How much does a covered patio cost?
How much does a covered patio cost?
$50 – $150 cost per square foot installed
$10,000 – $22,500 average total cost to build (200 SF)
Average cost to build a covered patio
A covered patio costs $10,000 to $22,500 installed on average. The cost of a covered patio is $50 to $150 per square foot, depending on the type and materials. A patio cover alone costs $20 to $60 per square foot installed to build a roof over an existing patio.
| Type | Average cost installed | Attached to house or freestanding |
|---|---|---|
| Flat canvas cover (DIY) | $50 – $200 | Both |
| Hanging-curtain canopy cover | $1,000 – $3,500 | Both |
| Retractable awning cover | $600 – $6,000 | Attached to house |
| Gable roof patio cover | $14,000 – $31,000 | Attached to house |
| Pergola | $1,450 – $5,750 | Freestanding |
| Louvered pergola | $6,500 – $18,000 | Attached to house |
| Gazebo | $4,300 – $10,000 | Freestanding |
| Screened-in enclosed patio | $10,000 – $35,000 | Attached to house |
| Sunroom (3-season to 4-season rooms) | $8,000 – $80,000 | Attached to house |
| Enclosed breezeway | $10,000 – $40,000 | Attached to house |
| Covered deck | $5,000 – $18,000 | Attached to house |
Covered patio cost by size
A 10'x20' covered patio costs $10,000 to $22,500 on average or $50 to $150 per square foot. This price includes costs of permanent patio covers. The average 200-square-foot size is big enough for a table and chairs. A 24'x36' size accommodates seating and an entertainment center.
| Size | Square footage | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|---|
| 5'x10' | 50 | $2,500 – $7,500 |
| 10'x10' | 100 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| 10'x20' | 200 | $10,000 – $22,500 |
| 12'x20' | 240 | $12,000 – $36,000 |
| 16'x16' | 256 | $12,800 – $38,400 |
| 20'x20' | 400 | $20,000 – $60,000 |
| 24'x24' | 576 | $28,800 – $86,400 |
| 24'x36' | 864 | $43,200 – $129,600 |
*Costs for basic and flat covers installed over an existing patio base.
Patio cover cost estimator by material
A patio cover costs $20 to $60 per square foot installed on average or up to $120 per square foot for solid wood.
| Material | Cost per square foot installed | Average total cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum patio cover | $20 – $50 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Wood patio cover | $60 – $120 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| Vinyl patio cover | $25 – $80 | $5,000 – $16,000 |
| Insulated patio cover panels | $30 – $60 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Solar patio cover | $80 – $100 | $16,000 – $20,000 |
| Metal or steel patio cover | $15 – $30 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Glass patio cover | $20 – $50 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Stucco patio cover | $40 – $100 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Fiberglass patio cover | $30 – $65 | $6,000 – $13,000 |
*For a 10' by 20' size cover installed on an existing patio base.
Aluminum patio cover cost estimator
A solid aluminum patio cover costs $20 to $50 per square foot installed on average. Aluminum patio cover prices are $10 to $15 per square foot for materials alone. This patio cover is low maintenance and lasts up to 20 years but dents easily.
These prices are for basic roofs without insulation.
Wood patio cover cost estimate
A solid wood patio cover costs $60 to $120 per square foot installed, depending on the wood quality. Installing an open-lattice wood patio cover costs $20 to $40 per square foot. A wooden cover is durable and can have any shingle type. However, the posts need regular painting or staining.
Vinyl patio covers cost
A solid vinyl patio cover costs $25 to $80 per square foot installed, depending on the type and quality. Vinyl roofing is low maintenance and doesn't rot but is less durable than other materials. Vinyl covers come pre-painted for easy installation and maintenance.
Insulated patio covers panels prices
An insulated patio cover costs $30 to $60 per square foot total to install on an existing patio. Prices for the material alone are $15 to $25 per square foot. These panels are typically interlocking and made from aluminum-covered foam.
Solar patio cover costs
Installing a solar patio cover costs $80 to $100 per square foot on average for a new pergola-style frame with solar-panel roofing. Engineers must design the roof with stronger building materials to support the extra weight of the solar panels.
Alternatively, solar panels cost $10,600 to $26,500 for installing a 6 to 12 kW system on the roof of a home. Prices vary according to the kW capacity of the solar panels.
Solar patio cover benefits include:
Reduces electricity bills
Easier to install on a patio-cover frame than on the home's roof
Blends into any home design
Hides solar panels from view with insulated patio covers
Other patio cover material prices
While most patio covers are aluminum, wood, or vinyl, alternative options include:
A steel patio cover costs $15 to $30 per square foot installed for a freestanding gazebo-style model. Steel makes a stronger metal cover than aluminum.
