Looking for covered deck ideas?A fully or partially covered deck provides bothshadefordecks in full sunand protection from the elements.Whether you live in a hot,arid region, a colderclimate, or an area with all four seasons,covering your deck ensuresyouget the most use out of your outdoor living space.
Benefits of Covered Deck Features
✓Adds beauty and uniquenessto your outdoor living space.
✓Providesyour deck surfaceadditional protectionfromthe elements(although TimberTech®deck boards are highly durable, extra protection never hurts).
✓Allows you to spend more time on your deckby offering overheadprotection.
Types of Covered Deck Features
Fromsimple awnings to full architectural structureslike roof extensions,covered deckideasrange significantly to suit everypreference and style.Just a few include:
- Awning–A sheet of material attached to your homeabove awindow or door. Awnings areoften retractable andwill partiallyoverhanga porch, patio, or deck.
- Pergola– A classical structure with a slatted roofbuilt free-standingor attached to your home.
- Attached overhead structure–A roof-like structure attached to your homeand supported by posts at the edge of your deck.
- Roof extension–An extension of your roofthat requiresa skilled builder or architect to ensureit is built soundly andthe designflows with your current home’sstyle.
- Fully enclosed deck–Similar to ascreened-in porch, a fully enclosed deckincludesa roofandwalls with windows or screens.
- Under-deck space–Ideal for second-story or balcony decks, an under-deck space can beoutfittedas an outdoor living space, provided it is protected fromrain waterwithawater management system.
Covered Deck Ideasfor Every Space
Discover covered deck ideasfeaturingdifferent types of fully and partiallycovered deck featuresto find the right choice for you and your space.
1.) Introduce an Awning
Awningsgive you a partially covered deck by offering someshade and weather protection—buttheseare not as durable as more permanent structures.
Awning material comes in manydifferent colors,patterns,and stylessoyou can find just the right one to suit yourneeds and preferences.
WhyChooseanAwning
Awnings are ideal if you’re not ready to commit to apermanent overhead structure.Many types areeasily removed or retracted so you can enjoy the sunshine on cooler days and take in the starry sky come nightfall.
Installation Considerations
Awningsare typically the most affordablecovered deck optionand boast relativelystraightforward installation.Since they need to be attached to your home, they provideprotection only to the area of your deck close to your home.To coverthe center of your deck, considerinstalling ashade sail, which provides the same level of protection as an awning.
2.) Pick a Pergola
Pergolasprovide some shade protection with their slatted roofs, while still giving you a totally open-air feel. Apergola’sslatted roof isalsoideal forhangingstring lightsfor a romantic atmosphere.Or,you canallow aclimbing plant, likehoneysuckleor wisteria,toform a green canopy overheadfor a morenaturalfeel.
Keep It Cool With a Shade Canopy
Looking forcovered deck ideas with moresun coverage?Optfor ashade canopy.
Like an awning, a shade canopy is made oftextilesthat come in a variety of colors and patterns to matchyour uniquestyle.Drape it over your pergola’s slatted roof for an elegantfinishing touch.
WhyChooseaPergola
A pergola givesyou an elegant, classicalstructure that adds a touch of romance to your backyard.
Installation Considerations
Pergolas can be installed over any flat surfaceto give you a partially covereddeck, patio, or lawn, so you canhave shade and light weather protection wherever you need it most.Choosing apergola kitprovides you with all the components you’ll needfor the structure’s installation.However,if adding the pergola to your deck surface, your substructurewill requireproperframing to support the added weight of the structure.
3.) Opt for an Attached Overhead Structure
Covered & Cool
An attached overheadstructureistypicallysupported by postsalong the edge of the deck, whichlend an additional sense of enclosureto your spacefor acozierfeeling.
For final touches, add anoutdoor-ratedceiling fanto promote air flow on warm days. For a gentle glow,hang string lightsalong the perimeter.
WhyChooseanAttachedOverheadStructure
Attached overhead structuresare ideal if a full roof extension won’t work in the area yourdeck is built. Itgivesyou the full protection of a roof extension, withoutbeing as complicatedofa project.
