Outdoor Elements Blog

An outdoor movie night under the stars is something magical, and way more exciting than your usual living room affair. If you’re looking for a way to transform your backyard into a comfortable oasis for movie night, rain or shine, you have come to the right place! Make the most out of your patio space…

Looking for ways to revamp an old concrete patio into a stylish outdoor space? Here are five easy patio makeover ideas that can help you create an inviting outside area to relax and entertain. Stain the Concrete to Mimic Tile Stone and porcelain tiles are gorgeous but can be costly to install. For a stunning…

For optimal morning and afternoon shade coverage, it’s best to ensure a traditional pergola’s beams orient north and south, with an angle toward the east. The easiest way to do this is by first identifying true north. With pergola rafters running perpendicular to the sun’s trajectory across the sky, you’ll get longer shadows under the…

There are eight major steps to install a louvered roof over a pergola or patio. Builders and designers have honed the louvered roof installation process, making it easier than ever to create outdoor living areas that promise year-round protection from the elements. Depending on the complexity of the system, the majority of louvered roofs are…

Relaxing and entertaining in a beautiful outdoor space is one of life’s greatest pleasures, especially for proud homeowners. A comfortable backyard with seating areas can act as an extension of your home, giving your family and guests more room to spread out. Take full advantage of your backyard, regardless of size, with a few easy…

In the late 1950s, American homeowners began to embrace the concept of outdoor living. The backyard patio became the hotspot for weekend barbeques and relaxing pool parties. Most sought shade beneath pergolas or fabric patio covers until the aluminum awning debuted. Marketed as the best way to “keep summer heat out,” these solid structures excelled…

With summertime in full swing, many property owners are rethinking ways to utilize backyard space and maximize outdoor enjoyment. Pergolas are a terrific solution to create partial shade over patios and decks while elevating aesthetics and ambiance. Just like freestanding gazebos, playhouses, storage sheds, and detached carports, pergolas are generally considered an accessory structure– not permanent….

Enjoying the fresh air, sipping on a cold drink, and spending quality time with friends and family outdoors— that’s how many people envision spending their summer days. But what if your backyard lacks shade, making it uncomfortably warm or sunny? Planting shade trees is an obvious solution, but one that will take many years to…

Pergolas are a spectacular focal point for backyard patios, decks, pool areas, and open-air commercial spaces, offering weather protection and an element of luxury. These stylish shade structures have become one of the trendiest additions for residential and business properties over the past few years—so what is fueling the growing demand? Let’s explore some of…

A freestanding pergola is supported by at least four posts and is not attached to any edifice or structure. Because freestanding pergolas are not anchored to walls or buildings, their columns must be firmly mounted – usually in concrete footings. Unlike attached pergolas, which are great space-saving structures in small outdoor areas, freestanding pergolas are better…

The adjective ‘louvered’ means fitted with louvers for ventilation. A louver – pronounced loover – is a series of narrow openings framed at their outside, longer edges with overlapping slats fixed at regular intervals. These slats can be angled to allow light or air to pass through, or to block out sun and rain. Louvers…

U.S.-designed and manufactured goods have superior cachet throughout the world. Products that are ‘Made in the USA’ are viewed as high-quality, innovative and reliable. As growing numbers of consumers are looking to support American business and homegrown products, Outdoor Elements is doing its part to contribute to the health of our economy and future generations….

Outdoor living spaces are a fantastic way to reap the therapeutic benefits of nature. One of the easiest ways to transform a backyard, pool patio, or deck into a year-round sanctuary is with an Outdoor Elements adjustable aluminum pergola. Whether freestanding or built to cover your adjacent patio, a pergola defines your outdoor space, protects…

Are Aluminum Patio Covers Loud in the Rain? Some people find the sound of raindrops on metal soothing whereas others think it is loud. Of course, the noise levels of rain on aluminum patio covers also depend on the intensity of the storm. A light shower will generally produce a soft, muffled sound as the…

Looking for the most luxurious and innovative patio cover available? A smart pergola takes outdoor living to the next level, turning your backyard into a blissful sanctuary, rain or shine. Clever engineering and integrated technology allow you to control your environment with the touch of a button. Traditional pergolas offer zero rain protection since the…

Many studies have shown that nature has a positive effect on both emotional wellbeing and physical health. Proximity to green space and fresh air relieves stress and boosts mood-elevating endorphin levels. When it comes to outdoor enjoyment in your own backyard, it shouldn’t be limited to sunny days or summer months. Whether you are looking…

