5 Decking Covering Ideas That Uplift Your Comfort

A deck can be a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be a great place to entertain guests.

However, the sun in the hot summer days can become exhausting and do us more harm than good, but there’s a quick fix to that.

Covered decks are the perfect option if you are looking for a way to bring some shade and increase your deck’s functionality. A deck cover is affordable, aesthetic, and will improve your private retreat in your backyard.

In this article, you’ll discover 5 decking covering ideas that will make your life on your deck much better!

Deck Covers Ideas

There are a few different types of deck roofs that are popular among homeowners. Here are some of the most popular covered deck ideas for your covered deck project.

Let’s discuss each of these covered deck ideas.

What Are Awnings

Awnings act as a roof extension and provide shade and protection from the rain. It can be retracted when not in use.

Awnings are a type of deck roof that provide shade and protection from the rain. They can be retracted when not in use, making them a versatile option for homeowners.

Awnings are a popular choice for decks because they are affordable and easy to install. They can also be used on patios and porches.

Cost Of Awnings

The cost of awnings varies depending on the size and type of awning. Awnings can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000, and you should be able to find the right size in home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Ikea.

Awnings can also be custom made, but they’ll be much more expensive than if you buy prefabricated ones.

Awnings Materials

Some common awnings materials are vinyl, canvas, and metal.

What Are Canopies

Canopies are similar to awnings, but they are permanent fixtures that cannot be retracted.

Canopies are a type of roof that provide shade and protection from the rain. They aren’t permanent fixtures, but they cannot be retracted like awnings can.

They’re larger structures and will take a lot more space, and will be more difficult to move around if you want to create shade in a different place in your backyard.

Canopies can be seen as tents, and you’ve most likely seen them at food courts.

Cost Of Canopies

Canopies are a more expensive option than awnings, and they will likely cost between $1,000 and $3,000.

Canopy Materials

Like awnings, canopies are typically made of metal, vinyl, or canvas.

Their frame is usually metal while the canopy itself is vinyl or canvas. Vinyl is more durable and expensive, and canvas allows a better airflow and is more affordable.

Pergolas

Pergolas are structures that have an open roof, which provide some shade but do not offer complete protection from the sun or rain.

A pergola is a frame and a roof (usually open) and doesn’t provide complete protection from the sun or rain. They create a more open space and are usually larger than canopies or awnings.

They are popular among homeowners because they are affordable and easy to install, and they add a touch of elegance to any backyard.

Pergolas can be made out of a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, metal, or stone.

While a professional carpenter can build you a custom pergola that can fit any size of patio or deck and still look amazing, prefabricated pergolas are still a viable option if you want to save some money.

Cost Of Pergolas

The cost of a pergola will vary depending on the size and material. A pergola will cost anywhere between $500 and $10k+, including materials and labor.

If you want to save money on a pergola, a prefabricated metal pergola is a good investment that won’t break the bank.

Note: Although most pergolas have an open roof, you can opt for a covered roof that provides even more shade. However, pergolas can be quite expensive if you have a large deck or a large outdoor living space, so it might not be the best option for a covered deck.

What Are Screen-In Porches

Screen-in porches are enclosed structures with a roof and screens on the sides, which provide complete protection from the sun, rain, and insects. You can view them as sunrooms, as they’re very similar, except the walls are not made of glass.

They’re a popular choice for homeowners who want to be able to enjoy their decks in all types of weather.

Screen-in porches can be installed on existing decks or patios, or they can be built from scratch.

Cost Of Screen-In Porches

The cost of a screen-in porch will vary depending on the size and materials. A screen-in porch will cost anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000+, including materials and labor.

If you’re adding a screen-in porch to an existing deck or patio, the cost will be on the lower end. If you’re building a screen-in porch from scratch, the cost will be on the higher end.

Screen-In Porches Materials

The most common material used for screen-in porches is wood, but they can also be made out of aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass.

Wood is the most popular choice because it's affordable and gives your outdoors the natural look of wood. However, wood requires regular maintenance and constant attention.
Aluminum is a good choice because it is low maintenance and doesn't rot like wood does. Aluminum is a more expensive material, but pays off in the long term.
Vinyl and fiberglass are good choices for homeowners who want an easy to clean screen-in porch and they're okay with paying more for it.

A Classic Wood Roof Deck

Out of all options mentioned, the best deck covering remains a wood roof.

It’s probably the most efficient, quick, and affordable option for a covered deck. Your deck builder can build a roof to your deck the moment you start your project, but you can also add it to your outdoor space later.

Although wood requires some maintenance and attention, it still remains the go-to for many homeowners looking to get a deck, or a deck upgrade.

At Riverview Decks, we’ll present you all your options when it comes to the efficiency of your deck. We can build you a long lasting wood roof that’ll protect your decking, or assemble a prefabricated cover if you want to save some money.

Give us a call at (865) 801-4545 so we can further discuss your needs, or request a quote and we’ll get back to you ASAP.