The terrace is a much-appreciated place to relax and socialise when the fine weather arrives. To make the most of it, it's essential to choose a roofing solution that suits your needs and your budget. In this article, find out about the different ways of covering a terrace without a patio cover, their advantages and disadvantages, and our advice on making the best choice for your roof.
Ideas for inexpensive outdoor patio covers to protect against the sun
There are a number of ways to protect your terrace from the sun without taking up any floor space, from rain or prying eyes. Here are the main ones:
- The shade sail
- Canisses
- Pergolas and arbours
- Conservatories and skylights
Shade sails: a practical and attractive solution for a self-sheltered terrace
Camouflage shade cloth is a lightweight, hard-wearing fabric that can be stretched between several hanging points to create a shaded area on the terrace. Available in a range of shapes (square, rectangular, triangular) and colours, it adapts easily to all styles of terrace, hanging either from the roof or from a pergola. Perfect for nature lovers, camouflage netting will create a contemporary atmosphere and heat insulation with ease. It will increase the space available in summer while providing you with a high level of comfort thanks to our stretched canvas. You'll gain more living space in the middle of summer, even in very hot weather and without a patio cover.
There are many advantages to shade sails:
- Quick and easy to install
- Aesthetics and modernity
- Good protection against the sun's UV rays
- Affordable price
However, this solution also has a number of drawbacks:
- Poor weather resistance (strong wind, rain)
- Requires solid attachment points
Canisses: a natural and economical alternative for a covered wooden terrace
Canisses are panels made from plant (reed, bamboo, wicker) or plastic slats, which are fixed to a wooden or metal structure to cover the terrace. They provide effective protection from the sun, while creating a warm, intimate space.
The advantages of canisses are :
- Their natural and ecological appearance (for plant canisses)
- Their low cost
- Easy to install and maintain
However, they also have their drawbacks:
- Average weather resistance
- Limited protection against rain
- Durability varies according to the material chosen
Pergolas and arbours: versatile, durable polycarbonate structures
Pergolas and arbours are fixed or removable wooden or metal structures that can be covered with different materials (canvas, canisses, polycarbonate) to create a shaded area on the terrace. They can also be fitted with climbing plants to add a touch of greenery to the green roof.
Their main advantages are :
- High resistance to the elements
- Their durability
- Their modularity: they can be adapted to all terrace sizes and configurations
- Their aesthetic appeal: they add value to outdoor landscaping
On the other hand, they have a number of disadvantages:
- Higher cost than other solutions
- Longer installation and maintenance times
Conservatories and skylights: a fully-fledged extension to the house
Verandas and glass roofs are wooden, aluminium or steel constructions, glazed over part or all of their walls, which allow the terrace to be covered while still benefiting from natural light. They offer optimum protection from the elements and can be used as an additional living space.
Their strengths are :
- Their excellent level of protection and insulation
- Aesthetics and luminosity
- Enjoy the terrace all year round
- Adding value to your property
However, they do have their drawbacks:
- High cost (purchase and installation)
- Administrative procedures (building permits) that may be necessary
- Regular maintenance of glazing and structures
How do you choose the best solution for covering your terrace without permission from the rain: shade cloth?
To choose the right cover for your terrace, consider the following criteria:
- Your project budget: some solutions are more affordable than others.
- Your needs in terms of protection: some devices offer better weather resistance or thermal insulation.
- The desired aesthetic: each type of cover has a different style that must match the layout of your terrace and the architecture of your home.
- Ease of installation and maintenance: some options are easier to install and maintain than others.
Don't hesitate to ask for advice from professionals or consult testimonials from other users to help you make your choice. An awning, a veranda or a pergola with a wooden structure are also possible solutions. Sheltering your terrace from the sun and rain should be a priority for homeowners. A very easy project would be to install camouflage netting around the terrace, so that it can withstand strong gusts of wind and the vagaries of the weather. It's very practical for shading an outdoor kitchen with a simple, freestanding mat, and requires no prior declaration of works and very few materials for a natural look;
To sum up: How can you cover your outdoor terrace at a lower cost?
Each terrace covering solution has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of protection, aesthetics, cost and ease of installation. To choose the one that suits you best, assess your needs, your desires and your budget. Above all, take the time to compare the different options and seek expert advice if necessary.