How to Build a Patio Cover
If you have built and readied a patio, you may want to consider building a patio cover.
You must decide what material your patio cover will be made of and how much you are willing to spend. Patio covers come in different materials ranging from wood, prefabricated aluminum and PVC. A patio cover should be longer than 12 feet and no higher then a single story. The patio can be fully or partially covered.
Building a patio is a job that requires no special skills. The difficulty level is easy to moderate.(For a detailed guide on patio building, learn how to build a patio)
The tools and materials that would be necessary are:
A 3/8″ drill bit
Hack saw or electric jig saw with fine-toothed blade for metal
A caulking gun
Measuring tape
Screwdriver
Hammer
Metal snips
Socket and shank
Crescent wrench
Level
Carpenter’s square
Ladders
Heavy duty pencils
Masonry
Nuts and bolts
As you can see, these are basic tools; if you do not have them you could go to any local or name brand hardware store and buy a ready made tool kit. This will have all the needed items for the job.
patio coverIf the patio is attached to the house, then the existing support system will help the cover to fit easily. For a freestanding patio, the cover will have to be fitted on all four sides, depending on the shape.
Work according to weather conditions; you will not want to start when there is a storm.
You will require at least two people throughout the project. Some basic steps that should be taken into account are:
Step one: Determine the angle and pitch of your roofline, and the size of your patio cover. Set the post using the concrete base weights.
Step two: Align 4-by-4 posts on the base. Begin to nail to the base and post.
Step three: Create the support beam by having the double 2-by-12 boards on the roof. This requires two people; considering this, cut your ridgeline and set rafters.
Step four: Measure a piece of the metal screening and staple it to the inside of each block.
Step five: Install the roof, and this again will require two people.
Step six: Install a rain cutter to drain the excess water from the roof.
Step seven: Finish the underside of the roof by installing sheathing and any required insulation.