How to Build a Patio Cover With Cedar or Cypress

Patio covers shelter the area from sun, rain and snow. Covers are usually made from canvas, metal, wood or a combination of materials. The covers are freestanding or attached to one side of a structure, similar to awnings. Based on their appearance and durability, cedar and cypress are often used to cover patios.

Lay out the dimensions and style of the cover on graph or blueprint paper. If the cover is attached to a structure, the square footage should be equal or less than the abutting roof to create a balanced appearance. The supporting poles can be inserted in the ground around the perimeter of the patio or into holes drilled into the patio base. Use an adequate number of poles to support the cover during storms and high winds. Create a lattice framework between the poles with lumber strong enough to support the cedar or cypress planks. For maximum coverage and protection, make the distance between the supports slightly smaller than the dimensions of the planks.

Cedar is available in various grades but none is strong enough to build structures. Cedar is attractive, durable and resists rotting and insect infestation. To retain its natural, rich, golden brown color, treat cedar with a clear finish as sun and rain will turn it a dull grey. Older cedar with a solid color surface is stronger than streaked cedar or sapwood. Use small nails to apply it to the substrate to prevent splitting the wood.

Cypress is sold in common and premium grades and sturdy enough to be used as construction lumber. Most lumber yards in the southeastern part of the country stock cypress, but it may need to be specially ordered in other areas. It retains its light brown, reddish hues in all types of weather. Cypress is rot- and insect-resistant but will warp and curl over time if not properly dried and cured before installation. As a patio cover, cypress wood can be attached to the lattice base with screws or nails.

Slightly overlap cypress or cedar planks to allow adequate air flow so the patio cover can breathe and is impervious to being lifted or torn by strong winds. Cedar is typically about half as expensive as redwood and twice as costly as pressure treated lumber. If you live in a region far away from natural cypress sources, it can cost more than redwood. For maximum savings, consider mixing wood types for your patio cover.

Essortment - Free Do It Yourself Wood Projects: How To Build A ...
www.essortment.com Home Repair & Remodeling
A wooden patio cover is a stylish and beautiful addition to your home. It will protect your patio furniture and guests from the elements and provide welcome shade ...
How to Build a Wooden Patio Cover eHow
www.ehow.com Landscaping & Outdoor Building Decks & Patios
How to Build a Wooden Patio Cover. If you are looking to make your outdoor patio a little more intimate, consider installing a wooden patio cover. The patio cover ...
HowStuffWorks "How to Build a Patio Overview"
home.howstuffworks.com Home DIY Patio & Porch
Building a patio can be expensive, but you can save money by doing it yourself. Get the step-by-step directions for pouring a patio in this article.
EzineArticles - How To Build A Patio Cover
ezinearticles.com Home Improvement Patio Deck
Feb 06, 2006 If willing to experiment and build a Patio Cover, hammer out questions as to why you need a Patio Cover, for what purpose, whether it would be painted or ...
How to hold a 6x6 (or 4x4) cedar (or pressure treated) post on an ...
answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090309160636AAgKH0OLast updated: Mar 10, 2009 5 posts First post: Mar 09, 2009
Mar 09, 2009 Hi - I want to roof in a 10x7 area - that will cover my BBQ - and a chair or two - the area is relatively small 10x7. I want to use either cedar or metal ...
How to Make a Canvas Patio Cover eHow
www.ehow.com Landscaping & Outdoor Building Decks & Patios
How to Make a Canvas Patio Cover. Patio covers are an affordable and attractive alternative to hard-scope roofing materials over a deck or other outdoor area. The ...
Cedar Store the - Cedar Outdoor Furniture Cedar Patio
www.cedarstore.com
Shop for cedar patio furniture, garden bridges, cedar outdoor furniture & garden furniture. A Fifthroom Specialty Shop
About Cedar & Cypress - Cedarwood
www.cedarwoodfurniture.com/cedarfacts.html
About Cedar Helpful Information General Characteristics Cedar is a lightweight and dimensionally stable wood that lies flat and stays straight,
Build a Free Standing Patio Cover Suite101
suite101.com Home Renovation/Repair Home Exteriors
Mar 25, 2013 Build a freestanding patio cover to protect your camper, car, or boat. Add value to your home while creating a space for entertaining.
How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden This Old House
www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20258509,00.html
If you have a kid who loves helping out in the garden but you're always brushing the dirt off their knees, a raised bed may be the perfect addition to your landscape
HOUSTON PATIO COVERS INC. HOUSTON
houstonpatiocovers.com
Houston Patio Covers, Inc. founded by Bob Hamilton 832-473-8249 Patio Cover Builder for the Houston Area Since 1981 we have been serving the ...
How-to Projects
www.lowes.com/cd_How+To+Library_615580068_?action=howTo
Want to build a new deck or pergola? Or maybe do some general home improvements? Whatever your project, Lowe's can show you how. You can find step-by-step ...
Build a Free-Standing Patio Cover Protect your deck or boat or ...
www.icanfixupmyhome.com/FreestandingPatioCover.html
Build a freestanding patio cover to protect your camper, car, or boat. Or add value to your home while creating a space for entertaining.
Patio Furniture Covers
www.outdoorfurnitureplus.com/patio-furniture-covers.htm
Patio Furniture Covers Check out our "Duck Covers." Like water falling off a duck's back. The covers below that show a "Duck Cover" is included have an inflatable air ...
How To Build A Garden Arbor Design Ideas, Pictures, Remodel,
www.houzz.com All Rooms
To search for all words in exact order, you can use quotes around the term. Example: "how to build a garden arbor" To search for all words in any order, add ...
The Best Patio Covers in Houston, Texas
eaglepatiocovers.com
Affordable Patio Covers in Houston, Texas - Eagle Patio Covers - We also build gazebos, stamped concrete floors and sidings - Houston.
Patio Covers Pergola Kits Patio Cover Kits Dallas-Fort Worth
www.dallascedar.net/dallas-cedar-patio-covers.html
Patio Covers Dallas Cedar Supply is a one-stop lumber yard serving Dallas-Fort Worth. Cedar lumber supply for cedar patio covers, pergola kits Dallas-Fort
How to Build a Gable Shed or Playhouse HomeTips
www.hometips.com Sheds & Playhouses
Diagrams, plans, and instructions for building a 7-by-12-foot gable-roof shed or playhouse