However, the weather is not always perfect for relaxing and too much sun or rain can discourage you from staying outdoors. However patio and deck designs can be made with inclement weather conditions in mind to allow you to enjoy your time outside even if the forecast is not ideal. The best way to avoid too much sun or rain on a deck and patio is to consider installing a roof.

Patios range from a full covering to simpler umbrellas that block only a portion of your outdoor living area. This article discusses patio umbrellas and how they can be used on your deck. Outdoor patio umbrellas are a great addition to any deck or patio because they allow you to relax and enjoy your time outside without having to deal with the harsh sun or rain. If your deck is inconveniently placed in an area of your home that receives too much sunlight, a patio umbrella can help to reduce the amount of sun it receives, protecting both you and your deck. Umbrellas are also useful for providing shade for patio on a pool deck. Pool patios and areas that are not surrounded or blocked by the house receive very little shade or covering. These areas can be made more comfortable from umbrella shade, allowing you to spend more time by your pool without overheating or burning from the sun.

Patio umbrellas come in a variety of different shapes, styles, and sizes. Large patio umbrellas can be used to cover big areas and provide more shade or rain protection to you and your guests. The first thing that you must consider when buying an umbrella is the type you want. Patio umbrellas can either be free standing or attached to a table. If you would like to buy one that is attached to a table there are many patio furniture with umbrella styles to choose from. You can pick from wood, iron, plastic, and other outside furniture materials. A popular choice for homeowners is cast aluminum patio furniture. Cast aluminum is a great material to make patio furniture out of because it is extremely durable and weather proof. It is the best type of furniture to use outdoors in the north because it can withstand cold weather and very easy to clean. No matter what material you choose to use, make sure that your patio table umbrella matches. You do not need to buy the umbrella and table set together, just make sure either your existing table, or the one you choose to purchase, has a hole in the center for the umbrella.

If you prefer to have a free standing outdoor patio umbrella you can purchase ones separately from a table set. These come in different styles, all attached to a patio umbrella base. You can choose a traditional umbrella in which it opens up from the center with a pole extending towards the base from the middle. These types of umbrellas are the ones that are used in furniture sets because they can be placed through the center of the table. You can purchase a base to attach the umbrella to make free standing and be able to move it wherever you would like. Another option is an offset patio umbrella. These are often called a cantilever patio umbrella and have a curved pole that holds the umbrella suspended to the side. Many homeowners enjoy this style because the pole is not straight down the center blocking your view. These types of umbrellas also come in very large sizes and are able to be moved around so that you can be protected from the sun from various areas of your yard.

A patio awning is a great choice for homeowners looking for a temporary roof. If you would like more covering and shade than provided by just an umbrella you should consider installing a patio roof. Roofs are great for decks or patios that are either attached to your home or free standing because they can be easily built it. Roofs can be made of wood, aluminum, or fabric materials that block both sun and rain. Awnings can be retractable so that they can be pulled in when you want to enjoy the sunlight or rolled out during stormy weather.

Retractable awnings are best installed on patios or decks that are attached to the home to allow a base for the structure to sit on. Canopies are tent like structures that can be placed over your deck or patio to provide shade and protection from rain. They can be installed to sit fixed in your yard or on your patio but they are also easy to move. Canopies can even be used as a temporary garage to protect your car or truck. Another option for temporary roofing is a patio canopy.