Sitting on the patio is a great way to spend warm summer nights. But what if you could enjoy your outdoor living space even when weather conditions are less than ideal?

Enclosing a patio might sound like a huge undertaking but can be surprisingly simple if you know the right way to get the job done.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have the luxury of a covered patio in your backyard, keep reading for the best tips on how to enclose a patio!

5 Types of Temporary and Permanent Patio Enclosures

1. Pop-Up Canopy

To transform a patio into an enclosed space with zero commitment, a pop-up canopy is by far the best option.

This temporary enclosure is a large tent that encompasses the patio slab (or at least the majority of it).

Keep in mind that some pop-up canopies are not true enclosures. Instead, their open sides more closely resemble a pergola.

For maximum versatility, look for a pop-up canopy with removable screens or shade panels. The Red Barrel Studio Franz canopy is a great example. With this style, you can customize your patio to fit the weather with a moment’s notice.

2. Gazebo

While most permanent patio enclosures assume that the slab is connected to a house or other building, constructing a gazebo lets you enclose an outdoor space without an adjacent structure.

Gazebos come in many different styles and sizes. Gazebos themselves can be entirely enclosed, screened-in, or partially open.

3. Three-Season Porch

If a permanent patio enclosure is on the cards, consider investing in a three-season porch.

Three-season porches are basically fully enclosed rooms that lack modern heating or cooling. They offer the chance to extend your patio’s functionality further into the spring and fall (a must if you live somewhere with harsh winters).

Whether you’re starting completely from scratch or your patio is already covered, constructing a three-season porch is no small feat. But it’s almost guaranteed to add value to your home in the future.