A glass patio cover costs $20 to $50 per square foot installed.
A stucco patio cover costs $40 to $100 per square foot installed for the frame and columns with a stucco coating.
A fiberglass patio cover costs $30 to $65 per square foot installed.
These prices include standard installation on an existing base.
Covered patio cost to build by type
Shade sail, canopy, or canvas patio cover cost
A flat canvas patio cover in a shade-sail design costs $50 to $200 and doesn't require any professional installation. A hanging-curtain canopy patio cover costs $1,000 to $3,500 installed and covers the top and sides, with curtains providing more flexible options for shade.
Awning & retractable patio cover cost
Awning installation costs $600 to $6,000 on average to add one over a patio, depending on whether it's a manually operated or motorized awning.
Manual retractable awnings cost $600 to $3,000 installed, while motorized models cost $1,000 to $6,000. Many motorized awnings come with remote controls.
Covered pergola, gazebo, or veranda cost
Costs of other covered outdoor areas vary by the type:
Installing a prefabricated pergola costs $1,450 to $5,750. A basic pergola has an open lattice design. Suppliers sell pergola covers separately.
Installing a louvered pergola costs$6,500 to $18,000, depending on whether it's manual or motorized. A louvered pergola is the only pergola type that opens and closes completely like a built-in patio cover.
Building a gazebo costs $4,300 to $10,000. A gazebo has a solid roof, railings, and often built-in seating. Most gazebos are separate and freestanding structures.
A veranda costs $27,000 to $67,500 installed. This type of covered wrap-around porch is at the same level as the ground floor and attaches to the home.
Screened-in patio
A screened-in patio costs $10,000 to $35,000 on average or $50 to $175 per square foot to build a basic enclosed patio covered by a roof with posts. This patio type isn't the same build quality as a home addition and can be a freestanding structure in the yard.
A screened-in lanai costs $10,000 to $35,000 to build a new structure or $2,000 to $5,000 to convert an existing porch.
Cost to cover a patio with a gable roof
Building a gable patio roof costs $70 to $155 per square foot when adding it over an existing patio. Prices vary widely because the extra weight of the roof requires new footings under most patios, plus posts, wood framing, and roof shingles or tiles.
Asphalt shingles are the cheapest finish while slate or stone tiles cost the most.
Sunroom, life room, Arizona or Florida room cost
A Florida room or sunroom costs $8,000 to $80,000 installed on average or $80 to $400 per square foot, depending on whether it's a 3-season or 4-season room. A "life room" is another term for a sunroom or enclosed patio. These fully enclosed structures provide more comfort than covered patios.
An average Arizona room costs $8,000 to $50,000 to build and is a type of uninsulated 3-season sunroom, typically with screen walls for more airflow. This home addition is popular in Arizona as a transition room between the extreme temperature differences indoors and outdoors.
Enclosed breezeway cost
An enclosed breezeway costs $10,000 to $40,000+ installed depending on the design and size. These passages require a concrete foundation in most climates and have the same quality of building materials as the rest of the home. Most breezeways are walkways attaching the house and garage.
Cost to build a covered deck or porch
Cost to build a covered deck
Building a covered deck costs $5,000 to $18,000 on average or $25 to $90 per square foot. This price includes a new deck and cover built at the same time. The cheapest deck covers are awnings and pergolas. Solid gable roofs are up to 3 times more expensive.
The cost to build a deck alone is $25 to $50 per square foot. Adding an average vinyl or metal cover over it costs $10 to $60 per square foot.
Porch cover cost
The cost to build a covered porch is $40 to $150 per square foot. This price includes a new porch and a solid gable roof with shingles. Porches always have roofs, though some people prefer to install the porch base first and add a roof later.
Covering an existing patio with a new gable roof costs $70 to $155 per square foot with all new posts, framing materials, and labor.
Patio cover costs by brand
The table below shows average prices of popular patio cover brands:
| Brand | Cost per square foot installed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alumawood patio cover cost | $18 – $55 |
|
| Acrylite | $25 – $80 |
|
| LEXAN Thermoclear | $20 – $55 |
|
| Palram | $30 – $75 |
|
Cost factors to install a patio cover
Cost factors to install a patio cover include:
Building codes – Higher installation costs apply in severe-storm areas where contractors must cement the patio-cover posts into the patio base.
