A Patio canopy can be either a permanent fixture on your deck or can retract when it is not being used. People often confuse patio canopy for patio cover, but the two are distinguishable by their construction. A cover is often a fixture attached to the home of the owner while a canopy can either be attached or stand alone. In other words, a canopy can be portable. Even if the cover is not attached to the home it is typically still a fixed structure. Canopies are made from durable canvas for the most part though you may find some aluminum covers classified as canopies by their producers. Again, these are covers and not really considered canopies. Sunbrella is a more popular maker of outdoor canvas fabrics.

The main purpose of patio canopies is to provide shade in an outdoor environment so that you can one, keep cool and two, stay out of direct sunlight to prevent skin cancer from developing. The styles and shapes range from your average rectangle canopy that folds out from your home like an awning (basically it is an awning) to the octagonal umbrellas that cover outdoor tables. If you have a patio swing you can even find a patio swing canopy to protect your or your family members so that they can enjoy their time outdoors without sweating to death or getting burned. The shapes and sizes are capable of fitting any size area. Matching colors is an easy task and even matching canopies to your existing outdoor furniture is a breeze.

Your outdoor patio canopy will be made of fabric that is made to endure harsh weather conditions. Of course in severe weather it is always wise to remove this cover and store it indoors, but for the most part you can leave it up through rain storms and the like. They clean easily and usually all it takes is a blast from a hose to clean any debris from the top. You may have to lower it to clean off unsightly droppings but other than that they are relatively low maintenance items.

Although they may be large your canopy will leave ample room for you and your guests and family to maneuver easily beneath it. The canopy poles are thin but sturdy and typically extend out from the top and have two main support poles at the end.

There are many amenities that can be assembled with your canopy such as lighting, eaves, some even extend down to a full enclosure to give you privacy from the neighbors. A zipping canvas door provides an easy exit into the yard. Often there will be a mesh netting that drops down to act as protection from flies and mosquitoes when eating or during humid months.

In addition to your patio canopy you can also find simple solutions to specific areas like a patio swing with canopy covering. Nothing spells relaxation like a patio swing but under a blazing summer sun it can be a brutal experience. Patio canopy swings are the perfect solution to this. The canopy will protect the swing cushions during bad weather just like the canopy over your patio. You can leave out yearlong or put it in storage during cold weather months. The canvas material will either be made with a polyethylene coating or a polyester fiber that is made to breathe easily. It cleans just as easily as your canvas patio cover and really adds a touch of class to a patio swing.

Below is a rather lengthy video on how to properly clean your patio canopy. Watch as these guys bring a dilapidated canopy back to life. Enjoy.