Why Creating a Covered Outdoor Seating Area is Changing Homes
A covered outdoor seating area is an outdoor space protected from the elements by structures like pergolas, awnings, solid roofs, or pavilions, allowing you to enjoy your patio or deck year-round. Here are the most popular types:
- Pergolas – Provide partial shade with an open lattice design; louvered versions offer adjustable coverage
- Awnings – Retractable or fixed fabric covers; ideal for smaller spaces and flexible sun protection
- Solid Roof Covers – Gabled or shed-style roofs attached to your home; offer complete weather protection
- Freestanding Structures – Pavilions, gazebos, or standalone covers; perfect for creating distinct outdoor zones
Your outdoor space is more than just a backyard. It’s potential living area waiting to be open uped. With the right covered structure, that patio becomes a year-round retreat for morning coffee, family dinners, or entertaining friends—no matter what the weather brings.
The outdoor living trend has exploded in recent years. Homeowners are extending their living space beyond four walls, creating comfortable outdoor rooms that boost property value while enhancing quality of life. A covered patio offers protection from harsh sun, unexpected rain, and even light snow, changing an underused deck into your favorite spot in the house.
According to industry research, covered outdoor spaces have become extremely popular, with restaurants and hospitality businesses also recognizing their value. For pubs, cafes, and hotels, a covered seating area encourages year-round use and increases capacity—and the same principle applies to your home. Why limit your outdoor enjoyment to just the perfect weather days?
At Awnings Unlimited, we’ve been changing outdoor spaces across Northern Utah since 1976. Our expertise in designing and installing custom patio covers means we understand exactly what makes a covered outdoor seating area both beautiful and built to last through Utah’s demanding climate.
Why a Covered Outdoor Space is a Must-Have
Imagine stepping outside on a beautiful day, only for an unexpected shower or intense sun to send you back indoors. A covered outdoor seating area solves these dilemmas, ensuring your outdoor haven is always ready for action.
The benefits extend far beyond weather protection. It’s an investment that increases property value and curb appeal, making your home more functional. This versatile retreat offers usable space in almost any weather, allowing for year-round enjoyment and the mental health benefits of spending more time outdoors. It’s perfect for entertaining, turning casual get-togethers into memorable alfresco dining experiences, regardless of the weather.
For Your Home
For homeowners, a covered outdoor seating area is a game-changer. It creates an outdoor room, blurring the lines between indoor comfort and your backyard. This extension of your living space becomes the heart of your home in warmer months and a cozy retreat when it’s cooler.
This new space is ideal for family gatherings, from barbecues to holiday celebrations, and serves as a dedicated spot for relaxation. We’ve seen countless families in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and across Utah transform their backyards into personal oases.
A covered patio also protects valuable outdoor furniture from sun, rain, and snow, extending its lifespan. Plus, alfresco dining—enjoying a meal outdoors protected from the elements—adds a touch of luxury to everyday life. It’s about making your home work for you by providing more usable space for making memories.
For Your Business
While our primary focus is residential, a covered outdoor seating area is a strategic asset for businesses like restaurants, cafes, pubs, and hotels.
A key advantage is increased seating capacity, which maximizes profit. Extending dining or lounge areas outdoors allows businesses to serve more customers, especially during peak seasons. We’ve seen local businesses in Park City and Lehi use these spaces to attract more customers with a unique, inviting atmosphere.
Recent trends allowing restaurants to expand seating into public spaces highlighted the value of flexible outdoor dining. A well-designed covered outdoor seating area enables businesses to use their patio year-round, providing a consistent revenue stream. It’s an attractive feature that encourages customers to linger and enjoy the ambiance.
Choosing Your Style: Types of Covered Outdoor Seating Area Structures
Selecting the perfect covered outdoor seating area involves choosing from diverse options to match your home’s aesthetic and functional needs. Understanding the different types, whether attached or freestanding, is key to balancing functionality with aesthetics.
Here’s a list of popular cover types, each with its own unique characteristics:
- Pergolas: Offer partial shade and architectural elegance.
