How Much Does Adding a Roof Over a Patio Cost? (2024 Pricing)
Average Project Cost: $6,500
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If you’re thinking about customizing your outdoor living area, consider covering your deck or patio to protect it from the elements and enjoy it year-round. The average cost of a patio roof is about $6,500, though this price can vary from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the covering type and size.* Learn about various cost factors and get saving tips in our guide.
*Article cost data sourced from Angi, Fixr, and Home Advisor.
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What Factors Affect Patio Roof Construction Cost?
The factors that impact patio roof costs most are the project’s size and complexity, the materials used, and any added features.
- Cover Type: Labor and materials for a simple canopy or awning cost less than a complex gable or gazebo roof.
- Materials: Synthetic materials, such as vinyl and fiberglass, cost less than metal or glass.
- Roof size: Larger roofs require extra materials and labor for installation.
- Customizations: It costs extra to add features such as lighting or appliances.
Cost by Type of Cover
Patio and deck coverings range from simple fabric sheeting to full extensions of a house’s existing roof. Here are the most common types of patio and deck roofs.
| Type of Roof | Cost Range |
|---|---|
|
Canopy |
$100–$500 |
|
Shed roof |
$1,000–$10,000 |
|
Awning |
$1,400–$4,200 |
|
Gable roof |
$2,200–$13,500 |
|
Pergola |
$2,500–$6,000 |
|
Louvered roof |
$4,320–$20,700 |
|
Gazebo |
$7,500–$10,000 |
The simplest type of roof cover is a fabric canopy, usually made of sailcloth, stretched over the patio’s top. Sometimes called a sun shade, the canopy can be freestanding on poles or attached to the house’s roof. Although these canopies are water-resistant, they are rarely completely waterproof and may not provide total direct sunlight protection. However, they are the least expensive option at $100–$500 for materials, plus another $1,000 for installation.
An awning is a thin roof cover that extends from a building’s side. Awnings can be made of canvas materials, metal, wood, or polycarbonate sheeting. They may be fixed or retractable, meaning they can fold or roll up when not in use. An awning is sturdier than a canopy but not as durable as an actual roof structure. It may cost anywhere from $1,400–$4,200, depending on the material and support structures used.
A lean-to or shed roof is typically a single, sloped roof attached to the house on the uphill side with a beam or wall on the downhill end. It’s one of the simplest, most cost-effective permanent patio roof options, but also one of the least aesthetically appealing. These roof structures are usually made entirely of aluminum or framed-in wood and get covered in roofing material. They range in price from $1,000 for a kit to over $10,000 when installed.
A gable roof’s symmetrical, triangular design makes it a very popular configuration. To cover a patio, a gable roof can either extend out from the home’s existing roof or be free-standing, and it’s usually made to match your home’s roof. Depending on the gable’s height and the shingles’ material, a gable patio roof can be relatively affordable at $2,200 on the low end or $13,500 on the high end.
A pergola is an open roof structure with a series of parallel rafters supported by posts, typically made of cedar or redwood. Pergolas offer some shade, but they don’t keep out rain or other precipitation. They’re often chosen for their aesthetic appeal. They can serve as a framework for greenery, such as flowers or vines, or be left bare. They’re slightly costlier to build, ranging from $2,500–$6,000, and they often require more maintenance than other options.
A louvered patio roof is similar in structure to a pergola, but the slats are narrower and able to rotate open and closed. They’re typically made from metal or synthetic materials, and require a motor to close the slats with the push of a button. They’re more expensive because they’re motorized, starting at $4,320 and ranging up to $20,700. However, they combine a pergola’s benefits with those of a solid roof.
A gazebo has no sides, is supported by columns, and has a solid roof. It’s a type of hip roof that comes to a high point in the center and slopes down on all sides. The simplest of these are four-sided, but traditional gazebos have eight sides. There’s often a raised vent in the roof’s center for extra ventilation. This roof structure has multiple surfaces and may have raised peaks, thus starting at the highest price point of around $7,500–$10,000.
