Building some sort of roof over outdoor workbench

I have a driveway that's partly enclosed by a fence with a gate. This end of the driveway is about 10' x 10' and then there is about 3' of dirt between the d/way and the fence making it 10' x 13' . I have an outdoor workbench there (shown covered by black plastic in one of the photos) and I want to cover the area at least somewhat to protect from rain so that I could work there when the weather is bad (but not too bad). So I am thinking about an awning of some sort that would be attached to the house wall. The height of the wall without the siding (the red vertical arrow) is about 96", with the siding at the lowest point (green arrow) is about 110".

I have a couple of large trees over the area so lots of leaves in the Fall.

I am in MD near DC.

What I want is something:

• simple but durable so that it damaged by wind, heavy rain/snow, stuff falling from the trees (preferably including my neighbor's cat) etc.
• relatively cheap
• not too ugly: it's next to my patio where we often have guests

What are my options? An awning? A fixed one or a folding one? What sort of material should I use for the cover?

Thank you!

 

You could consider a retractable canvas awning. There are several different styles you can see if you look at RV/camper websites. It could be retracted when you're not working out there so there is minimal chance it will get damaged unless you forget and leave it extended. On cool days you could leave it retracted when you want the sun for warmth and extend it on hot summer days for shade. The canvas will let some light through so it won't be such a dark cave underneath.

You could put posts in the ground and make a permanent tin or shed roof. I can't say it would be pretty and it will block the sun so you might not have the light you need when working at the bench. To add light you could put in a transparent panel or make the whole roof of transparent panels but they tend to get dirty and dingy with time. Being permanent it would always be there blocking if you wanted to work on something tall or get something tall around that side of the house. It may also require a zoning and/or building permit.

 

I've decided to take the a cheaper route and get a simple camping canopy. Should work as a temporary solution (which eventually might turn in to a permanent one :-))