How much does a deck or patio roof cost to build?
How much does a deck or patio roof cost to build?
$70 – $155 cost per square foot to add a gable roof
$20 – $50 cost per square foot to add a lean-to roof
$14,000 – $31,000 average cost to build a gable roof (10'x20')
Average patio or deck roof cost
Building a deck or patio gable-roof extension costs $14,000 to $31,000 on average or $70 to $155 per square foot, including labor. The cost to add a roof cover over a patio is $20 to $50 per square foot for a basic lean-to model.
Freestanding roofs cost $10 to $125 per square foot depending on the type.
These prices are for installations over an existing patio or deck.
Costs vary by the roof size, type, materials, and whether it's a custom design.
| Roof type | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|
| Gable roof over / roof extension | $14,000 – $31,000 |
| Lean-to roof | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Pergola (Basic open-lattice beams) | $2,000 – $13,000 |
| Louvered pergola roof (Opens & closes manually or with a motor) | $9,000 – $25,000 |
| Full enclosure with roof | $20,000 – $70,000 |
| Awning or canopy cover (Manually retractable & motorized) | $1,000 – $7,000 |
*Total price for a 200-square-foot average patio roof installed on an existing deck.
Cost to build a deck, porch, or patio roof by size
The following table shows the cost to build a gable roof for a deck, porch, or patio.
| Patio or deck size | Deck square footage | Average gable-roof cost installed* |
|---|---|---|
| 5'x15' | 75 | $5,250 – $11,600 |
| 10'x10' | 100 | $7,000 – $15,500 |
| 10'x20' | 200 | $14,000 – $31,000 |
| 12'x12' | 144 | $10,000 – $22,300 |
| 12'x20' | 240 | $16,800 – $37,200 |
| 15'x15' | 225 | $15,750 – $34,900 |
| 20'x20' | 400 | $28,000 – $62,000 |
| 24'x24' | 576 | $40,300 – $89,300 |
| 24'x36' | 864 | $60,500 – $133,900 |
*Total price for a gable roof attached to the home that extends over a deck.
Cost to add a roof over patio or deck by type
Cost to add a gable roof over porch, patio, or deck
The cost to build a gable roof over a patio or porch is $14,000 to $31,000 or $70 to $155 per square foot. This price includes installing the posts, footings, and wood framing over an existing, uncovered patio. Gable roofs have 2 sloped sides for better drainage.
| Roof finish | Cost per square foot installed | Average total cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | $70 – $130 | $14,000 – $26,000 |
| Metal | $70 – $140 | $14,000 – $28,000 |
| Tile | $75 – $150 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Wood shakes | $75 – $140 | $15,000 – $28,000 |
| Slate / stone | $80 – $155 | $16,000 – $31,000 |
| Flat | $70 – $135 | $14,000 – $27,000 |
*Total price to build a new roof over a 200-square-foot patio.
In comparison, existing roof replacement costs $3 to $6 per square foot on average.
Lean-to roof cost
Building a 10'x20' lean-to roof costs $4,000 to $10,000 on average or $20 to $50 per square foot installed. This single-sloped roof connects to the building with 2 post supports and typically lacks insulation. Total costs to build a lean-to roof depend on the size, material, and design.
Pole-barn style models are the cheapest. Higher costs typically apply for lean-to roofs that look like roof extensions with shingles matching the home.
Pergola / louvered roof over patio or deck cost
Installing a pergola costs $1,450 to $5,750. These roofs give partial shade but don't protect from the wind or rain falling between the beams.
Installing a louvered pergola roof costs $6,500 to $18,000. These roofs are waterproof and come as manual, electric, or automatic opening.
Full enclosure over deck or patio with roof cost
Costs for a full patio enclosure with a roof start at $10 to $20 per square foot for basic prefab sunroom kits and go up to $230 per square foot for a new screened-in patio. Installing insulated enclosures with HVAC systems (4-season sunrooms) costs double or triple the price.
| Type | Average cost installed (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Screened-in enclosed patio with roof | $80 – $230 |
| Sunroom / enclosed patio with roof | $200 – $400+ |
A patio enclosure costs $10 to $25 per square foot if adding screens to an existing patio or $100 to $350 per square foot for a new patio enclosure with windows and walls.
A screened-in porch costs $10 to $25 per square foot if adding screens to an existing patio or $50 to $175 per square foot to build a new screened porch.
A sunroom costs $100 to $350 per square foot.
Patio, porch, or deck cover cost
Patio awning installation costs $200 to $6,000 installed, depending on the cover type and size. The cheapest patio-cover options are canvas canopies or manually retractable awnings.
| Type | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Shade sail canopy made of canvas | $150 – $500 |
| Manually retractable awning | $200 – $3,000 |
| Motorized retractable awning cover | $1,000 – $6,000 |
Alternatively, a permanent covered patio costs $10,000 to $22,500, depending on the type.
Build roof over deck or patio costs by material
The cost to build a roof over a deck or patio is $20 to $60 per square foot on average or up to $120 per square foot for solid wood.
| Roof type | Cost per square foot installed | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $20 – $50 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Wood (lattice / pergola) | $20 – $40 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Wood (solid) | $60 – $120 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| Vinyl | $25 – $80 | $5,000 – $16,000 |
| Glass | $20 – $50 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Insulated aluminum panels | $30 – $60 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Fiberglass | $30 – $65 | $6,000 – $13,000 |
| Stucco | $40 – $100 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
*For a 10' by 20' size patio cover.
