How Much Does a Covered Patio Cost?

Highlights

• The typical cost range for a covered patio is $8,243 to $26,255, while the national average is about $17,154.
• Some of the main factors involved in calculating the cost of a covered patio include the type of patio, the type of material used for the cover and flooring, and the cost of labor.
• Covered patios offer several benefits, such as protection from weather, fewer maintenance requirements for the patio and its furniture, increased living space, and energy efficiency.
• A handy DIYer may be able to build a covered patio themselves, though less experienced homeowners and those who want a custom covered patio will want to hire a pro.

Going outside to warm, sunny weather with a nice, light breeze is one of the experiences that makes summer a favorite time of the year for many people, but it can be difficult to fully appreciate the pleasant weather if there isn’t a comfortable place to sit. A patio can provide the space necessary for a few lounge chairs, a grill, or even a full dining set, allowing homeowners to make the most of their yards.

However, rain and direct sunlight can quickly chase people back indoors to find shelter. There are endless backyard covered patio ideas online that homeowners can browse through to ensure the patio space is properly protected regardless of rain or shine. According to HomeAdvisor, covered patio installation will generally cost between $8,243 and $26,255, or about $17,154 on average—though it’s important for a homeowner to note that the overall cost of the project can increase or decrease depending on several key factors. This guide will help homeowners learn more about covered patio cost factors for help in putting together a budget for the project.

Factors in Calculating Covered Patio Cost

Understanding the various factors involved in calculating covered patio costs is necessary for homeowners to ensure proper project planning. These factors can also help homeowners when they’re deciding on patio type, cover type and material, flooring type and material, and labor costs.

Patio Type

One of the first decisions a homeowner needs to make is the type of patio they want to have installed. There is a range of covered patio designs for homeowners to choose from when they’re coming up with a plan for this project. They can opt for a covered patio attached to the house for added support, or they may decide a freestanding patio that is completely separate from the home is the ideal choice for the property.

Additionally, homeowners may decide on a partially enclosed or fully enclosed patio design. This can include a screened-in patio, a sunroom, a life room (also called a four-season room), a screened lanai patio, an enclosed breezeway, or an Arizona/Florida room. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that the cost of the project can increase depending on the type of patio.

Cover Type and Material

Another factor for homeowners to consider when putting together the project plan and budget for a covered patio installation is the cover type and the cover material. Common cover types include awning, enclosed, gable, gazebo, louvered, pergola, and sailcloth. Each type has benefits and drawbacks, including a difference in the price. Sailcloth, awning, pergola, or gazebo cover types are the more affordable options, while a louvered, enclosed, or gable cover will cost more but will also result in a more premium patio.

Similarly, the cover material can influence the overall cost of the project. Typical cover material options include vinyl, lattice, wood, glass, fiberglass, stucco, insulated panels, and aluminum patio covers. Homeowners will want to discuss their options with their installation contractor to decide on the best cover material for the job.

Flooring Type and Material

In addition to the cover type and material, the homeowner needs to consider the flooring type and flooring material that will be used to create the covered patio. Contractors can lay premade pavers to make a simple patio outside the home, or they can use poured concrete to make a custom patio shape. Other patio flooring types include poured stone, composite panels, or even natural stone tiles.

Homeowners will also want to consider flooring material when planning the installation project. Popular flooring material options include gravel, concrete, brick, stone, tile, slate, bluestone, flagstone, stamped concrete, and custom paver stones or tiles. Concrete patio costs tend to be the lowest, though gravel is another option for homeowners on a tight budget. Bluestone patio costs are on the high end, but bluestone can create a beautiful and unique patio for homeowners willing to splurge a little. Homeowners can work with their patio installation contractor to decide on the right flooring type and materials for this job.

Labor

Taking on a DIY covered patio project can be an effective way for homeowners to reduce the overall cost of the job, but it requires time, experience, skill, and access to materials. Homeowners who choose to hire a covered patio installation company will want to account for the cost of labor when putting together the budget for the project.

Labor generally accounts for more than half of the total cost of this outdoor renovation, with average rates running from about $20 to $40 per square foot. To keep the cost of the project down and ensure that they are getting the best value for the money, it’s recommended for homeowners to research and get estimates from at least three reputable companies in the area before deciding on a contractor to complete the job.

Additional Costs and Considerations

While the initial cost factors are important for homeowners to keep in mind for the basic project plan, there are a variety of additional cost considerations for homeowners to account for when coming up with the budget for this outdoor upgrade, including the choice between a full and a partial enclosure and between an attached and a freestanding structure, choosing windows vs. screens, permit costs, lighting, add-ons, and site preparation.

