When you live in a place as beautiful—and as hot—as St. George, your backyard isn’t just an “extra” space; it’s an extension of your home. Let’s be honest, most of are here in St. George because of the incredible weather. But with temperatures regularly hitting 110º, without a patio cover, that patio can feel like an oven by 10:00 AM. You won’t want to be out there and your kids certainly won’t want to be out there either.
When choosing a permanent aluminum St. George patio cover, you’ll likely find yourself at a crossroads: Lattice or Solid Top? Both options offer the durability and low-maintenance lifestyle that Southern Utah demands, but they create very different environments. Here is the breakdown to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle.
The Lattice Cover: The “Breezy Oasis”
Sometimes called a pergola-style cover, a lattice awning consists of spaced aluminum beams that allow for a partial, “dappled” shade effect. It maximizes airflow while still allowing for plenty of shade. The only downside is that you won’t be able to use it for shelter when there’s a rainstorm.
Best for: Style and Airflow
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Airflow & Ventilation: Because the top isn’t sealed, hot air can rise and escape freely.2 This creates a natural cooling effect that makes the patio feel significantly breezier than a fully enclosed space.
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Dappled Sunlight: Lattice provides plenty of shade. It’s perfect if you love the feeling of being outdoors but want to take the bite out of the direct sunlight.
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The Plant Lover’s Dream: If you have a green thumb, your plants will thank you. Most desert flora thrives in the filtered light provided by a lattice cover, which protects them from being scorched while still giving them the UV they need to grow.
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Architectural Detail: Lattice covers are often considered the more “stylish” or “decorative” option, adding a high-end, custom look that complements the red rock backdrop of St. George. (Psst, this is also great for resale value!)
Solid top aluminum patio cover in brown
The Solid Top Cover: The “Outdoor Room”
A solid top aluminum cover is a continuous, solid roof that provides 100% shade and total protection from the elements. Not quite as stylish and breezy as its latticed cousin, but extremely functional. No sunlight, no rain—it is essentially an outdoor room for your home.
Best for: Maximum Protection and Year-Round Use
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Total Shade: If your goal is to keep your patio as cool as humanly possible, solid is the way to go. By blocking 100% of the sun’s rays, it prevents your concrete patio from soaking up heat, which keeps the area beneath it much cooler.
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Monsoon Ready: While it doesn’t rain often in St. George, when it does, it pours. A solid top ensures your outdoor kitchen, expensive furniture, and grill stay bone-dry during our summer monsoons.
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Furniture Longevity: Constant sun exposure will bleach your cushions and crack your wicker. A solid top acts as a shield, doubling the lifespan of your outdoor decor.
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Integrated Tech: It’s much easier to install ceiling fans, LED lighting, or even outdoor speakers under a solid cover, as the wiring is completely hidden and protected from the sky.
The “Best of Both Worlds” Solution
Can’t decide? You don’t have to.
Many Sun Country customers choose a hybrid design. We can build a solid top over the area closest to your back door (perfect for dining and protecting your glass) and transition into a lattice patio cover over your lounge area or garden path. This gives you a “dry zone” for your electronics and a “breezy zone” for your lounging.
At a Glance: How They Compare
| Feature | Lattice Aluminum | Solid Top Aluminum |
| Shade Level | 70% | 100% |
| Rain Protection | None | Total |
| Airflow | Excellent | Good (Best with a fan) |
| Maintenance | None (Hose it off) | None (Hose it off) |
| Best Use | Stylish, breezy loung | Dining, Outdoor Kitchens |
Which one matches your vision?
Whether you want the airy elegance of a lattice pergola or the total fortress of a solid roof, we build them to withstand the 115°F heat and the 60mph winds we occasionally see in Washington County.