- Louvered Pergolas: Provide adjustable shade and weather protection.
- Awnings: Flexible, often retractable, fabric covers.
- Solid Roof Covers: Permanent structures attached to the home for full protection.
- Gazebos & Pavilions: Freestanding structures offering full coverage.
- Cabanas: Freestanding, often poolside, structures for lounging.
Pergolas: Classic and Versatile
Pergolas are a classic solution for a beautiful covered outdoor seating area. Their open lattice design provides partial shade, creating a charming play of light and shadow. Pergolas also add architectural interest and provide a framework for climbing plants like wisteria or jasmine, which add fragrance and greenery.
Materials vary, with popular choices including wood and aluminum. At Awnings Unlimited, we often recommend Alumawood, which gives you the beauty of wood grain without the maintenance. It won’t crack, peel, warp, or rot, and it’s termite-proof—a real advantage for durability.
For more control, louvered pergolas are an excellent choice. Their adjustable slats can be tilted for the right amount of shade or closed for waterproof protection. Many modern versions can be controlled with smart devices for ultimate convenience.
Awnings: Flexible and Efficient
Awnings are a flexible and efficient solution for on-demand shade without a permanent structure.
- Retractable Awnings: Popular for their flexibility, these can be extended for shade or retracted to enjoy an open sky via a manual or motorized system. They are ideal for smaller patios or any space where you want to switch between sun and shade.
- Fixed Awnings: These provide consistent, reliable shade. While less flexible, they are a robust, permanent solution for areas needing constant coverage.
Fabric choices are vast, with durable acrylics and polyesters in many colors and patterns. Modern awnings often feature motorized options, some with wind sensors that automatically retract to protect your investment. We specialize in custom awnings for a seamless integration with your home.
The Solid Roof: Your Ultimate Covered Outdoor Seating Area
When complete, year-round protection is the priority, a solid roof covered outdoor seating area is the ultimate solution. Built to withstand sun, rain, and heavy snow, they are a robust choice for Utah and Wyoming weather.
Solid roofs can be gabled (mimicking a traditional roofline) or a simpler, single-slope shed roof. These structures create an “outdoor room” feel, especially when designed to blend with your home’s architecture. The area can even be enclosed with screens or glass, creating a sunroom for bug-free enjoyment.
Our Alumawood solid panel roof systems protect you from all weather. Made from 100% aluminum, they offer wood’s beauty without the maintenance. They won’t crack, peel, warp, or rot, are termite-proof, and never need painting, making them a durable, low-maintenance choice.
Freestanding Options
A covered outdoor seating area doesn’t have to be attached to your home. Freestanding options like pavilions or cabanas offer flexibility in placement, letting you define a separate zone in your yard, garden, or by the pool. They offer better airflow and can be designed to match your outdoor decor, adding character and functionality to your landscape.
Design, Materials, and Decor
Crafting the perfect covered outdoor seating area blends structural integrity with aesthetic appeal. It involves choosing the right materials, designing a functional layout, and adding personal decor.
| Feature | Alumawood | Cedar Wood | Vinyl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Excellent (resists rot, insects, warp) | Good (naturally rot/insect resistant) | Excellent (resists rot, insects, moisture) |
| Maintenance | Very Low (no painting, easy cleaning) | Medium (requires sealing/staining, occasional repair) | Very Low (easy cleaning, no painting) |
| Cost | Medium to High (initial investment) | Medium to High (initial + ongoing maintenance) | Medium |
| Aesthetics | Looks like wood, consistent finish | Natural wood grain, rustic appeal, fades over time | Smooth, uniform, modern look, can look plastic |
Matching your cover to your home’s architecture is crucial for a cohesive look. A modern home might benefit from sleek aluminum, while a traditional residence could be complemented by a classic wooden pergola. Creating a focal point, such as a fire pit or outdoor kitchen, can anchor the space. We help clients in Salt Lake City and beyond envision these details, turning a simple cover into a stunning outdoor living experience.
Essential Materials for Structure and Durability
The longevity of your covered outdoor seating area depends on your material choice. We prioritize durable, low-maintenance materials suited for the weather across Utah, Wyoming, and our other service areas.
