Patio canopies - metal, wooden or glass?

1. Planning a patio canopy

First and foremost, you’ll need to think about the purpose of the surface you’re covering and, on the basis of that, what size and type of roof is required. Youll need a roof of at least 2.5x5 m if you want to park a car beneath it, while about 15 m2, i.e. 3x5 m, is enough for a dining table, chairs and barbecue or a garden furniture set. We suggest you also consult an architect about possible options before starting any work. The canopy needs to fit in aesthetically with both the building it is attached to and also the surroundings. You cant decide? Have a look at some Internet message boards or manufacturers catalogues - they might prove helpful.

Transparent patio covers are ideal when you want to spend time in the open air because they provide protection against the weather, while not blocking out the light. Consult an expert to see what options are available. More importantly, decide how the cover will be installed – would you like it to sit on four posts or will one side be attached to the house? You can also opt for a cantilevered canopy, which is slightly more complex to install. The decision on which structure to use is the most important one, since both the appearance and characteristics of your patio canopy will be affected by it. If you want smaller or thinner supports and a larger span, then a metal structure is usually the go-to option. The roof itself can be flat or curved.

2. What foundations are needed for a patio canopy?

As with any structure, the foundations are very important. Without them, the structure can warp, crack, or even collapse completely. The foundations depend on the ground surface. For paved surfaces, 30x30 cm pad foundations will be necessary, while for a reinforced concrete slab, 20x20 cm steel plates should be used to increase the bond strength between the posts and the base.

3. Cantilever canopy

The advantage of cantilever canopies is that they only have posts on one side and, as the posts are there to prevent the roof from moving, they can be thinner and more elegant. A cantilever patio canopy can be freestanding or fixed to the wall of the building. As this type of structure is exposed to great forces, it must be made of metal, i.e. galvanised steel profiles. When freestanding, the canopy must be screwed into deep foundation pads with ample reinforcement. If attached to the wall, it is screwed into a load-bearing structure, most often the concrete slab. Its important to remember that cantilever canopies can only withstand minor loads.

4. Metal canopies

Metal canopies are characterised by a lightweight structure, a sophisticated look, and exceptional strength. They can be made from profiles that are 10-17 cm thick depending on what you want. Usually, hot-dip galvanised steel, aluminium, or stainless steel is used for the structure.

5. Wooden canopies for patios and balconies

Wooden canopies are becoming very popular. If you opt for a wooden canopy, the advice is to go for a double-pitched roof to allow for easier drainage, unless you want a transparent roof. In practice, 15x15 cm or 20x20 cm wooden posts are most commonly used; these are fixed to concrete piers, about 10 cm off the ground. For such canopies, the roof must have a slope of at least 5%.

6. Glass canopies

A standard roof does not let light through, meaning it can be dark and dingy beneath it. If you want more light and heat, and you want your patio or balcony to be covered, we suggest a glass canopy. A glass roof has a twofold advantage in that it offers protection from the rain while not reducing the amount of light. Laminated or tempered glass is used for such canopies as it can withstand precipitation, wind, hail, and temperature changes. Using matte glass will also offer some degree of shade from the sun. While glass canopies do not allow for larger spans, they can be extended with a denser supporting structure. Glass panels resting on a substructure is actually the most common type of canopy, especially cantilever canopies, above a doorway or suspended.

7. Canopy roofs

7.1. Transparent patio roof

A glass roof provides a modern look and a wonderful ambience as it lets light through and yet shields against the elements. Glass canopies are always made of tempered or laminated safety glass. Depending on the required span, the roof is assembled from one or more glass panels. Their span is generally 80-90 cm, while they can be any length. In our example, for a patio that is 5 m long, there will need to be two, three or more panels.

7.2. Polycarbonate panels

Polycarbonate panels are a perfectly adequate substitute for glass and they are much more reasonably priced. Polycarbonate panels for terraces, patios, and balconies let some light through and also have heat insulation properties, while their only weakness is their shorter service life. You can also choose the colour of the panels and their thickness. They are easy to assemble, lightweight, and elastic, too. However, it’s important to use expansion gaps, oversized screw holes, and elastomeric bearings when installing the panels as they contract and expand with temperature changes, causing them to creak. The panels are between 1-3 cm thick, 100-150 cm wide, and up to 7 m long.