What a lattice cover is
A lattice patio cover is a frame of beams and rafters topped with evenly spaced lattice members instead of a solid roof. Sunlight passes through in strips, so the space below gets partial shade that shifts through the day. With Alumawood, every piece is aluminum with an embossed wood-grain finish, so it reads as a classic wood cover from the yard.
Why homeowners pick lattice
- Shade without darkness. Rooms that open onto the patio keep their natural light.
- Airflow. Heat rises out through the top instead of collecting under a roof, which helps on hot inland afternoons.
- Lower cost than solid. Less material usually means a lower price than a solid or insulated roof of the same size.
- Low upkeep. No sanding, staining or termite treatments. A rinse with the hose is usually all it needs.
Choosing your shade level
How much shade you get depends on the size of the lattice members, how closely they are spaced and which way they run relative to the sun. Tighter spacing gives more shade. Running the lattice east to west tends to block more midday sun. A good installer will look at your yard's orientation and help you pick a layout that shades the hours you actually use the patio.
Lattice vs solid
Lattice does not keep rain off. If you want a dry spot for furniture or an outdoor kitchen, look at a solid cover or a combination design that puts a solid section over the area you need covered and lattice over the rest. Many San Diego homes do exactly that.
Good fit if you
- Want softer sun on a west or south facing patio
- Don't want to darken the rooms next to the patio
- Want the look of a wood cover without the maintenance