Install Considerations
Because the roofof an overhead structureis supported by posts on the deck, itis essential that yourdeck is built to withstand the weight oftheroof. Therefore, these additions often need to beincluded in yourfully or partially covereddeck build’s original plans.Be sure to work with aqualified contractorwhendesigning a deck that will feature anattached overhead structure to ensure it is built soundly and up to code.
4.) Go for a Roof Extension
A roof extensiongives youa fully or partially covered deck withtotal overhead protection and is a seamless part of your home’s exterior. It may or may not require support from postsalong your deck.
If adding anewroof extension,be sure the structure blends in seamlessly with your home’s architectural style. Acraftsman-stylehome, for instance, may have an opengable (inverted V-shape)roof extension,while a modernSpanish-colonial-stylehome will likely have a flat roof extension that suits its morelinear shape.
Dine Al Fresco, Come Rain or Shine
Ensureinclement weather never cancelsyouroutdoordinner dates by placing your dining set under your roof extension.
Despite the overhead protection, it’s a good idea to stickwithoutdoor-rated furniture,asthe elementscan still blow in from the sides.
WhyChooseaRoofExtension
Roof extensions giveyou a permanent, long-lasting covered deck featurethat blends in seamlesslyand looks like an original part of the home.
Installation Considerations
Be aware,depending on the type of structure,adding on a roof extensioncan be a costly projectasitwillrequireyouworkwithprofessionals, andwill likely result inextensive construction workon your home.
Want More Inspiration? We’ve Got You Covered
Check outthese covered front porches for more inspiring ideas that work for decks, porches, patios, and more.
EXPLORE
5.) Consider a FullyEnclosed Space
Take the Indoors, Out
Prefertotally enclosed covered deck ideas? These fullyprotected spacesareideal forbringing indoor amenities outdoors—like TVsand plush outdoor furniture.Experience the entertainment and comfort of the indoorswhile still taking in allthebeauty of the outdoors.
WhyChooseaFullyEnclosedDeck
An enclosed section of your deck gives you a totally sheltered space, safe fromthe elementsandbugs or critters.
Installation Considerations
Creating a fully enclosed space on your deckissimilar tobuilding a screened-in porch.If you already have aroof-like structure overhead, your project becomes a bitmore straightforward. For asimple enclosure,installscreen panelsfrom deck floor to ceiling,whichallowthe breeze inwhilehelping to keepbugs and critters out.
If you prefer walls and windows around your deck, work with acontractorto go over your options.Don’tinstallposts or walls directly on your deck board surface — ideally, your structure will be attached to the deck frame or the ground around the deck.
6.) Expand With an Under-Deck Area
Have a second-story or balcony deck?Covered deck ideas work just as well under a deck as over it.With an effectiveunder-deck water management system,your under-deck area offers the same overhead protection as a roof extension or attached overhead structure,allowing you touse the space as you see fit.
Create a Multi-Functional Hang Out
If your under-deck space allows, createseparate areas that serve different functions,such as abuilt-in kitchen, built-in bar,and anoutdoor dining area.That meansyoucan enjoy yourentireculinary experience—fromthesavorysmells ofcookingtothe fun ofafter-dinner drinks—in the great outdoors.
WhyChoose to Furnish an Under-Deck Area
Furnishing an under-deckspacemakes use of an area that would otherwise go unused,doublingyour outdoor living space.
Installation Considerations
Furnishing an under-deck area doesn’t require any construction work for installing an overhead structure—your overhead structure is your deck, after all. The onlyinstallation needed is for an under-deck water management system likeDrySpace™,whichhelpschannel rainwater away from your home and deck, keeping the area below drier.
Don’t GetInOver Your Head: The Benefit of WorkingWitha Contractor
With the inspiration you needforfull and partiallycovered deck ideas, you’re ready to start exploringwhat it takestoget your project off the ground.Getin touch with aTimberTech-registered contractor who can offer you the expertise you need to ensure your structure is built right.
Bring the Beauty of TimberTech to Your Backyard
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