Thinking About a Lattice Patio Cover in New Berlin WI
Lattice patio cover New Berlin WI: Learn how much shade you will get, compare styles, and see real examples that fit our Wisconsin seasons. Discover the ideal coverage for your yard and get a quote today from Patio Cover Designs by S.
If you love sunlight but want cooler afternoons on the patio, a lattice cover can be the perfect balance. It filters light, trims heat, and still keeps your outdoor space bright and open. Homeowners in New Berlin ask the same question at the start of every project. How much shade will a lattice patio cover add in my yard? The short answer is between 40 and 90 percent, depending on the layout. The long answer involves slat spacing, direction of the slats, the height of the cover, and where the sun travels across your home through the seasons. This guide walks you through it in plain language so you can choose the right setup the first time.
What Is a Lattice Patio Cover and How Does It Make Shade
A lattice patio cover is an open roof system built with evenly spaced slats or beams that create patterned shade. At Patio Cover Designs by S, our lattice covers use premium aluminum. That keeps weight low and durability high. Aluminum will not rust, split, crack, or warp, and it never needs painting. The shade you get comes from the ratio between slat width and the open gap. The higher the coverage ratio, the darker the shade under your cover at midday.
How Shade Percentage Works
Think of a simple formula. Shade percent at noon is close to slat width divided by slat width plus gap, then multiplied by 100. For example, a 3 inch slat and a 1 inch gap give you 3 over 4, which is 75 percent shade when the sun is high. A 2 inch slat with a 2 inch gap gives you about 50 percent. As the sun moves lower in the sky in the morning and late afternoon, shadows stretch and the practical shade coverage can increase beyond that noon percentage because the gaps do not let in as much direct light.
How Much Shade Will You Get in New Berlin WI
In New Berlin we see strong midday sun in summer, softer light in spring and fall, and lower winter sun. A lattice system lets you tune shade to match those shifts. During June and July, the sun sits high over your patio. Your noon shade will be close to the mathematical percentage of the lattice. During spring and early fall, when the sun is lower, the beams cast longer shadows. That boosts real-world shade around breakfast and dinner time. If you like morning coffee outside, you can get more practical shade than the noon number suggests.
Typical Shade Ranges We Build
- Light filter, about 40 to 50 percent. Softens sunlight, good for north or east facing patios that already run cool.
- Medium filter, about 60 to 70 percent. Most popular in New Berlin. Keeps the patio bright while cutting heat and glare.
- High filter, about 80 to 90 percent. Best for west or south facing areas and hot paved spaces. Delivers near solid shade at peak times while keeping the open-air look.
At Patio Cover Designs by S, our open lattice systems are offered from 40 to 90 percent shade. We tailor the slat size, spacing, and orientation based on your yard and how you use the space.
Lattice Orientation, Height, and Color Matter
The direction and height of your beams have a big effect on comfort. Orientation is chosen to work with your home and the local sun path. Height changes how shadows fall and how airy the cover feels. Color affects heat and glare.
Orientation Tips for New Berlin
- East facing patio. Morning sun can be bright but cooler. A medium shade pattern with slats running north to south gives good early coverage while staying bright by late morning.
- South facing patio. This orientation gets long hours of sun. A higher shade percentage with slats aligned east to west helps break up midday glare.
- West facing patio. Late day sun is strongest. Consider 70 to 90 percent shade with slats aligned north to south to tame the low angle rays during dinner hours.
- North facing patio. Usually the easiest. A lighter lattice, 40 to 60 percent, may be plenty unless you have reflective surfaces nearby.
Cover Height and Beam Depth
A taller lattice looks open but allows more side light to sneak under. A lower lattice blocks more direct sun at a given percentage. Deeper beams also create thicker shadow lines that feel cooler. Patio Cover Designs by S will show you renderings during your free design consultation so you can see how shade changes with height and beam profile.
Color Choice
Lighter aluminum colors reflect light and brighten your patio. They can feel cooler but create more bounce light. Darker colors reduce glare and make the shade feel richer. Both options resist fading and never need painting.
Real Examples of Lattice Patio Cover New Berlin WI Projects
Example 1. 12 by 16 Patio, South Facing, Medium Shade
A family in New Berlin wanted to keep their herb planters happy while cutting heat on a south facing slab. We built a 12 by 16 aluminum lattice with 3 inch slats and 1.5 inch gaps. That gives about 67 percent noon shade. By 5 p.m. in July, practical shade felt closer to 75 percent. Result. A comfortable cooking zone that stays bright for weekend lunches.
Example 2. 14 by 20 Composite Deck, West Facing, High Shade
This deck baked by late afternoon. We specified 3 inch slats with 0.75 inch gaps, about 80 percent. We added two privacy panels on the west edge to block low sun and wind. Evening temperatures dropped 8 to 12 degrees compared to uncovered areas, and the deck surface stayed cooler.
Example 3. Combo Cover. Solid Plus Lattice
For homeowners who want dry space and filtered light in one project, Patio Cover Designs by S builds combination systems. In New Berlin we installed a 10 foot solid insulated section near the house for grilling rain or shine, with an 8 foot lattice extension at 60 percent shade beyond it. The insulated portion received integrated electrical for a ceiling fan and recessed lights. The lattice kept the yard bright and open. This gave the family a four season feel on a three season budget.
Choosing Your Shade Level. A Simple Method
- Map patio orientation. Note which hours feel hottest. Morning, noon, or late day.
- Pick your priority. Cooler space, brighter space, or balanced use.
- Select a starting shade level. 50 to 60 percent for balance, 70 to 80 percent for heat control, 40 to 50 percent for gentle filtering.