Full vs. Partial Enclosure

A covered patio can be either fully enclosed or partially enclosed depending on the cover type and design. Before starting this job, it’s necessary for the homeowner to decide between a full or partial enclosure.

• Full enclosures are complete structures that entirely enclose the patio space. This type of covered patio tends to cost more than a partial enclosure because it requires more materials to build and may also involve heating, cooling, plumbing, or electrical additions that can drive up the cost.
• Partial enclosures are still covered overhead, but they typically have one or more open walls. This type of covered patio is less expensive, though it doesn’t provide the same level of protection from wind, rain, sun, insects, dust, and debris.

Attached vs. Freestanding

Before beginning a covered patio project, the homeowner and contractor will need to discuss the installation location. Covered patios can be attached directly to the home for added support, or they may be installed as a freestanding structure located away from the house.

• Attached covered patios are generally less expensive to install than freestanding covered patios. This is because the roof, walls, and support posts can be attached to the house for additional support, reducing the amount of material required. With this in mind, homeowners may want to consider several different attached covered patio ideas—especially if they are trying to keep the cost of the project within a strict budget.
• Freestanding covered patios are independent of the home, so they cannot take advantage of the existing structure for added support. Although this allows the patio to be positioned anywhere within the yard, this design comes at a higher cost than an attached covered patio due to the additional materials required to adequately support the structure.

Windows vs. Screens

Depending on the type of covered patio, the design may include openings for windows or screens. The cost of these additions can increase the overall estimate for the project, so it’s a good idea for the homeowner to consider whether it would be better to install just windows, just screens, or a combination of windows with screens for the enclosed space.

• Windows will typically cost more than screens at an average of about $300 to $800 per window. While the cost is higher, windows also offer better protection against wind, rain, sleet, snow, and temperature fluctuations.
• Screens help to keep out insects, dust, leaves, and other debris. They are also somewhat effective in blocking mild rain, sleet, and snow, though driving precipitation will still penetrate the screen. Adding screens to a covered patio can run from $800 to $1,000, or about $4.50 per square foot, while the cost of a screened-in porch will fall between $2,000 and $2,800.

Permits

Not all covered patio projects require permits, so before worrying too much, homeowners will want to check with their local permit office to determine whether a permit is needed for the job. Generally, if the project is for a full enclosure, custom sunroom, or a similar build, then a building permit will be required, which will cost between $100 and $300. Alternatively, a homeowner may not need a permit at all to put in a simple stone patio with a freestanding gazebo.

Another way for a homeowner to determine whether the project will require a permit is to speak to the local permit office or to ask the installation contractor directly. If the project does require a permit, the installation company may handle the permit acquisition process to help streamline the installation, though it’s important for the homeowner to ask if the permit price is included in the cost estimate or if it will be added to the final bill.

Lighting

Adding lighting to a covered patio is a great way for homeowners to get even more use out of the outdoor space. When the sun goes down, they’ll simply need to turn on the lights to keep the party going outdoors instead of rushing back into the house. However, it’s important for homeowners to keep in mind that by adding outdoor lighting to the covered patio, they are also increasing the overall cost of the installation project.

Outdoor lighting ranges in cost depending on the number of lights, the type of lights, and the labor cost to complete the installation. Simple porch lights may only cost about $260 to install, while a more extensive exterior lighting installation can range from $2,000 to $4,500. Similarly, covered patio string lights or solar lights are relatively affordable, while it’s more costly to install recessed lights or lanterns in the covered patio space.

Add-Ons

Lights are not the only option available for improving the comfort and convenience of the covered patio space. During or after the patio installation, homeowners may want to consider adding a few extras to the patio to improve the overall appeal.

• Environmental controls increase or decrease the temperature or humidity within the space and are a great option for a climate-controlled patio, though it will typically cost about $650 to $4,500 for this upgrade.
• Fireplace additions can improve the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the patio space. An outdoor patio fireplace will typically cost about $1,500 to $6,500, though homeowners can get a more affordable fire pit for about $300 to $1,400.
• Greenery is always a welcome sight, so it may be a good idea to add planter boxes to the patio at a cost of about $120 per box to make the area more attractive.
• Motorized screens are a premium update that is not strictly necessary, but if this upgrade seems appealing, homeowners will need to set aside about $3,000 in the budget for this addition.
• Outdoor kitchens offer an additional place to prepare food. When the weather is hot, the homeowner simply needs to step outside and turn on the grill or fire up the gas stove to prepare a delicious meal without heating up the nicely air-conditioned home. Homeowners will want to be prepared to spend between $5,500 and $22,600 for this add-on.
• Patio heaters improve the comfort of the covered patio when the weather starts to cool off. These energy-efficient add-ons typically cost between $100 to $500.

