Imagine walking outside on a rainy day, and instead of getting wet, you have an elegant roof over your head that keeps you dry. This kind of path is called a covered walkway. They make it easier to move between buildings without worrying about the weather. But they’re more than just a roof – they look stunning and make the space inviting for visitors.
At ARC Structures, we design and build covered walkways that protect you from rain, sun, and wind while making your space look great. In this article, you’ll learn why covered walkways are a top-tier idea, the best ways to make them look great, what they’re made from, and how companies like ARC Structures can help make one for you.
Ready to make your space better and brighter? Contact us today, and let’s start designing your perfect walkway!
Why to Install a Covered Walkway in Your Outdoor Space
Covered walkways help people move around different buildings, while protecting them from the elements like rain, wind, and the hot sun. They also make buildings look more connected; instead of separate spaces, the walkway gives the area a nice flow, like it all belongs together.
Another reason why covered walkways are useful is because they spread people out. When more people can walk outside, it stops indoor areas from getting too crowded. This means less indoor space is needed, saving money for extensions.
Covered walkways can even be helpful for queuing, especially when it goes outside of the building. Plus if the property maintains an attractive environment, this can boost its market value, as people like visiting or working in spaces that prioritise comfort and beauty.
Design Ideas for a Stunning Covered Walkway
Covered walkways can be designed in many different styles. Here are some ideas to make yours look beautiful and unique:
- Glass and Metal Walkways
A glass walkway with metal frames can look sleek and modern. The glass lets in sunlight, so it feels open and bright, even on cloudy days. This style works well for offices and business areas that want a clean, stylish look. Glass-covered walkways need to be cleaned to keep their sleek appearance, but they look very impressive.
- Wooden Arched Walkway
If you want a warm and natural look, a wooden walkway with an arch shape could be your best choice. This type of walkway suits parks, schools, or green spaces. The wood feels cozy and welcoming, and treated wood lasts longer outdoors, even in rainier climates like the U.K.
- Pergola-Style Walkway
Pergola-style walkways give some cover but not a full roof, letting some sun and air through. If you like a natural look, you can grow climbing plants like flowers or ivy on these walkways. These paths feel very natural and can look great in gardens or hotels. They’re also less pricey to build, which is a bonus.
- Fabric Canopy Walkway
Fabric canopies are made from purpose-built cloth and come in lots of shapes and colours. They’re light and can be stretched over a walkway in a stylish way. These structures are great for sports centres or shops, where a splash of colour and some cover brings the space to life. Fabric canopies can handle the sun well, and they only need to be replaced after many years of use.
Find out more about tensile fabric walkways from ARC >
- Lighted Curved Walkways
Adding lights to a walkway makes it safer at night and also makes it look stunning in the dark. Curved walkways with soft lights work well for places like shopping centres or hotels, where a bright and welcoming path is important. Lights along the sides or built into the roof give a warm glow and create an exciting after-hours experience for shoppers or guests!
Choosing the Right Materials for Your Covered Walkway
Covered walkways can be made from varied materials. Here are some of the best ones and why they’re useful:
Steel and Glass
Steel is extraordinarily strong and lasts a long time. When you add glass, the walkway looks clean and modern. This style is best for places that need a sturdy roof, like busy commercial areas. Glass panels can be clear or tinted, which means they let in light but can also reduce glare.
Find out how covered walkways improve accessibility in busy commercial areas >
Wood
Wooden walkways give a natural feel, blending nicely with gardens and parks. Wood can handle weather if it’s treated properly, but it needs a bit more care, like sealing to protect it from moisture. Many people think the cosy look of wood is worth the extra work.
Fabric
Fabric-covered walkways can be made in many shapes and colours, which makes them fun to design. Fabric is light and easy to put up but doesn’t last as long as other materials. These walkways are a good choice if you want something that looks unique and doesn’t cost too much.
Aluminium
Aluminium is light and strong, and it doesn’t rust easily so it’s effective for areas that get a lot of rain. Aluminium can be painted in many colours, and it works well in parks or other spaces where you don’t want to worry about too much upkeep.
Elevate Your Outdoor Space with a Custom Walkway from ARC Structures
At ARC Structures, we design and build stunning custom-covered walkways. We can create walkways that match the look and feel of your space. From start to finish, we’ll make the effort to understand your needs, design a walkway that fits well, and install it to be strong and reliable. We use high-quality materials to ensure your walkways look great and last a long time.
Ready to elevate your space with a custom walkway? Let’s start designing your perfect solution today! Contact us now.
See our fabric covered walkway for Penzance Quay >
Take a look at our case study on the covered walkway we produced for King George Hospital >
Make your tensile structures last longer with our guide to tensile structure maintenance >