Grading & drainage base prep – A drainage system installation costs $1,000 to $4,000 on average. The cost to regrade a yard is $500 to $1,000 for a patio.
New patio – A new patio installation costs $5 to $35 per square foot, depending on the choice of poured concrete or paver materials.
Old patio removal – Concrete removal costs $3 to $8 per square foot. Removing an old patio cover costs $100 to $400.
Freestanding vs. attached – Matching the patio cover to the attached home's roof in a seamless transition costs more than a freestanding patio cover.
Architect/ blueprints – The cost to draft blueprints is $0.35 to $5.00 per square feet. An architect costs $100 to $250 per hour to design attached gable roofs.
Gutters – Gutter installation costs $5 to $15 per linear foot to prevent water flooding onto the patio.
Permits – A permit costs $60 to $150 for installing a new cover over a patio. Permit fees for a new concrete patio base cost $150 to $300.
Open vs. enclosed – Leaving a covered patio with open sides is cheapest.
Additional prices for enclosed and covered patios
Screens – Installing screens costs $10 to $25 per square foot to enclose an existing covered patio.
Walls & windows – Adding windows and sunroom-quality walls costs $4,000 to $10,000 for the additional framing work and materials.
Floor addition – Flooring installation costs $4 to $15 per square foot, depending on the material.
HVAC – Ductless mini-split installation costs $1,800 to $6,000 for a single zone. This air-conditioning equipment is the most common option for enclosed patios.
Covered patio add-ons & prices
Common add-ons for a covered patio include:
Installing a damp-rated ceiling fan costs $100 to $500 for the fan itself and $200 to $1,000 for the installation labor.
An outdoor heater costs $150 to $500.
Building a fire pit costs $325 to $2,000.
An outdoor fireplace costs $6,000 to $20,000 for a custom-built fireplace or $1,500 to $9,000 for a prefab unit with installation.
An outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $16,000 for a pre-built model with installation or $10,000 to $35,000 to build a custom outdoor kitchen.
A TV and mounting kit costs $200 to $425 with DIY installation.
A BBQ or grill costs $50 to $500 for the equipment only, plus a natural gas line installation costs $12 to $25 per linear foot.
Outdoor furniture costs $500 to $1,500 per set.
A hot tub costs $3,000 to $10,000 for an above-ground unit.
Basic hot tub installation costs $150 to $500.
Installing an outdoor outlet costs $180 to $350.
Outdoor light installation costs $80 to $300 per fixture.
Landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot for general grounds work.
Flower bed installation cost $20 to $65 per square foot for custom-built raised planter boxes and new plants.
Any cooking equipment or open flames on a patio require ventilation through the patio cover. A patio cover creates a potential fire hazard and traps smoke. Check local fire codes for requirements that apply to enclosed patios.
Patio cover FAQs
Does a covered patio increase home value?
A well-designed covered patio increases the home's property value and helps to sell the home at a higher price. A covered patio will only increase the home's total square footage in an appraisal if insulated, heated, and fully enclosed.
Reasons a covered patio is worth it:
Protects the deck or patio from the elements
Provides an outdoor sitting / entertainment area
Extends the living space
Do I need a permit to build a covered patio?
You typically need a permit to build a covered patio attached to the home, depending on local building-department codes. You may not need a permit for smaller freestanding backyard patios in rural areas.
What is the cheapest way to cover a patio?
The cheapest way to cover a patio is with shade sails and canopies made from canvas. However, these canopies are only for seasonal use and don't last long as a permanent patio cover.
Who can install a covered patio?
People who can install covered patios include:
Roofing and construction companies
Carpenters
General contractors
Custom porch-and-deck building firms
Patio installers from the local patio-kit manufacturer
Contractors referred from Home Depot and Lowe's
Getting estimates from covered patio builders
Before hiring a covered patio builder near you, be sure to:
Compare multiple bids from companies with 5+ years of experience.
Check that they have licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed estimate and contract before the work begins.
Beware of the cheapest quotes that typically result in low-quality work.
Give the final payment only after the job is complete.
Questions to ask
How many years of experience do you have in building covered patios?
Can I see your references list and photos of past projects?
Which types of patio covers are you most familiar with?
How long will construction take?
Which designs are strong enough to withstand storms in my area?
How will you anchor the cover to my patio?
Do you offer a labor warranty?
What are the maintenance requirements for these materials?
Which patio style suits my yard best?
How many people will work on my property?
Does this estimate include all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup fees?
Which types of unexpected costs are common on a job like this?
Will you handle permits and zoning requirements?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.