Aluminum patio roof cost
A solid aluminum patio roof costs $20 to $50 per square foot installed without insulation. An insulated aluminum roof costs 20% to 50% more. This patio roof type is easy to install, durable, low maintenance, resists termites, and lasts up to 20 years.
Aluminum dents easily from hailstorms, so it's better for warm climates.
Wood roof cost for deck or patio
A solid-wood, slanted shed-style patio roof costs $60 to $120 per square foot installed, depending on the wood and shingle types. Installing a new wooden-lattice pergola roof costs $20 to $40 per square foot to add over an existing patio but doesn't give full shade.
An architect or structural engineer must design a custom wooden roof attached to the home due to permitting requirements.
Vinyl / acrylic patio or deck roof cost
A solid vinyl patio roof costs $25 to $80 per square foot installed, with the highest costs for acrylic-vinyl and reinforced materials. Vinyl roofing won't rot or require a painted finish. However, it doesn't last as long as other roofing materials and can't withstand severe storms.
Glass patio roof cost
A glass patio roof costs $20 to $50 per square foot installed according to the type, framing materials, and size. Cheaper glass roofs have aluminum frames while stronger roofs have reinforced wood or steel supports. Choose tinted glass to add sun protection.
A glass roof is better in Northern climates since it heats the patio in summer.
Insulated patio roof cost
An insulated patio roof costs $30 to $60 per square foot installed. Most insulated roofing for patios is an aluminum exterior around a foam core at least 3" thick. Insulated patio roof types include brands like Alumawood® and Alumina wood. Finishes with wood-grain textures are also available.
Labor cost to add roof over patio or deck
The labor cost alone to add a roof over a patio is $15 to $50 per square foot on average. Fees vary according to the size and these other cost factors:
General labor charges:
An electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour.
A carpenter charges $30 to $100 per hour.
A handyman charges $50 to $80 per hour.
A general contractor charges $50 to $150 per hour.
A roofer charges $30 to $100 per hour.
Pour new patio – A new concrete patio costs $5 to $15 per square foot.
Old patio removal – Concrete removal costs $3 to $8 per square foot, including disposal.
Fees to design attached & sloped gable roofs:
An architect costs $100 to $250 per hour.
Drafting blueprints costs $0.35 to $5.00 per square foot.
Freestanding vs. attached – Matching the patio roof to the attached home's roof seamlessly costs more than a freestanding patio roof.
Building codes – Installation costs more in high-wind-storm areas where contractors must cement the patio-cover posts into the foundation.
Open vs. enclosed walls – A roof over an open patio is cheapest. Enclosing a covered patio has these extra fees:
Installing screens costs $10 to $25 per square foot to enclose an existing covered patio.
Adding windows to a patio costs $450 to $1,000 per window.
Electrical
The cost to install an outdoor outlet is $180 to $350.
Outdoor light installation costs $80 to $300 per fixture.
Add-ons
An outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $16,000 for a prefab model with installation or $10,000 to $35,000 for a custom kitchen.
Ceiling fan installation cost $150 to $350 per fan.
Building a fire pit costs $325 to $2,000.
A prefab outdoor fireplace costs $1,500 to $9,000 with installation. Building a custom outdoor fireplace costs $6,000 to $20,000.
Flower bed installation cost $20 to $65 per square foot for custom-built raised planter boxes.
A hot tub costs $3,000 to $10,000 for an above-ground unit.
Basic hot tub installation costs $150 to $500.
Outdoor furniture costs $500 to $1,500 per set.
Gutter installation costs $5 to $15 per linear foot.
Permits – A permit costs $60 to $200 minimum for installing a new roof over a patio. Freestanding patio roofs smaller than 200 square feet don't always require permits.
DIY deck or porch roof-kit prices
DIY deck or porch roof-kit prices are $700 to $4,000 for a 12'x12' pergola kit. This type is the most common for DIY installation with a few basic tools. The total kit cost depends on the brand, size, material, and design.
Patio & deck roof FAQs
What is a roof over a patio called?
A roof over a patio is called a pavilion if it's a solid roof, or a pergola if the top is open between the beams to let sunlight in. Motorized and retractable roofs over patios are called awnings. The cheapest patio cover is a shade-sail canopy made of canvas.
Does a deck or patio roof increase home value?
A well-built deck or patio roof typically increases the home's overall property value. However, adding a roof over a deck or patio won't increase the total square footage in an appraisal unless it's a fully enclosed space with insulation and heating.
Do I need building plans for a patio roof?
You typically need building plans and a permit for a patio roof that attaches to the home, but you don't always need a permit for a freestanding patio cover. Consult your local building department for more information.
Should you insulate a patio roof?
You should insulate a patio roof if you want to:
Deflect heat
Have a stronger roof that drains rainwater well
Allow space to hide electrical connections in the roof
Reduce noise under the roof during storms
Finding and hiring patio roof contractors
Before hiring a patio roof contractor near you, be sure to:
Compare multiple bids from companies with 5+ years of experience.
Check that they have licenses, liability insurance, and surety bonds.
Ask if they've received training from a roof manufacturer or an association of roofing professionals.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed estimate and contract before work starts.
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 patio roofs?
Which types of roofs are you most familiar with?
Could you add a louvered pergola roof to my deck or patio?
Can I see your reference list and portfolio photos?
How long will the roof construction take?
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
What's your method of anchoring the roof to my patio?
How many people will work on my property?
What's the best way to contact the project supervisor?
Does this estimate include all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup fees?
Can you describe common unexpected costs on a job like this?
Which designs are strong enough to withstand storms in my area?
What are the maintenance requirements for this material?
Which roof style suits my property best?
What type of wood or materials do you recommend?
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.