It’s another scorching summer day in Phoenix. You’re looking out at your barren backyard, dreaming of a comfortable outdoor space where you could actually enjoy Arizona’s beautiful weather without feeling like you’re melting. Or maybe you’ve just moved into a new home and that empty concrete slab is calling out for something more. Either way, you’re stuck in that frustrating place between wanting a beautiful, functional patio cover and having no idea where to start.
We get it. The questions can be overwhelming. Solid or lattice? How big should it be? What color works best? Will it actually hold up in those summer monsoons? And perhaps most importantly—how do you make sure you’re not wasting thousands of dollars on something that won’t meet your needs? What is the perfect patio cover?
At Chillax Patios, we’ve helped hundreds of Phoenix homeowners navigate these exact questions over our 10+ years in business. That’s why we’ve created this guide—to walk you through the process of building the perfect Alumawood patio cover using our website as your roadmap.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the key differences between solid and lattice covers, how to determine the right size and style for your specific needs, and why quality installation matters more than you might think. Let’s get started!
Before diving into the specifics of design, it’s crucial to understand the two main types of Alumawood patio covers we offer. Each serves a different purpose, and choosing the right one depends entirely on how you plan to use your outdoor space.
As one of our installation specialists explains: “A solid cover provides 100% shade from any sunlight. The top is coated with a white or very light color paint to reflect sunlight and heat. These covers are 100% water-resistant, so any water running down your roof gets collected in your gutter and flows out the downspout.”
Solid patio covers are ideal if you:
-Want to use your patio regardless of weather conditions
-Need complete protection from Arizona’s intense sun
-Plan to place furniture, outdoor kitchens, or electronics in the space
-Want to reduce cooling costs for adjacent rooms of your home
According to research from the Department of Energy, properly shaded windows and walls can reduce cooling costs by up to 25% in hot climates like Arizona. That’s a significant saving over time!
Our installation team describes lattice covers this way: “A lattice cover gives about 50-60% shade. By around 3-5 PM, you’ll have that nice full shade during the hottest part of the day. Depending on how the lattice is spaced, during high noon you can get more or less shade. If you want more sunlight, we can space them further apart; if you want less, we can place them closer together.”
Lattice patio covers are perfect if you:
-Want a balance of sun and shade throughout the day
-Prefer a more open, airy feeling
-Have plants underneath that need some direct sunlight
-Want a more decorative, less solid appearance
Many of our customers choose a combination approach—a solid section near the house for maximum protection and a lattice extension to create a more open feel while still providing partial shade.
Now that you understand the basic options, let’s walk through how to use our website to plan your ideal patio cover.
The first step in any successful patio cover project is finding inspiration. On our website, you’ll find dozens of photos showcasing projects we’ve completed throughout the Phoenix area. Pay attention to:
-Different configurations (attached to the house vs. freestanding)
-Various color combinations and how they complement different home styles
-The way different covers create distinct outdoor “rooms”
-How lighting is incorporated into different designs
Don’t rush this step! Spending time looking at completed projects will help you visualize possibilities for your own space. You can always hop on over to our Youtube channel to obtain a better knowledge of what we are going to be doing and how we are going to go about building your perfect patio cover!
Alumawood is a specialized aluminum product designed to look like wood without the maintenance headaches. On our website, you’ll find detailed information about the three main brands we work with:
1. Alumawood – The original and most recognized brand
2. Elitewood – A step up with better paint warranties
3. Duralum – Similar to Alumawood with comparable color options
All three provide the same basic benefits for your perfect patio cover:
-Won’t crack, split, or warp in Arizona heat
-Resistant to termites and pests
-Never needs painting or sealing
-Available in a variety of colors and styles
One of the most helpful features on our website is our patio cover calculator. This tool allows you to input your desired dimensions and patio cover type to get a rough estimate of costs.
Remember, this is just a starting point! The final price will depend on:
-Specific site conditions at your home
-Any customizations you choose
-Current material costs (which can fluctuate)
-Whether you need any special engineering for wind resistance
The calculator helps you establish a budget range so you can plan accordingly and budget for your perfect patio cover!
Alumawood comes in a variety of colors designed to complement your home’s exterior. On our website, you’ll find a color selector tool that shows how different options look in various lighting conditions.
For Arizona homes, we typically recommend lighter colors for solid patio covers since they reflect more heat. However, darker colors can work well for lattice covers where heat buildup is less of a concern.
Popular colors among our Phoenix customers include:
-Desert Sand (a light tan that complements earth-toned homes)
-White (maximum heat reflection)
-Textured Brown (for a traditional wood look)
With the basics covered, let’s talk about how to make the smartest decisions for your specific situation.
The perfect patio cover size depends on how you plan to use the space. Here are some guidelines:
-Dining Areas: Allow at least 10′ x 12′ for a table and chairs with room to move around
-Outdoor Living Rooms: At least 12′ x 16′ for seating, tables, and traffic flow
-Outdoor Kitchens: Minimum 12′ x 18′ to accommodate appliances and dining space
Remember to consider existing features like windows, doors, and landscaping. Your patio cover shouldn’t block important views or access points.
A survey by the National Association of Realtors found that outdoor living spaces that are proportional to the home and yard tend to add the most value. Oversized covers can look awkward, while undersized ones may not be functional enough.
The orientation of your perfect patio cover significantly impacts its effectiveness. In Arizona, we recommend:
-Eastern Exposure: Morning sun, afternoon shade—ideal for breakfast areas
-Western Exposure: Needs solid coverage to block intense afternoon sun
-Southern Exposure: Benefits from extended overhangs to block high summer sun
-Northern Exposure: Receives the least direct sun; good for lattice designs
Our website includes a helpful sun-path diagram specific to Phoenix that can help you visualize how the sun will interact with your patio cover throughout the year.
