10 Attractive Covered Patio Ideas for Your Dream Outdoor Space

Weather conditions and curious neighbors are why people cannot always enjoy outdoor patios. A covered patio needs not only to be in direct contact with nature but also to be private, comfortable, and practical. So, you may waste your money if you do not address these issues first. There are many shapes and sizes for a covered patio that you can include in your backyard, even if small, to make the most of your outdoor area. From simple bed swings to innovative cocoons, there are many ways to customize your patio.

© Pixabay

Best DIY Covered Patio Ideas

Are you craving outdoor relaxation and entertainment but don’t want exposure to the harsh sun or rain? Look no further than these ten attractive DIY-covered patio ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY-er or just starting, these projects will inspire and help you create your dream outdoor space. From rustic and cozy to sleek and modern, there’s a covered patio design for every taste and budget. Now gather your supplies because you’re about to make your backyard the oasis you’ve always wanted.

1. DIY Green Walled Patio:

Most of us know for a fact that the sun is not always your best friend. However, that does not prevent you from enjoying your outdoor backyard throughout the year. A green wall can serve many functions, from filtering the sun’s rays to purifying the air and providing privacy to your covered patio without sacrificing the outdoor experience. You can plant vines, climbers, and creepers that grow on a grid screen, or your green wall can be a series of vertical planter boxes.

© Marty Baldwin

As a cherry on top of the cake, you can use scented herbs and plant them on these walls to enjoy the pleasant aroma on your patio. If you want more privacy, the Planter Box Trellis is a great alternative to include in your landscape design. This is a covered patio with planter boxes fixed onto wooden panels. It will provide you with more enclosure yet offer the same environmental benefits. Additionally, the planter boxes are easier to manage.

Planter Box Trellis. © Heruagn

2. A Tree House Patio

If there are kids in your household, a vibrant tree house will make them feel like they are on cloud nine. An alternative to the old conventional patio, a tree house can provide a unique view due to its elevated position. Treehouses enable you to enjoy nature while being secluded in an indoor covered space. You can choose from a hundred types of treehouses; their shapes and sizes can vary according to the size of your patio and the type of trees that support it.

© Kolupaev, Getty Images

Contrary to popular belief, treehouses are not just for kids. They can be your getaway to enjoy some serenity and a nice view. There are even fully furnished homes that exist in treehouses. If you would like to check more ideas for tree houses, check out this article about tree houses with breathtaking views and get inspired.

Tree House / JAN TYRPEKL. © Antonín Matějovský

3. A Waterfall Patio

Get that cooling effect in the summer with this simple yet stunning covered patio. This covered patio is perfect for meditation buffs and is super easy to install. It forms a projecting terrace over a water pond where the floor acts as a waterfall. If you already have a conventional static swimming pool on your patio, this can be a great way to spice it up and integrate it with your covered patio.

© Universal Rocks

This is not only an excellent opportunity to get closer to nature and enjoy the tranquil and soothing sounds of the dripping water up close, but it is also an efficient cooling method for the hot summer. However, if you have a lousy neighbor, you must use large or medium-sized trees for noise buffering, as this patio must have one of the walls wholly eliminated. 

4. Dynamic Floor Patio/ Fold Out Desk Chair

If you were not blessed with a spacious outdoor space, then multifunctional furniture is a crucial element you must include on your covered patio. If you want a flexible outdoor area whose design adapts to your different needs at different times of the day, you’ll have to think smart.

© Getty Images

5. The Cocoon Tree

If you are too lazy to start a DIY project from scratch, the cocoon is something you can quickly assemble with your friends. All you need to do is install it. Instead of the traditional outdoor patios, the Cocoon Tree is made of an aluminum structure covered by a waterproof membrane.

© Alamy

You can hang it from the trees using hamstrings or simply place it on the ground as it has adjustable feet. If you choose to suspend it from a tree, you may need to attach a staircase to it, as you would do to a treehouse. Although it weighs only 130 pounds, it can hold up to a ton, which means it can carry you and about 2 or 3 of your friends.

6. DIY: Asian Inspired Bed Swing

If there is one thing you must learn from Asian designs, it is how they can use the most straightforward tools to get closer to nature. This outdoor daybed is easy to install in your home and may be just what you need to spice up your outdoor patio. Suspend the daybed’s hamstrings from the timber beams of the covered patio, and make sure they are long enough so that you can enjoy a swing.

© Homedit

Instead of wasting your space and money on a lawn, place your swing bed over groundcovers and shrubs to float above them and enjoy the lake. Also, you can add a coffee corner or breakfast table on the other side of the patio-bed composition. You can use a trampoline to create your customized DIY patio floating beds and save some cash. Check out the video for a step-by-step guide.

 7. The Modern Bonfire Patio

Cold weather is one of the main obstacles that keep us from spending more time on the patio. If you’re suffering from the winter blues, you are more likely to stay in your comfort zone indoors. A fire pit is a timeless element that never gets out of date. You can still get warm while enjoying the outdoors using a modern fire pit.
Remember to consider the wind direction before locating the fire pit. Even if your patio area is small, try to use a multilevel design that allows you to create multiple spaces and allow more people on the upper levels to enjoy the warmth of the fire pit. You can complement the fire pit with surrounding built-in furniture.

Also Read: 10 Fabulous Designs for Your Outdoor Fireplace.

© Backyardscape

8. Build a Slat Wood Pergola

This white slat wood pergola creates a gorgeous focal point in your yard. The close spacing of the panels means you’ll get enough shade without sacrificing your sense of being outdoors.

© Sprucing Up Mamahood

9. Install a Fabric Shade

Adding a DIY cloth shade to your pergola is a terrific way to improve the aesthetics of your outdoor area and shield your furnishings from the sun.

© Huimin County Naite Rope Net Co., Ltd.

10. Construct a Pavilion

Take things to the extreme by adding a deck like a pavilion and an overhead fan to keep you cool on summer days.

© Dirk Weiblen

Covered Patios: In a Nutshell

Creating a covered patio is an excellent way to enhance your outdoor living area. With the right design and attention to detail, you can transform your patio into a stunning and functional space where you’ll love spending time. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern look or a more traditional feel, there are plenty of covered patio ideas to choose from. So why wait? Start exploring your options today and create the outdoor oasis of your dreams.