Cover a lattice patio

LilLee11

Does anyone have advice on how to cover a lattice patio? We would love it to be a solid cover, but the estimates to just add a solid covered 10x20 cover is about $3000. Definitely not what we're wanting to spend! At that point we should just tear it down and build a new one! We bought some canvas from Home Depot, but I'm just assuming it wont seem covered enough. Thanks! 

I look forward to any ideas or advice. TIA 

musictchr25

Do you have any pictures of the space? That will help in figuring out how to cover it.  Also, are you looking to make it completely shaded, or only partly shaded?

LilLee11

No picture and our yard is a mess because we're installing a pool. This is basically what it looks like... http://www.tcawning.com/patio-cover-styles I"d prefer it to be completely shaded. I feel like if we can get it totally covered it will seem like more of an extension of our house. Thanks!

Sue-n-Kevin

I've wanted to build a pergola for years over my patio, but never saved up enough money, LOL.

Canvas is probably not a great idea. It can leak. Is this waterproof canvas? Is your lattice flat, or does it have a slope downward? If it has a slope then you might need to consider a gutter of some type, because all the rain or moisture is going to end up rolling down from whatever cover you use and onto the ground/patio around it, perhaps making it less sturdy, or deteriorating it over time. A fabric covering is also going to have to be placed on top of the lattice, not under it, as it will sag with water, possibly tearing the canvas. You will have to get up on top of the lattice to attach it with a nail gun or staple gun.

Something I've considered in my advance planning for my yet-to-be-built-pergola is using somewhat thick plexi-glass. It would need to be screwed down onto the wood frame holding up your lattice. You'd need some plastic or rubber inserts to keep the water from going around the screws and leaking. It won't provide shade, but it will provide some protection from the rain. I was going to use this over half of the area, then a shade material over the other half. Plus, the plexiglass won't warp like wood, or tear like fabric. Not sure of the price however.

Have you gone to a home improvement store and asked them their advice? Maybe that's how you landed upon the canvas answer, not sure.

If you don't belong to houzz.com, these are the types of questions their experts and members answer. They are going to need a picture, however, to answer it properly. Join (it's free) and go to their "discussion" page. Pose it as a question, with pictures, and you should get some answers.

 

 

MommyLiberty5013

As PP mentioned plexi glass on the weather facing side and then line the underside with an outdoor fabric. That can be bought in bulk at a number of fabric stores.

But as she also mentioned you need to slope the "roof" so water can drain (into a gutter and downspout) otherwise you'll get water issues.

LilLee11

Sue-n-Kevin:

I've wanted to build a pergola for years over my patio, but never saved up enough money, LOL.

Canvas is probably not a great idea. It can leak. Is this waterproof canvas? Is your lattice flat, or does it have a slope downward? If it has a slope then you might need to consider a gutter of some type, because all the rain or moisture is going to end up rolling down from whatever cover you use and onto the ground/patio around it, perhaps making it less sturdy, or deteriorating it over time. A fabric covering is also going to have to be placed on top of the lattice, not under it, as it will sag with water, possibly tearing the canvas. You will have to get up on top of the lattice to attach it with a nail gun or staple gun.

Something I've considered in my advance planning for my yet-to-be-built-pergola is using somewhat thick plexi-glass. It would need to be screwed down onto the wood frame holding up your lattice. You'd need some plastic or rubber inserts to keep the water from going around the screws and leaking. It won't provide shade, but it will provide some protection from the rain. I was going to use this over half of the area, then a shade material over the other half. Plus, the plexiglass won't warp like wood, or tear like fabric. Not sure of the price however.

Have you gone to a home improvement store and asked them their advice? Maybe that's how you landed upon the canvas answer, not sure.

If you don't belong to houzz.com, these are the types of questions their experts and members answer. They are going to need a picture, however, to answer it properly. Join (it's free) and go to their "discussion" page. Pose it as a question, with pictures, and you should get some answers.

 

 

I love the plexiglass idea! I love houzz but Im not a member. Ill have to join that way I can ask a question. Thank you!