- Alumawood: A standout material, Alumawood is 100% aluminum that mimics real wood without the drawbacks. It’s termite-proof, non-combustible, and never needs painting. Its Aluma-Shield paint system with Teflon resists dust, dirt, and stains, making it incredibly low-maintenance and durable. It won’t crack, peel, warp, or rot.
- Cedar: A popular wood choice, cedar offers natural beauty and resistance to rot and insects but requires regular sealing or staining to maintain its appearance.
- Aluminum: Standard aluminum structures are strong, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion, making them an excellent choice for modern designs.
- Steel: For heavy-duty applications, steel provides immense strength but is heavier and requires more maintenance to prevent rust.
- Vinyl: A low-maintenance option that won’t rot, rust, or splinter, offering a clean look at an accessible price point.
When selecting materials, consider the local climate, your budget, and your desired maintenance level. We can guide you through these choices to ensure your structure is built to last.
Designing the Perfect Covered Outdoor Seating Area
Designing your covered outdoor seating area is about creating an experience. Layout planning is crucial: will the space be for dining, lounging, or both? Consider traffic flow and how to create a seamless transition from your indoor space using large glass doors or consistent flooring. Architects often use features like sunken living areas or multilevel patios to add visual interest and create distinct zones.
Our design inspiration comes from years of experience across Utah. Think creatively: could your space include a bar, built-in BBQ, or fireplace? These elements improve functionality and create inviting focal points.
Complementing with Landscaping and Decor
Once the structure is in place, landscaping and decor add the finishing touches, bringing warmth and personality to your space.
- Potted Plants: Introduce vibrant greenery and color.
- Climbing Vines: For pergolas, vines like wisteria or jasmine can add a natural canopy.
- Outdoor Rugs: Define seating zones and add a touch of indoor coziness.
- Weatherproof Furniture: Invest in comfortable, durable furniture designed for outdoor use.
- Throw Pillows & Blankets: Add layers of comfort and pops of color.
- Privacy Screens & Lattices: If your space feels exposed, consider privacy screens, lattices, or hedges.
The goal is to create an oasis that reflects your style, blending structured architecture with natural outdoor elements.
Bringing Your Oasis to Life with Lighting and Heating
A truly exceptional covered outdoor seating area isn’t just for daytime enjoyment. With the right lighting and heating solutions, your outdoor oasis can become a year-round haven, extending usability into the evening and ensuring comfort even on cooler days.
Lighting Options
Lighting is paramount for setting the mood and ensuring safety after dark. It’s an opportunity to get creative and define the ambiance of your space.
- String Lights: Often called “festoon lights,” these are a classic choice for a whimsical, festive atmosphere. Drape them across your pergola or along the edges of your patio cover for a warm glow.
- Recessed Lighting: If you have a solid roof or a louvered pergola, recessed lights can provide subtle, even illumination, giving your space a sophisticated, indoor-room feel.
- Pendant Lights & Sconces: For a touch of elegance, pendant lights can hang over a dining table, while wall sconces can highlight architectural features or provide ambient light.
- Landscape Lighting: Don’t forget to light the surrounding landscaping to integrate the covered area with the rest of your yard.
- Dimmable Controls: We highly recommend dimmable controls for all lighting. This allows you to adjust the brightness to suit any occasion, from a lively party to a quiet, romantic evening.
- Solar-Powered Options: For eco-conscious homeowners, solar-powered lights offer an energy-efficient solution that’s easy to install.
When planning, consider both decorative and task lighting. You might want bright lights for cooking on your outdoor grill, but softer, warmer light for lounging.
Heating and Cooling Solutions
Even in Utah’s sunny climate, evenings can get chilly, and summer afternoons can be scorching. Incorporating heating and cooling elements ensures your covered outdoor seating area remains comfortable no matter the season.
- Electric Infrared Heaters: These are highly efficient and direct heat exactly where it’s needed. They’re quiet, odorless, and can be mounted discreetly on your patio cover.