Site Preparation

Before a covered patio can be installed, the installation company will need to prepare the target site. If the installation location has uneven ground or if the contractors suspect the patio and foundation will affect the drainage around the home, they will need to create a level surface that is properly graded for the pavers or concrete. Additionally, the installers may suggest putting in a drainage system to ensure that rain, snow, and meltwater are carried away from the foundation of the home.

Homeowners will generally pay about $1,000 to $2,500 to have the installation location properly graded, while adding a drainage system can cost between $2,000 to $6,000. To help keep the cost of the project within a reasonable range, homeowners may want to consider installing the patio on an existing patch of level ground or leveling the area as a DIY job before the contractors arrive.

Types of Patio Covers

There is a range of potential patio cover types for homeowners to choose from when deciding on the best design, including awning, enclosed, gable, gazebo, and more. The type of patio cover a homeowner chooses can have a great impact on the cost, but it can also affect the aesthetic appeal of the covered patio, so it’s important for homeowners to consider each option before making a choice.

Awning

An awning can be a good option if a homeowner is looking for a covered patio but isn’t quite sure what format would be best. This is because awnings come in a variety of different formats, including portable, motorized, retractable, non-roll-up, canvas, and metal patio covers. However, due to the range of formats, it can be hard to estimate just how much an awning will cost. Typically, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $1,400 to $4,200 for an awning, depending on the type of material, the format, and whether it is motorized or manually operated—in many cases, retractable awnings cost more than fixed ones, especially if they are motorized.

Enclosed

When it comes to covered patios, there are several enclosed patio styles, such as a sunroom, a life room, or even an enclosed breezeway. The main drawback to an enclosed patio is that this type of covered patio will typically cost more than any other type due to the extra time and materials required to build the enclosed space. However, the benefits of adding an enclosed patio space (including the additional living space) could outweigh the costs. If this seems like an appealing option, homeowners will want to plan to spend about $10,000 to $25,000 for such an addition.

Gable

Gable patio coverings can be an effective choice for improving the aesthetic appearance of the home and property. A gable patio is typically attached to the home on one or more sides using thick wooden posts to support the rest of the structure. Both sides of the gable roof slope up to meet at a central point, mimicking the triangular shape of a gabled house.

Gable patio covers can also be installed for freestanding patios. This type of patio covering is often seen in public parks where open eating areas are covered by a gable roof. The cost to install a gable patio covering ranges from $3,000 to $18,000, depending on the size and shape of the patio.

Gazebo

A gazebo is one of the most popular options for a covered patio because homeowners can purchase gazebo kits online or from a local home improvement store. These kits come with all the parts and fasteners required to build the gazebo structure on a new or existing patio. However, these premade products don’t always hold up as well as expected, and they can be difficult to build without help.

Custom gazebos are another option for homeowners to consider when they’re deciding on the best patio cover type. The average cost to build a gazebo is about $4,000. These structures are available in metal, vinyl, or wood, so homeowners can choose the material that best suits the aesthetic of their home.

Louvered

A louvered patio cover offers the same benefits as a pergola and a gazebo put together. This is because the patio cover has evenly spaced slats, similar to the rafter-style design of a pergola, but the slats can be closed to protect the patio occupants from rain, sleet, hail, and snow. The slats are often operated with a manual winch, though some models may have a motorized switch to operate the slats. However, this additional functionality increases the overall cost of this patio cover type. With this in mind, homeowners can expect to pay between $6,048 and $26,100 to have a louvered patio roof installed.

Pergola

Pergolas are typically made of wood, though they can also be made of metal, vinyl, or fiberglass, depending on the make and model. Pergolas are instantly recognizable by the rafter-style design that leaves openings in the roof between each plank or board. This open design makes the pergola a poor choice for areas that experience a lot of rain, but the rafter-style format can still serve to protect users from the sun. Homeowners who like the aesthetic appeal of a pergola will need to set aside between $2,100 and $6,000 in the project budget to add this patio covering.

Sailcloth Cover

A sailcloth patio cover is the most affordable option for blocking out the sun and protecting the people on the patio from inclement weather conditions. Sailcloth is essentially a thick canvas material that can be stretched over the patio area to provide adequate cover from the sun and rain. This patio covering option will cost just $100 to $500 for the cloth, though it will typically cost an additional $1,000 for a professional to complete the installation. However, it is worth noting that sailcloth is the least durable patio cover type, which means it will likely need to be replaced sooner than any other patio covering option.