Cost by Materials
The first choice you’ll need to make before picking materials is the roof type you want. Some materials are better suited to certain types of roof structures, and each has pros and cons in terms of durability and price.
Vinyl can be made into simple panels as well as latticework and planks for pergolas. It’s inexpensive but fades in sunlight, isn’t durable in heavy snowfall, and may crack or warp over time, so it’s not the best for outdoor use.
Wood is a versatile material that can serve as a basic roofing structure or stand on its own as latticework or a pergola. It has a classic look but often requires regular cleaning and refinishing. The price will largely depend on the choice of wood. Redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated Southern pine are most common, but other woods can be used when painted.
Fiberglass is an excellent insulator that works well for a heat-resistant roof. It’s more durable than vinyl but just as low-maintenance. It can be shaped into panels, latticework, pergolas, and more.
Aluminum patio covers may take the form of panels, latticework, or pergolas, but louvered roofs are almost always made of this lightweight metal. A rolled aluminum roof will be less expensive than extruded aluminum.
Glass blocks out the rain but can magnify heat, so these patio coverings are useful in mild-to-cool climates. These roofs are typically formed from glass panels.
Insulated panels may be constructed of fiberglass, wood, or aluminum exteriors with insulating material inside. They provide extra protection against heat and are the most expensive patio roofing material.
Here are some price ranges for common roofing materials.
| Material | Cost Range |
|---|---|
|
Vinyl |
$5–$13 |
|
Wood |
$15–$35 |
|
Fiberglass |
$16–$39 |
|
Aluminum |
$20–$70 |
|
Glass |
$25–$45 |
|
Insulated panels |
$26–$59 |
Cost by Size
Since roofing materials are usually priced by the square foot, the larger your patio, the more it will cost to cover. A small bistro patio that accommodates only a small table and a few chairs will naturally cost much less to cover than a large outdoor entertainment space. Assuming a material cost range of $5–$59 per square foot, here’s how much various patio roof sizes will cost.
| Patio Size (in Feet) | Square Footage | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
|
6’x7′ |
42 |
$210–$2,478 |
|
12’x12′ |
144 |
$720–$8,496 |
|
12’x14′ |
168 |
$840–$9,912 |
|
12’x18′ |
216 |
$1,080–$12,744 |
|
18’x24′ |
432 |
$2,160–$25,488 |
|
24’x36′ |
864 |
$4,320–$50,976 |
Cost by Customizations
Your new patio or deck roof can be a simple covering or a fully functional roof and ceiling with electrical wiring and indoor features. While these will increase the total project cost, they can make your patio roof even more functional.
| Feature | Cost Range |
|---|---|
|
Ceiling fan |
$70–$4,000 |
|
Heater |
$100–$500 |
|
Lighting |
$260–$4,500 |
|
Skylight |
$1,021–$2737 |
Labor Cost
You can hire a professional for nearly any roof type. Installation for simpler coverings, such as canopies and awnings, will be much cheaper and quicker. In general, labor costs for covering a patio range from about $10–$30 per square foot on top of material costs.
What Are The Benefits of a Patio Roof?
Some of the benefits that come with adding a roof over your patio include protection from weather, reduced patio maintenance, increased resale value, and extended living space. Here’s what homeowners stand to gain by installing a roof over an existing deck or patio.
Protection From Weather
While a patio’s appeal is that it takes advantage of outdoor space, you may not be able to use it in inclement weather. Spring and summer rains can come on suddenly. Even when the weather is good, direct summer sunlight can render your outdoor space too hot to use. A covered patio isn’t subject to the same weather restrictions.
Reduced Maintenance
A roof that protects a patio also protects what’s underneath it. Patio features such as outdoor furniture and decking last longer and require less maintenance when they’re not subject to precipitation and direct sunlight. You won’t need to worry about faded pavers or moldy patio furniture if your deck is covered.
