Are you looking for a real good patio cover design? You can rest assured, if your architect designed the patio, it is probably custom-made and of good quality. Try to match the patio cover with the house layout and usage. It depends on what you use your patio for, as you could use it as a utility room to place a grill, a table and some chairs, or use it for entertaining purposes. You may also use it for a hobby or recreation area, or an all-weather living area for your family pet.

There are tons of designs, ranging from patio awnings with partial cover or patio umbrellas for limited area cover. There are aluminum or wood patio covers to protect against rain or sun. If you decide on the wood or aluminum cover, make sure it's of the highest quality material, as well as being fashionable and functional.

Most patio awnings are maintenance-free and are of the highest quality, and will not twist, warp, decay or rot. If you live in the area where there's a lot of sunlight, there are solar-designed patio covers that offer shade, and produce clean and environmentally-friendly electricity.

Selecting the best patio cover design will depend on the shape of your structure and your dcor. Try covering one half of your deck with a lattice design and the other portion with a solid roof. This will give you an area that is still exposed to light on one side and complete shade on the other. Also, have a look at a pergola structure as this can create a relaxing outdoor atmosphere. It has angled slats to give you an airy feeling and at the same time will block out sun and give you great shade. Regardless of what type of patio umbrellas or patio awnings you choose, remember to keep functionality in mind.