Are you tired of the weather keeping you from enjoying your backyard? Whether it’s raining, or too hot and sunny to bear, hanging out on your patio can feel like a fight against mother nature. Fortunately, all it takes to overcome uncooperative weather is a little extra shade.

A patio covering can help protect you and your patio from the elements and keep your patio cool and dry. That said, patio coverings only work if you choose the right material.

Thinking about adding a patio cover to your deck or patio, but aren’t sure what material you should use? We’re here to help!

Here are three of the most common patio cover materials and which is best for your home.

Natural Wood

There’s nothing quite like the natural beauty of a wooden patio covering. That said, all that natural beauty comes at a price. Wood, like all organic material, isn’t meant to last forever.

So, no matter how careful about maintaining your patio cover, it’s only a matter of time before it begins to crack, rot, and decay. On top of that, if you paint or stain your wooden patio cover, you’re going to have to be on the lookout for chips and fading and will need to keep up with the maintenance once or even twice a year.

A wooden patio cover may be beautiful, but if you build one, you’re going to have to put up with a lot of extra maintenance.

Stylish Fabric

A fabric patio cover is essentially a permanent beach umbrella. And, while this slim and airy option can help create a striking, modern look on your patio, fabric covers aren’t the best when it comes to protection.

While fabric patio covers can block out harmful UV rays almost as well as a solid cover, they won’t do much to protect you or your patio from the rain and if it’s windy you won’t be able to use it either.

Once they get wet, fabric patio covers are prone to leaking. On top of that, they can be hard to maintain and can tear or stain easily.

Sturdy Aluminum

Finally, there’s aluminum. Unlike wood or fabric, aluminum patio covers are extremely durable and weather resistant. With aluminum, you can create any look or style you want, without having to worry about wear and tear or maintenance.

An aluminum patio cover will also be able to protect your patio from inclement weather completely. So, you’ll be able to enjoy your patio, even when it’s raining or snowing if you like the cold!

Choosing the Right Patio Cover Materials for You
All the more common patio cover materials come with their pros. That said, if you’re looking for a cover you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come without a lot of extra maintenance, then aluminum is the best choice for your home.

With an aluminum patio cover, you’ll be able to create whatever look or style you want, without having to sacrifice strength or durability.

So, you can relax in the shade assured that your patio cover will be able to handle anything mother nature can throw at it.

Creating Your Perfect Patio

Now that you know which patio cover materials you should avoid and which are best, contact one of the top patio cover installers in Indiana for over 40 years, W.A. Zimmer.

At W.A. Zimmer, our aluminum patio covers come in a variety of looks and styles. So, whether you’re looking for full-coverage or just a little extra shade, you’re sure to find the perfect cover to suit your needs.

Contact us today for more information about our patio covers. We’ll have one of our designers come out to your home, take a look at your deck or patio, and help you design the perfect patio covering for your space.