A patio cover lets you spend more time outside and get more out of your garden. Your garden table and outdoor sofa stay dry underneath, so there's less carrying things in and out every time the weather turns. Below you'll find the main types of patio cover and what to consider. Want to know what one would cost for your garden? Request up to 4 free quotes.

The benefits:

• Use your patio for more of the year
• Shelter from rain and strong sun
• Protection for garden furniture
• Can make your home more attractive to buyers

Wood gives a warm, natural look and suits most gardens. It needs staining or treating every few years to stay in good condition. How do you go about it, what does a wooden cover cost and what should you look out for? Read more here.

A glass roof keeps the rain off while letting the light in. Add glass side walls or sliding panels and you can turn it into a garden room you'll use well into the colder months. Use laminated safety glass for the roof. Want more information? Read more here.

Aluminium is light, strong and doesn't rust, and it needs very little maintenance. It gives a clean, modern look and is often combined with a glass or polycarbonate roof. Want more information about this option? Read more here

A fabric cover, such as a retractable awning or shade sail, is an affordable way to cover a large patio. It gives good protection from sun and some wind, and many can be rolled away when you don't need them. Fabric isn't designed for heavy rain or strong wind, so retract it in bad weather. Read more about this option here.

Which material is best for a patio cover?

It depends on your priorities. Aluminium is strong, rust-free and low-maintenance; wood looks warm and natural but needs regular treatment; a glass roof lets in plenty of light; and fabric is the most affordable and flexible.

Do I need planning permission for a patio cover?

It depends on local rules, the size and height of the cover and its distance from the house and the property boundary. Check with your local authority before you build.

Can I use my patio cover in winter?

Yes. With glass side walls or sliding panels, plus heating and lighting, a patio cover can become a garden room you use for much of the year. Make sure the roof is built to carry snow if you get it.

What should I ask an installer?

Ask how the posts will be anchored, how rainwater is drained, which roof material and thickness they'll use, whether the wall can take the load, and what the warranty covers.

How can I save on the cost of a patio cover?

Compare several quotes. Prices and quality vary between suppliers, so put the offers side by side and check exactly what's included.

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