- Gas Heaters: From freestanding patio heaters to built-in gas fireplaces, these provide substantial warmth and a cozy focal point. Remember to ensure proper ventilation if using gas heaters.
- Outdoor Fireplaces: A stone or brick fireplace adds immense charm and warmth, creating a natural gathering spot. It’s a statement piece that improves the luxury feel of your outdoor space.
- Ceiling Fans: Essential for cooling, especially in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. They circulate air, making hot days much more bearable and keeping pesky insects at bay.
- Misting Systems: For extreme heat, a misting system can provide a refreshing cool-down, turning your patio into a true oasis.
When installing any heating or cooling system, always consult with professionals to ensure safety, proper installation, and compliance with local codes. We prioritize these considerations for all our projects in Salt Lake City, Alpine, and all our service areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Covered Patios
Here are answers to common questions we receive about creating a covered outdoor seating area.
What is the most durable material for a patio cover?
For durability in Utah’s diverse weather, we recommend low-maintenance materials.
- Alumawood: This is one of the most durable options. As 100% aluminum, it won’t rot, rust, warp, or attract termites. Its specialized paint finish won’t peel or crack and never needs repainting, making it ideal for long-lasting performance.
- Aluminum: Standard aluminum structures are strong, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion. They can be engineered for significant wind and snow loads.
- Vinyl: This material is also very durable and low-maintenance, resisting rot, insects, and moisture.
While beautiful, wood like cedar requires ongoing maintenance. For maximum longevity with minimal fuss, Alumawood or aluminum structures are your best bet, often backed by leading warranties for peace of mind.
How much does a covered patio cost?
The cost of a covered outdoor seating area varies widely based on several factors:
- Size: Larger structures require more materials and labor.
- Materials: High-end materials like Alumawood cost more than simpler options.
- Complexity: Custom designs or integrated features (lighting, heating) will increase costs.
- Installation: While DIY can save on labor, professional installation ensures structural integrity, code compliance, and often includes warranties. We always recommend it for safety and longevity.
Based on industry averages, you can expect:
- Pergolas: Roughly $10–$65 per square foot; louvered versions range from $45–$125 per square foot.
- Solid Roof Covers: These average $70–$155 per square foot, reflecting their full protection and complexity.
These are general estimates; a detailed quote from a reputable installer provides the most accurate cost.
Can I add a cover to my existing patio?
Absolutely. Adding a cover to an existing patio or deck is a fantastic way to upgrade your outdoor living space.
- Assessment: The first step is to assess your existing slab or deck to ensure it’s structurally sound and properly graded to support the new cover.
- Options: You can choose between an attached cover that extends from your home or a freestanding structure placed anywhere on your property.
- Integration: Our design team ensures the new cover complements your home’s architecture, making it look like it was always meant to be there.
- Permitting: You may need local building permits depending on the cover’s size and type. We can guide you through this process to ensure code compliance in your location, from Sandy to Draper and beyond.
Adding a cover is a popular way to transform an underused patio into a cherished covered outdoor seating area.
Transform Your Backyard into a Year-Round Retreat
The dream of an outdoor living space that serves you every day, rain or shine, is entirely within reach. A thoughtfully designed and expertly installed covered outdoor seating area offers unparalleled benefits, from extending your home’s usable footprint and boosting its value to providing a sanctuary for relaxation and entertainment. It’s about creating a space where memories are made, shielded from the elements but open to the joys of the outdoors.
At Awnings Unlimited, we believe in the value of professional installation. Since 1976, we’ve brought countless outdoor visions to life across Utah, Wyoming, Eastern Nevada, Southern Idaho, and Colorado. Our family business prides itself on using durable materials like Alumawood, ensuring that your investment stands the test of time and weather. We understand the nuances of local climates and building codes, delivering custom solutions with professional precision and a leading warranty.
Don’t let unpredictable weather dictate your outdoor plans. It’s time to transform your backyard into that dream space you’ve always wanted. For a custom solution in Utah or Wyoming, explore our durable patio covers. We’re here to help you sit back, relax, and enjoy your perfect covered outdoor seating area for years to come.