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Build your own Alumawood Lattice Patio Cover Kit… it’s easy
The Alumawood Lattice Patio Cover Kit is an effective way to achieve shade at a very affordable price. In our company, Aluminum patio cover products outsell wood 10 to 1. I’m guessing the reason for this is that people, in general, are tired of painting and replacing rotten wood. I have to admit, even at my house, we installed the Alumawood product.
Alumawood aluminum lattice patio cover kit cost calculator
So let’s say you want to attempt to install a patio cover all by yourself from a kit? Well, I’d say awesome, its a piece of cake. The first thing you’ll want is an Alumawood Lattice Patio Cover Kit kit.
The second thing you’ll need are instructions of some type. Interestingly enough, we actually have both. In fact, we not only have a document that walks you through the process, we even have a video.
So really… how easy is the installation?
I’m not gonna lie… it’s not as easy as people think. I take that back. It’s easy if you’re that sort of person who likes to tinker and get their hands dirty. For those of you who are this guy or gal.. then yes, the installation isn’t that tough. there is a great deal of measuring one, two, and three times just to make one cut. Why is this you ask? It’s because you’re working with aluminum, not wood. Aluminum has to be special ordered. Wood is readily available at home depot.What to expect when ordering a Patio Cover kit
Let’s suppose you are thinking about purchasing a lattice patio cover kit. Okay… the kits are super easy to order. All we need are exact width, height, and projection measurements. Furthermore, we will need to know what the patio cover is attaching to. For example, is it attaching to a wall, a fascia, or a roof Of course, unless it’s a free-standing patio cover.
The Alumawood Lattice Patio Cover Kit covers attach to the existing concrete slab (3.5″+ thick needed). In the event there isn’t an existing slab, the must possess footings. At the time you order the Alumawood kit, you will also receive engineering plans so you can obtain building permits. Within these plans, it will specify whether or not footings are required. In some cases, depending on the size of your Alumawood Lattice Patio Cover Kit, the cover may require footings. Regardless of whether you have a slab or not.
Alumawood color chart
What’s in the Alumawood Lattice Patio Cover Kit
The lattice cover comes in multiple different colors to choose from. The Alumawood lattice shade bars themselves come in three different sizes. The sizes are 2×3, 2×2 and 1 1/2 x 1 1/2″. The Alumawood patio cover kit comes with a beam, posts, post covers, wrap kit, and rafters. There are upgrades such as steel inserts which can be purchased as well.
Appearance-wise, the Aluminum patio cover kit is a collection of painted, wood grain embossed components. The beam, for example, is measures 3×8 and is hollow. Much like the other components. Like for example the rafters and shade-bars. Steel inserts like for example the one that is inserted into the beam add structural support in the event you wish to create a very wide span. That is… from post to post.
Tools… I’m guessing we’ll need tools
Okay… the tools you’re going to need are as following;
- Electric chop saw with a special carbide blade
- Measuring tape
- String line
- Level
- Hammer
- Drill with step bits and Concrete bits
- Caulking gun
I may have left one or two out from memory, but the video and document have them all listed. Most people have a pretty good understanding of how these power tools operate. Let’s face it.. if you’re willing to tackle an Alumawood aluminum patio cover kit, then you must know a thing or two about power tools am I right?
For the most part, these tools are fairly basic. Others may require some practice before use. Of course, practicing the use of these tools is very important because working with Aluminum patio covers is not at all like working with wood patio covers.
Make no mistake
As we mentioned… working with the aluminum patio covers isn’t the same as working with wood. Wood is somewhat forgiving whereas aluminum is not. The term measure twice cut once has never been so relevant. Of course, with wood, you can afford to undercut a piece and patch it or even go to Home Depot and buy another piece.Aluminum, on the other hand, cannot be repaired. Patching is not going to happen either. In fact, touch-up paint is the only “repair” you can render if you make a mistake. Otherwise, ordering a whole new piece is your only option. Our advice… practice before you start cutting. You may even wish to purchase an extra piece or two just in case.
