Though several materials are appropriate for building outdoor structures, the overwhelming favorite is wood. The structural members—posts, beams, and rafters—are generally made from dimension lumber; wood roofs may be made from boards, lath and batten, plywood, woven wood, or shingles,

Popular non-wood structural materials include concrete, stucco, and steel. Popular non-wood roofing materials include outdoor fabric, plastic, glass, and asphalt shingles.