Patio cover posts (The main vertical structural supports that are attached to the ground and support the beams, rafters, lattice, picket or solid top) can be set in the ground in a concrete footing or if properly engineered, may be attached to an existing concrete slab using a variety of other methods. Vinyl Fence Depot also fills the posts with concrete and rebar in order to create a solid permanent structure, this method gives our patio covers a much stronger finish both structurally and to the touch. Both beams (the horizontal members that usually go between the posts and support the rafters) and rafters (which usually span from the home to the main beams and support the shade components such as pickets, louvres, lattice or solid top) should be attached internally using a engineered connection system, as well as the proper internal enforcements such as a galvanized steel C-Channels to support weight, prevent sagging, bowing and an unsafe patio cover structure.