Benefits of Installing a Covered Patio

Adding a covered patio to the home comes with a wide variety of benefits for the homeowner, residents, and any guests, including weather protection, fewer maintenance requirements, increased home value, added living space, and even increased energy efficiency. Homeowners will want to consider these benefits when deciding whether a covered patio installation is worth the investment.

Weather Protection

Almost every type of patio cover will offer protection from inclement weather, though the amount of protection depends on the type of patio cover. For instance, a pergola is relatively open, so it isn’t the best cover to hide under when it starts to rain or hail. However, a pergola can still provide some protection from the sun, making it a suitable option for areas that don’t get a lot of rain.

Gazebos, awnings, gable roofs, and louvered roofs all provide overhead protection from rain, sleet, hail, snow, and sun, though these coverings do very little to prevent wind from blowing through the patio. The best choice for complete weather protection is a fully enclosed patio with a roof and walls.

Fewer Maintenance Requirements

While a patio covering provides ample protection for the people on the patio, it also protects the patio floor, supports, and any furniture or appliances that are underneath the roof. By providing this basic layer of protection against rain, sleet, and snow, the covered patio helps to reduce the amount of damage to the patio foundation and limits the problems that can occur when items are left outdoors. With fewer issues to worry about, the homeowner can spend more time sitting and relaxing with a drink in hand instead of cleaning up moldy patio furniture or replacing faded pavers—and they can save on replacement paver patio costs, as the material will last longer with the protection of a patio cover.

Increased Home Value

One of the most common questions DIYers ask when renovating or upgrading the home is whether their imptovements will increase the value of the home. Many renovation projects can add to the value of the home, though the amount that the home value increases depends on the type of renovation project.

A covered patio has a relatively high return on investment (ROI), which means that the home value will increase and allow the homeowner to recoup a percentage of the money that is put into the project when it comes time to sell. On average, the home value will increase by about 80 percent of the initial cost of the investment, so for a covered patio installation costing $10,000, a homeowner could expect the home value to increase by about $8,000.

Added Living Space

Another great benefit to installing a covered patio is that it increases the amount of living space in the home—although most covered patios do not count as official square footage for the home unless the patio is fully enclosed, as is a sunroom. However, the covered patio still functions as an added living space, offering more room for meals and entertaining.

Depending on the homeowner’s tastes and budget, the patio can be used as an extension of the home, allowing the homeowner to install an outdoor kitchen, bar, or even a hot tub. Homeowners will need to consider how they want to use the patio before committing to an installation plan so they can select the best size, shape, and design to suit their purposes.

Energy Efficiency

It wouldn’t seem that adding a covered patio to the exterior of the home would have much effect on the overall energy usage of the property, but a covered patio can help block out excess sunlight, keeping the home cooler in the summer months. This means that an air conditioner would not need to operate as long or at as high an intensity to keep up with the cooling demands, thereby reducing the cost of the utility bills.

A fully enclosed patio, even one that is not insulated, will still act as an insulating space between the interior and exterior of the home, slowing the transfer of heat. This helps keep the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter while also reducing the cost to heat and cool the home.

Covered Patio Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

The care and maintenance of a home is typically left to the homeowner to handle, which is why so many homeowners take it upon themselves to learn more about home maintenance and home renovation. Using this knowledge and experience, avid DIYers may want to try their hand at installing a covered patio instead of spending $20 to $40 per square foot in labor costs.

While it is possible for an experienced DIYer to install a covered patio, there are risks to taking on this project as a DIY job. As a DIY project, the entire responsibility for the job falls to the DIYer, including sourcing the material, designing the patio, preparing the site, and installing the patio. If the ground is not properly leveled and graded with appropriate drainage systems in place, it could cause a range of problems in the future, such as flooding.

Hiring a professional installer may cost more, but most companies will offer some type of guarantee on the work so that if there are any issues, they will either resolve the problem or pay to have the issue fixed. Also, professional contractors have far more experience and knowledge when it comes to installing covered patios, allowing them to work faster while still managing to complete the project at a high enough quality to satisfy most customers.

How to Save Money on Covered Patio Cost

One of the primary factors for putting off a home renovation project is the cost. A covered patio installation can range from $8,243 to $26,255 depending on the size, complexity, materials, site prep, and patio type, so it’s smart to look for ways to reduce the overall cost of the work. Consider these money-saving ideas to help make this upgrade a more manageable investment.

