How to Choose the Right Patio

Patios are a great way to extend the living space of a home, using the outdoor environment to full advantage. The roofing and structure of your patio contributes greatly to how well any renovations you make complement the existing architecture of a home and protect from harsh weather conditions. There are various factors to consider in deciding which style of patio is the best for your house or property.

• Architectural Style: A patio needs to complement the existing style of a house, as well as bring a fresh new touch to the building. The style and age of the existing building will affect the choice of materials, colours and structure chosen for your outdoor space. Both modern and period homes benefit greatly from the addition of a patio area, as it brings additional space and light into the house. A modern and innovative patio design will suit the majority of homes, even older styles by providing a striking contrast to the architecture.
• Shape: Patio roofing is available in either curved or straight and gabled shapes. Curved roofs are a more contemporary choice, providing a clean and stylish look to any building. Curved patios are extremely versatile, being suitable for domestic, public and commercial uses to diffuse as much light into a space as possible, through a roof that is unobtrusive in its style. Straight and gabled patio roofs are well suited to preserving the stylistic integrity of traditional, angular architecture.
• DIY: For the adventurous, there are a variety of DIY patio packages available to suit the particular specifications of any building. These packages allow you to gain the same high-quality finish on your own outdoor space, as those constructed by professionals. The patio manufacturer will supply you with the same high quality materials, such as aluminium bars, steel beams and polycarbonate cells, used in the industry to achieve the same high level of insulation and protection. The downside of DIY kits is that they offer less design flexibility, as you are limited by your own skill and resources when it comes to installing the patio.
• Use: When it comes to designing your patio, it is beneficial to consider how the patio will eventually be used, as well as how it should fit with your style. If your patio will be used for outdoor entertaining and relaxation in the summer, then materials need to be chosen to protect from UV rays but still provide access to sunlight, making the Danpalon polycarbonate glazing system a suitable choice.