Excerpt from an article written by Larry Abbott, published on the Texas Home and Garden website on January, 5th, 2017.
In the heat of Houston summer, you may still want to enjoy time outdoors. The shade of a covered outdoor living space is one of the best ways to stay cool in summer. There are several ways to create shade with a deck or patio, creating a cool space to entertain outside year round.
A patio cover is one way to beat the heat and stay dry. Patio covers are either attached to an existing structure or freestanding. If you are planning to build a freestanding patio with cover, remember to situate it where the shade will fall during times you plan to be outside. A patio cover that is attached to your home extends your living space and will help cool your homes exterior surfaces. When planning an attached patio cover, it is essential that the design blends seamlessly with the style of your home.
You have several material options when building your patio cover including wood, vinyl, and stone. There are additional features to think about such as lighting and air circulation. Adding ceiling fans is an excellent way to avoid hot stale air. Recessed lighting can be added so the space can be used day and night.