Small design details can dramatically improve both the appearance and functionality of your patio cover:
-Column Style: Square or round columns create different aesthetic effects
-Edge Details: Scalloped or straight edges change the overall look
-Ceiling Fans: Pre-wiring for fans makes a huge difference in comfort
-Lighting: Recessed lights, string lights, or pendant fixtures transform nighttime use
-Gutters and Downspouts: Essential for directing water away from your foundation
Our website showcases these options with close-up photos so you can see the difference each makes so you can determine the perfect patio cover for you.
While choosing the right design is important, the quality of installation ultimately determines how well your patio cover performs and how long it lasts.
An Alumawood patio cover is only as good as its installation. Here’s why precision matters:
-Water Management: Improper slopes can lead to pooling water and leaks
-Wind Resistance: Phoenix monsoons can exceed 60 mph winds; proper anchoring is crucial
-Structural Integrity: Correct spacing of rafters and beams prevents sagging
-Longevity: Properly installed covers can last 20+ years; poor installations often fail within 5
According to a study by the Building Performance Institute, improper outdoor structure installation is responsible for over 80% of premature failures. That’s why we never cut corners on installation quality.
When you work with Chillax Patios, our installation process includes:
1. Detailed Site Assessment: Checking for any issues that might affect installation
2. Precise Measurements: Using laser levels to ensure perfect alignment
3. Proper Anchoring: Securing the structure to withstand Arizona’s monsoon winds
4. Expert Water Management: Installing gutters and downspouts to direct water properly
5. Final Quality Check: Ensuring every detail meets our standards
This attention to detail is why our patio covers continue to look great and function properly years after installation.
One of the best ways to understand what it’s like to work with Chillax Patios is to learn from our previous customers. While we respect their privacy and won’t share names, here are some common experiences:
“I was overwhelmed by options until I used the Chillax website. The before-and-after photos helped me visualize what was possible for my backyard. When I called for a consultation, they asked thoughtful questions about how I planned to use the space, which helped narrow down my choices.”
“The installation team was professional and kept me informed throughout the process. They cleaned up completely each day and finished exactly when they said they would. The attention to detail was impressive—everything was perfectly level and aligned.”
“Three years after installation, our patio cover still looks brand new. We’ve been through three monsoon seasons with no issues at all. The solid cover has made our backyard usable year-round, even in July and August.”
Let’s talk about everyone’s concern: money. Patio covers are an investment, and it’s important to understand the value proposition.
A quality Alumawood perfect patio cover typically costs between 25−25-45 per square foot installed, depending on design complexity and current material costs. While this might seem significant upfront, consider:
-Wood alternatives require repainting every 2-3 years in Arizona’s harsh climate
-A properly installed Alumawood cover should last 20+ years with minimal maintenance
-According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, outdoor living improvements return approximately 72% of their cost at resale
Our website includes a financing calculator that helps you understand monthly payment options if you prefer not to pay the entire amount upfront for your perfect patio cover.
We’ve seen many homeowners try to save money by choosing the lowest bid, only to end up spending more in the long run. Common issues with budget installations include:
-Inadequate footings that fail during monsoon season
-Improper flashing that leads to water damage
-Insufficient structural support causing sagging and warping
-Poor-quality fasteners that rust and fail
Our website includes a helpful checklist of questions to ask any contractor before hiring them, ensuring you’re making an apples-to-apples comparison so you can have maximum trust that your perfect patio cover wont collapse,(yes, we have seen that)
Once you’ve explored our website and have a good idea of what you want, here’s how to move forward:
Use our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. One of our design specialists will visit your home to:
-Take precise measurements
-Discuss your specific needs and preferences
-Address any unique challenges of your property
-Provide expert recommendations based on your goals
After the consultation, we’ll create a custom design for your approval, including:
-Material and color samples to confirm your selections
-A detailed quote with all costs clearly explained
-Timeline for completion
Once you approve the design, our installation team takes over:
Every home is different, and what works for your neighbor might not be the best solution for you. Here are some questions to consider:
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1. How do you plan to use your outdoor space?
2. What’s your budget for both initial installation and long-term maintenance?
3. How important is matching your home’s architectural style?
4. Do you need full shade or would you prefer filtered light?
5. Are you planning to stay in your home long-term or sell soon?
Your answers to these questions will help guide your decision-making process.
At Chillax Patios, we’ve built our reputation on honesty and quality work. We won’t try to upsell you on features you don’t need, and we’ll be straightforward about what will and won’t work for your specific situation.
We’re not just installing a product; we’re helping you create a space where memories will be made—birthday parties, family barbecues, quiet mornings with coffee, and starlit evenings with friends.
That’s why we take such care with every installation. Your patio isn’t just another job to us; it’s a space where your life happens so make sure its something you can enjoy!
An Alumawood patio cover isn’t just a home improvement project—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. It transforms unused outdoor space into a comfortable extension of your home that you can enjoy year-round, even during Phoenix’s hottest months.
By using the Chillax Patios website as your guide, you can explore options, understand costs, and make informed decisions about creating the perfect outdoor space for your family.
Whether you’re dreaming of morning coffee in a sun-dappled space, afternoon gatherings protected from the harsh sun, or evening dinners under soft lighting, the right patio cover makes it all possible.
Ready to create your perfect outdoor space? Visit our website today to start exploring your options, or give us a call to schedule your free consultation. Your backyard oasis is closer than you think! Remember the perfect patio cover based off you, our entire process, from beginning to end is about you and your experience.Â