- Consider height and beam direction. Adjust for your sun pattern and desired openness.
- Add side elements if needed. Privacy panels or a small solid section can fix low angle sun and wind.
- Review a rendering. Patio Cover Designs by S will show 3D visuals and shade scenarios during your free consultation.
Lattice vs Solid vs Insulated Covers
Each cover type has a place. Here is how they compare for New Berlin living.
Lattice Covers
- Shade range 40 to 90 percent.
- Bright, airy, and architectural. Great for plant growth.
- Cooler under the cover than full sun while keeping daylight.
- Rain passes through. Snow passes through. No enclosed roof.
Solid Flat Pan Covers
- 100 percent shade and full rain protection.
- More budget friendly than insulated.
- Ideal over sliders and grill stations to keep surfaces dry.
Insulated Roof Panels
- 100 percent shade plus superior thermal performance.
- Optional integrated electrical for ceiling fans and lighting.
- Smooth, finished ceiling look with hidden fasteners.
Combination Systems
- Mix solid or insulated near the house with lattice toward the yard.
- Customize sun and weather protection for different zones.
- A great way to future proof your space for changing needs.
Will a Lattice Cover Stand Up to Wisconsin Weather
Yes. Our aluminum systems are engineered to meet or exceed most building codes and include a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty. Aluminum does not absorb water, swell, warp, or crack. Hardware is corrosion resistant. Snow loads are addressed in the engineering and the frame design. In storms, open lattice allows wind to pass through more easily than a soft fabric shade, which reduces stress. This is one reason our customers choose aluminum over wood or canvas for long term performance.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Aluminum lattice from Patio Cover Designs by S is close to maintenance free. Rinse with a garden hose a few times a year. For pollen or leaf stains, a mild soap and soft brush is all you need. There is no painting, sealing, or staining. The color is baked on at the factory for a durable finish that keeps its look for decades.
Cost and Value of a Lattice Patio Cover New Berlin WI
Costs vary with size, shade percentage, beam detail, height, and any add ons like privacy walls or a combo section. In general, lattice is more affordable than solid insulated roofs and often similar or less than a quality wood build over time since there is no ongoing staining. During a free design consultation, Patio Cover Designs by S provides a straightforward estimate with line items so you can choose the features that matter most. Our goal is to fit your budget and deliver lasting value.
Design Choices to Match Your Home
We offer clean modern lines or more classic profiles, along with a range of colors to complement brick, stone, or siding. Beams and end cuts can be styled to match your home’s trim. If you want even more personality, we can integrate privacy panels, pergola trellis ends, or planters to make the space feel layered and custom. Since our frames are aluminum, the structure stays true and square, which helps doors and sliders under the cover operate smoothly year after year.
What Sets Patio Cover Designs by S Apart
Patio Cover Designs by S is a family owned outdoor living contractor serving Wisconsin and New Mexico. Founded in 2016 by Crystal and Jason, our team brings more than 20 years of hands-on experience in design, manufacturing, and project management. We specialize in custom aluminum patio covers, sunrooms, carports, and decking. We build open lattice systems from 40 to 90 percent shade, solid flat pan roofs, insulated roofs with optional integrated electrical, and combination systems. We also construct 3 and 4 season rooms, carports, privacy walls, awnings, cantilever covers, BBQ and pool equipment covers, and more. For decks we offer wood or low maintenance composite boards, custom railings, and even aluminum framing for a fully maintenance free structure. Every project starts with a free design consultation and straightforward estimate during weekday hours. We use premium aluminum materials for durability and low upkeep, backed by a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty and engineered to meet or exceed most building codes. That means your new lattice patio cover in New Berlin WI will look great, stay strong, and be easy to live with.
FAQs About Lattice Patio Cover New Berlin WI
How many hours of usable shade will I gain
On a south or west facing patio in summer, most New Berlin homeowners gain 4 to 6 hours of comfortable shade with a 60 to 80 percent lattice. Lighter patterns add about 2 to 4 hours. Your exact result depends on orientation and nearby trees or structures.
Can I add lights or a fan
Yes. Many homeowners add low voltage string or puck lights to lattice beams. For integrated electrical and a ceiling fan box, consider adding a small insulated roof section near the house in a combo design. Our team will show options during your consultation.
Will plants grow under a lattice
Yes. Lattice covers are plant friendly. Herbs and shade tolerant flowers do well with 40 to 60 percent shade. For sun loving plants, use lighter patterns or place planters at the edges for more direct light.
Do I need a permit in New Berlin
Most fixed patio covers require a permit. Patio Cover Designs by S helps with drawings and product engineering as needed. We design to meet or exceed most codes for your area.
How long does installation take
Typical lattice installs take one to three days once materials are on site, depending on size and site conditions. Combination systems or added features may take longer. We keep you informed at every step.
How to Get the Perfect Lattice Shade for Your Yard
The best way to dial in shade is to see your options on your actual home. Patio Cover Designs by S offers free design consultations with 3D visuals and clear pricing. We will look at orientation, measure the sun windows that matter, and suggest a lattice percentage and beam direction that matches how you live. If a hybrid solution fits better, we will show a combination of solid and lattice so you can enjoy both rain protection and filtered light.
Ready to Enjoy a Cooler, Brighter Patio
If you are searching for lattice patio cover New Berlin WI, you are in the right place. Whether you want a soft light pergola feel or near full shade without closing in the space, Patio Cover Designs by S can design, engineer, and install a custom aluminum lattice that works with your home and our Wisconsin weather. Reach out today for your free consultation and a straightforward quote. Let’s create an outdoor space you love to use from spring to fall and beyond.
