my kids. Thought I would include that too.

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Comments (28)

User
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Depends on how often you are outside compared to inside, here's an old-fashioned, low tech solution. If you are more apt to be inside, you can install a retractable awning to use during the the times you are outside and need cover. Otherwise the patio is uncovered, leaving all the light for the house interior.
Jacqui Naud
5 years ago
We installed a patio cover with sky lights to allow more light in our family room. The cover is Dura Wood, aluminum that looks like wood.
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Virgil Carter Fine Art
5 years ago
It's very hard to beat a well designed pergola over an exterior patio, while maintaining the architectural character of the house.

Good luck on your project.
houssaon
5 years ago
Here is your post photo rotated.

You could have a retractable awning.
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Anglophilia
5 years ago
Many years ago, we put a screened in porch across the entire back of our house. It faced north so we were very concerned about how dark it might make the interior. We solved the problem by installing 3 very large skylights. Worked perfectly and allowed some lovely light, both to the inside rooms and also on the porch itself.
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We custom designed & fabricated these pool canopies with steel & glass. Just another inspiration photo to give you some ideas! Best of luck!
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opaone
5 years ago
What do you want the cover to achieve? Reduce direct sun when you're sitting there? Reduce heat? Keep you dry? What direction does your house face and what time of day do you want shade?
PRO
Virgil Carter Fine Art
5 years ago
The problem with all of the "add on" percola covers pictured above is that they all detract from the architecture of the house, and ultimately reduce the resale value of the house...at least in my opinion.

If you want a percola cover it should be one which respects and enhances the architecture of the house, as the one I posted above. Said differently, the style of the pergola shoud be based on the architectural style of the house.

There are many choices. Google "pergola" and scroll.

Here's another example:
chispa
5 years ago
The way the house is designed will make it hard to add a pergola or even one of those retractable awnings. I would buy a pair of large umbrellas and use when needed.

I have one like this and it is very versatile and adjustable:
http://treasuregarden.com/akz13-cantilever-p-123.html
Brown Dog
5 years ago
If you add a pergola you'll have to put it above your transom window which will look fine. Or make it freestanding? I added a pergola to my home last year and absolutely love it. It does darken the interior of house slightly. It doesn't, however, completely block the sun so this year I'm going to add a sail so that I get shade through the summer months. Then remove in the fall.
monsieursmith
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for the feedback on these items. I have done a pergola in my previous home that I would do as a similar concept for this one. I would attach it to the house right under the eve, and as a result the height would run right between the top of the door and transom. The top of the door is 8’ high so it would work well.

One thing I was trying to figure is if there was any way to Crete a more solid cover for more heat cover (Texas). One idea that was proposed was to put skylights in to keep the light flowing through, which would lead me to wonder, how can I put a solid roof on with skylights to let more light through. Main difference would be the Roof is much higher on this house.

See photo for pergola type type that I would do if I were to do it.
PRO
Virgil Carter Fine Art
5 years ago
A pergola with a solid overhead roof, even one with skylights, will still be darker under the pergola, and inside the house, compared to a wooden pergola with retractable fabric covering. And it will be much more expensive.

Simplest approach, and one with the strongest architectural respect for the house is the type shown above designed with attractive wood members and a retractable fabric cover under the top framing of the pergola.
Mrs Pete
5 years ago
Pergolas are lovely, but they fail in terms of function:

- We love to sit on our 12'x30' covered porch during storms.

- My husband loves to grill, and the covered porch allows him to grill even if the weather isn't good.

- The dog loves to be outside, but he's prissy about getting his feet wet ... he loves the covered porch too.
Jacqui Naud
5 years ago
This is our patio cover with sky lights. The back of our house faces east.
sprink1es
5 years ago
Would you consider sail shades? Can get more translucent fabrics if you don't want it too dark, and best of all they're easily taken down. Just have to bury some posts etc opposite the house
fuzzbuttmom
4 years ago
How about an Equinox louvered roof? The louvers can be open for light/warmth or shut when it rains or you want full shade.
sprink1es
3 years ago
Awesome! I love it. Any plan to screen it in or are bugs not that bad by you?
WestCoast Hopeful
3 years ago
Absolutely love your progress and updates! My kids would adore that tree house set up!
monsieursmith
Original Author
3 years ago
No plans to screen in. There are bugs, but when they are most present we don’t like hanging outside anyway. In my area I do t see many screened in porches. With good mosquito repellant it would take care of most so I would today first. I do like it more than I thought because now my kids play on the concrete patio and we still have outdoor covered area. Plus, I like 3-4 open sides vs 2 from attached to house because there is more air flow increasing comfort.
Abhi sh
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I am planning to have covered patio

12 ft deep beside my current living room which is 2 story Living room with large windows .i have two option either to put the roof above higher window or at lower window .So I am just concerned if putting roof over lower window will make my living room darker or putting it above higher window will make both window darker?
monsieursmith
Original Author
3 years ago
Do you have a photo of the outside.
Abhi sh
3 years ago
Added photos above
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
3 years ago
Use a retractable awning attached to the house. You likely will not need the awning all the time. Just extend it when there is too much sun or rain.
Abhi sh
3 years ago
does awnings protects from rain?
WestCoast Hopeful
3 years ago
I wonder if you want to make your own post for this? The one you are commenting on is older
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
3 years ago
Yes the awning protects you from the rain unless the winds are high.
ideason
3 years ago
Maybe this idea: pergola with retractable roof