Patios are great features for any home to relax outside and
spend time in the fresh air. However, if there's much sun, too many bugs, or not
enough privacy, you may opt to construct a patio enclosure to make the most of
your time outdoors.
Below is some basic information and tips on how to
build a patio enclosure onto your existing patio.
Building a Patio Enclosure
There are two options for building a
patio enclosure: you can either purchase a kit or build it yourself.
Patio Kit
- A patio kit comes with everything you need (except for tools), so you won't
have to worry about buying enough materials (such as wood, screening, etc.).
- If you don't have much experience or construction know-how, a pre-fabricated
kit will be a simpler approach. The included instructions will help you build
the enclosure step-by-step.
- The picture of the finished product on the box will give you an idea of what
your enclosure will look like.
Do it Yourself Enclosure
- Construct a frame for your patio with two-by-four construction lumber.
- The studs of the frame should be placed about 16 inches apart. Check your
local building codes first, however, as they may have different requirements.
- Once the frames of the walls are complete, you'll need to get some help from
a few other people to lift and secure them into place around your patio.
- Create rafters for the roof. Using two-by-four lumber once again, create
joists across the top of the frame walls.
- Lay plywood across the joists and nail it into place.
- Then you can lay down shingles or other roofing material.
- Use a staple gun to attach a screen around the outside of the frame walls.
- To keep the wood of the frame and roof protected, stain it with an outdoor
wood stain in the color of your choosing.
Once the stain is dry, it
won't be long before you'll be outside enjoying a book or meal, bug-free and in
the shade.