When relaxing on your outdoor patio, soaking up the sun should be an option, not mandatory. Shade is important, not just for temperature control but protecting your skin and eyes from harmful UV radiation. There is no comparison to a louvered patio cover when it comes to shade control on sunny days. This adjustable roof…

A motorized pergola is the perfect solution for year-round enjoyment of outdoor areas– especially during inclement weather. The convenience of this louvered roof system for hotels, restaurants, and other commercial projects is unmatched. With the push of a button on your smartphone or remote control, you can adjust the louvered slats to the desired angle– letting…

A covered patio increases home value for many reasons. A number of exterior amenities provide recreational benefits and enhance the look of your home. When it comes to backyard improvements, some projects offer a better return on investment than others and make your property more attractive to potential buyers. Outdoor patios are terrific when the…

A louvered roof awning consists of an aluminum frame with vertical supports and angled slats fixed at regular intervals that can be opened or closed to varying degrees. These systems function just as window louvers, allowing you to control ventilation and light levels while keeping the rain out. Due to the popularity of louvered roof…

Heating a covered patio has many benefits, as it allows you to extend outdoor enjoyment throughout the seasons without sacrificing comfort. If you love entertaining under the stars or during those perfectly crisp Autumn and Spring evenings, there are plenty of heating solutions to help you create a cozy, livable space in open-air settings. In…

With spring just around the corner, what better way to usher in the warmer temperatures than updating your outdoor space? It doesn’t take much to transform your backyard or exterior deck into a comfortable place for relaxing, entertaining, and spending time with family and friends in the great outdoors. If you’re looking for ways to…

In today’s “party at home” environment, wouldn’t it be great if you had more space for entertaining? Better still, wouldn’t it be great if that space were outdoors? You’d be surprised how much space you gain when you extend the living area of your home into your backyard. With a little imagination, a well-made design,…

Adaptability is key to keeping any business afloat in the COVID-19 era. The hospitality industry has been working every angle to maximize outdoor seating during the pandemic. But dipping temperatures create genuine challenges for bar and restaurant owners looking to maintain revenue during the fall and winter months. Cooler weather — not to mention rain…

Alfresco sidewalk cafes have always been a lovely option for diners in warm weather. However, outdoor dining facilities have become even more of a benefit for restaurants during these unprecedented times marked by COVID-19. Even as restrictions ease, restaurants must still follow strict rules. To keep restaurants afloat, many cities have implemented policy changes that…

Wherever you live, fall symbolizes change. It’s a season of excitement and anticipation of a new chapter. As the kids settle into school, the fiscal year begins, the holidays approach, and summer experiences fade into memories, we must remember to take a break and get outside. Connecting with nature is as good for the body…

Transform your backyard into a luxury retreat with a louvered patio cover. Outdoor Elements offers customizable products that give you complete control over your environment to maximize your enjoyment of the great outdoors and improve comfort in all four seasons. Continue reading to learn more about the many benefits of this increasingly popular patio upgrade….

Connecting to the natural world enhances a sense of peace, freedom, and wellness. An outdoor living space with a louvered roof expands your home to embrace a sense of openness and freedom that encourages serenity. While more traditional outdoor structures offer either sun or shade, a louvered roof offers both and is instantly adaptable. Much…

When you love to entertain, expanding your home to an outdoor living space makes every occasion more festive. Outdoor celebrations enhance the enjoyment of beautiful natural surroundings and make events feel more spontaneous and memorable. A louvered roof extends the possibilities for your home by providing a protected, stylish space where you can entertain family…

When you have an outdoor living space at home, chances are you’re often inspired to invite friends and family over for special occasions. Space to entertain in your own backyard makes your whole home feel more welcoming and expansive, the perfect environment for a successful party!    But what about those times when the weather…

Spending relaxed and positive family time together increases the self-esteem, happiness, and mental well-being of kids and adds to a sense of belonging for the whole family. Strong bonds between parents and children rely upon consistent, meaningful interactions. An outdoor living space at home gives you more opportunities to connect as a family with healthy,…

A beautiful and comfortable outdoor living space is the ultimate home luxury and a louvered roof is one of its essential elements. Most of us are familiar with traditional options for backyard living such as patio covers or pergolas. A louvered roof performs the same function at a much higher level of construction and design…

The playlist is loaded, the appetizers are plated, guests are on their way to your festive backyard gathering and then … the unmistakable sound of raindrops! Your party doesn’t have to be ruined or even brought inside. With a luxury louvered roof in your outdoor living space, the celebration continues, rain or shine.    How…