About Our Patio Covers and Canopies
A patio cover is a versatile outdoor shelter that protects your garden furniture and family from the unpredictable British weather. Unlike temporary awnings, our range of permanent Patio Covers is designed to stay up year-round, featuring rust-resistant aluminium frames and virtually unbreakable polycarbonate glazing. These structures are equally effective as a carport or a sheltered dining area, providing a bridge between your indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Our collection features the world-leading Palram Canopia range, known for their adjustable fitting systems. Whether you have a low bungalow roofline or a high-set Victorian wall, these canopies can be tailored to fit your specific height and width requirements. For freestanding alternatives, browse our Garden Gazebos, or for heavy-duty vehicle protection, explore our Carports collection.
Key Features of Palram Patio Covers
- Adjustable Mounting: Flexible wall height and pole positioning to suit any patio layout.
- Shatterproof Glazing: High-impact polycarbonate panels that won't crack under hail or snow.
- Integrated Guttering: Channelling rainwater away from your house and into your garden.
- Simple DIY Setup: Pre-drilled and pre-cut kits designed for a 2-man, one-day assembly.
Why We Chose This Range
“We prioritize the Palram Canopia Sierra and Feria ranges for one technical reason: the sliding panel system. Traditional patio covers use screws to secure roof panels, which eventually rust and cause leaks. Palram uses a screw-free 'Super Seal' sliding system that lets the polycarbonate panels expand and contract in the heat without cracking or leaking. It’s a professional-grade engineering solution that ensures your patio furniture stays dry for the full 10-year warranty period and beyond.”
— Matt, Founder of Greenhouse Stores🔧 Matt's Installation Tip: The "Angle of Attack"
The beauty of these covers is the adjustable wall-plate, but you must maintain a minimum 10-degree pitch for water to drain correctly. If you set the wall plate too low, rainwater will pool on the polycarbonate panels instead of running into the gutter. This weight can cause the panels to bow over time. Also, ensure you are bolting into solid brick or structural timber—external insulation or cladding requires specialist stand-off fixings to ensure the canopy doesn't pull the wall during a storm.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Patio Covers
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Do I need planning permission for a patio cover?
Most patio covers fall under Permitted Development. Generally, you don't need permission if the structure is single-storey, under 4m high (detached) or 3m high (terrace/semi), and doesn't extend beyond the front of the house. If you live in a Conservation Area or a Listed Building, you should always consult your local council first.
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How much weight can the roof hold?
Our Palram Canopia range is snow-load tested to handle between 120kg/m² (Sierra) and 170kg/m² (Olympia). This is more than sufficient for standard UK winters, ensuring the virtually unbreakable polycarbonate won't collapse under heavy frost or snow accumulation.
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Can I link multiple patio covers together?
Yes. The Palram Feria, Sierra, and Olympia ranges are modular. You can use an EZ Link Kit to join two or more covers together, creating a seamless, long shelter that can cover even the largest commercial or domestic patios.
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What maintenance is required?
These covers are virtually maintenance-free. The powder-coated aluminium frames will not rust or rot, and the polycarbonate panels are UV-protected. We recommend hosing down the roof seasonally and clearing the integrated gutters of leaves to ensure smooth water runoff.