• Select a level installation area. As long as the ground is already firm and level, there isn’t a lot of site prep that is required for the installation, which can reduce the labor cost of the job.
• Position the patio beside the house. Homeowners can lower the overall cost of the covered patio installation by using the structure of the home for additional support. This helps cut down on the amount of materials required for the project.
• Choose inexpensive building materials. If the goal is to install a basic patio for the home, then there is no need to use premium materials for the project. Cut costs by selecting more affordable patio pavers and patio covers for the job.
• Get estimates from multiple installation companies. It’s recommended to research and get estimates from at least three reputable companies in the area to ensure that you get the best value for the work.

Questions to Ask About Covered Patio Installation

Asking questions is often the best way for homeowners to find out information about a project, so they’ll want to consider asking questions to store employees, customer service professionals, the permit office, and the patio installation contractors. There are many questions for homeowners to ask before hiring a company to complete this work, but it’s just as important for them to ask questions during and after the work is finished to ensure they are aware of all pertinent information. The following questions can help homeowners feel more confident about hiring a patio contractor.

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• How long has your company been in business?
• How many patios do you build per year?
• Do you have any references or a portfolio of previous work?
• Do you provide a free estimate?
• Can I get a written contract before you start to work?
• Will you provide a set of plans and specs for this project?
• Is the work guaranteed?
• How long is the work guaranteed?
• Do you offer design services for covered patio projects?
• How long will the installation take?
• How big is your crew of workers?
• Are all workers licensed, bonded, and insured?
• Do you carry workers’ comp insurance?
• What type of pavers will be used?
• What type of patio cover do you suggest?
• How will the patio affect the current drainage?
• How do you perform base preparations?
• Will the yard get damaged during the installation?
• Will you fix any damages that occur to the yard?
• What will be your daily work schedule?
• Who is my primary point of contact?
• How and when will payments be made?

FAQs

Before homeowners start a covered patio installation project, it’s a good idea for them to find out as much as they can about the costs, timeline, materials, and installation process. Homeowners can look online for more covered patio ideas and peruse the answers to some commonly asked questions about covered patio cost below.

Q. How much does it cost to cover a 10×10 patio?

Installing a covered patio is a great way to increase the space available for sitting, dining, and lounging outdoors. On average, a homeowner can expect to pay about $1,400 to $8,700 for an outdoor covered patio installation.

Q. What is the cheapest way to cover a patio?

If you want to cover your patio but don’t have a big budget to work with, then the cheapest method is to invest in a type of sailcloth awning that can be stretched over the space. This patio covering material has a starting cost of about $100.

Q. How long does it take to lay a patio?

The time it takes to lay a patio depends on the size, complexity, patio material, weather, project site, additions, upgrades, and any potential obstacles that may come up during installation. On average, it will take about 1 to 6 weeks to lay a patio.

Q. How many yards of concrete do I need for a 10×10 patio?

In order to make a 10-foot-square concrete patio with a thickness of about 4 inches, it will take about 1.24 cubic yards of concrete. A 10-foot-square slab with a thickness of 6 inches will require about 1.85 cubic yards.

Q. Does a covered patio need footings?

Whether the patio needs footings or not is up to the installer and homeowner to decide. Smaller patios may not need footings for proper support, especially if the ground is hard, but if a homeowner is installing a large covered patio over sandy or loose soil, then footings are important to help ensure the patio remains stable over time.

Q. How deep should a covered patio be?

A factor to consider when planning a patio installation project is the exact size and depth of the patio. To ensure there is space for comfortable seating, the patio should be at least 6 feet deep, though if you want to set up a dining table for outdoor meals, then the patio should be at least 10 feet deep.

Q. What is the lowest-maintenance patio material?

One of the benefits of having a patio is that it generally takes less overall effort to maintain than a garden or lawn. However, you can further decrease the maintenance requirements based on the type of patio material selected for the project. Generally, porcelain pavers are the lowest-maintenance patio material due to their nonporous composition, high durability, and resistance to temperature fluctuations.

Q. How much value does a patio add to a home?

Not only can a patio increase the living space outdoors, but it can also add value to the home. On average, adding decking or a patio to the yard can lead to more than an 80 percent return on investment. For instance, if you spent $10,000 to install a patio, then the value of the property should increase by about $8,000, or 80 percent of the initial cost of the upgrade. This can make the cost to build a deck or a covered patio seem well worth it.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, Fixr, Angi, Farrell’s Lawn and Garden, ConcreteNetwork.com