Increased Resale Value
Since a covered deck or patio is more usable, it adds more to the value of your home than an uncovered space. The exact return on investment (ROI) will depend on the type of roofing material selected, your location, and real estate trends, but many prospective home buyers value a functional outdoor living space. Adding a roof is a good way to bring new life to your deck.
Extended Living Space
Although it may not count as official square footage, a covered deck can allow you to use more of your property. When your patio is covered, you can eat meals and entertain outdoors without worrying about the weather. Those living in mild climates can use a patio as an extension of their home, potentially putting in an outdoor kitchen, bar, or hot tub.
Improved Energy Efficiency
A well-built roof can help regulate your patio temperature and home’s interior. Particularly if you have large windows, extending the roof will block excess sunlight, keeping your home cooler in the summer months. Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard, and you’ll save on your utility bills.
What Additional Patio Covering Costs Should You Consider?
Depending on your project’s specifics, the following cost factors may also play a role.
Building Codes and Permits
Simple coverings like canopies may not require a building permit, but more substantial construction likely will. Almost any roof attached to the home will probably need drawings and may require engineering, especially if you have snow and wind loads to consider. Plans and engineering can range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for a roof structure. Any electrical additions will require a permit as well.
Check with your local municipality to see what permits are required based on your desired structure, and be prepared to pay $350–$1,800.
Drainage
An important roof function is directing precipitation away from your home’s foundation to prevent water damage. Depending on your chosen roof type and local climate, you may need to ensure that rain falling on your patio drains away properly. This could mean installing gutters and downspouts at the cost of about $3–$20 per linear foot, depending on the material. You might also need a more sophisticated in-ground system, like digging a drainage slope ($3,024–$18,792) or installing French drains ($3,424–$20,292).
Locality
Patio cover costs will be higher where the cost of living is higher. Additionally, in areas that receive extreme weather like tornadoes and hurricanes, you’ll likely have to build in extra bracing or support for the new patio roof. This will require more in terms of both material and installation costs.
Repair and Reinforcement
Existing concrete patios and wood decks aren’t usually designed to carry the weight of a roof, so expect there to be concrete piers and posts to support the new structure. Additionally, any rot or warping of deck materials may need to be repaired before roof construction can start. Treated lumber typically costs between $8 and $20 per square foot, so the final cost of repair or reinforcement will depend on how much of the deck needs replacing.
Total Patio Enclosure
Beyond adding a roof, you can further enclose your patio to protect it from the elements. The least expensive option is screening in the walls, which typically costs $5–$7 per square foot once the patio and roof are built. Check out some porch design inspiration to see what the finished product can look like. Glass walls, which would turn your porch into a sunroom, usually fall between $30 and $95 per square foot of wall space, including materials and installation. On the high end is a life room, which includes luxury amenities such as motorized screens, climate control systems, and entertainment centers. Converting a patio to a life room will cost $10,000 on the low end, but can range up to $100,000 or more.
Can You Add a Roof Over Your Patio Yourself?
Some simple patio roof coverings can be do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects, but others require hiring professionals.
DIY Patio Roofs
Some canopies, awnings, and even pergolas are sold as DIY kits that you can build yourself. These typically contain the beams, panels, and fasteners, though you’ll need to supply your own power tools. Some of these structures are free-standing while others attach to your home. If your new roof structure attaches to the home’s siding or rafter ends, be aware of potential water intrusion at the attachment points.
Professional Patio Roofs
If you want a full roof system complete with rafters, shingles, and gutters, you should hire a general building contractor. They’ll be able to create a roof that meets all necessary local building codes and will hire electricians, roofers, and painters to finish the project. Though you’ll pay extra labor costs, professionals can complete the job quickly and ensure that it’s up to code.
How To Save on Installing a Patio Covering
Here are some tips for keeping costs down when covering your deck or patio.
Is it Worth Adding a Roof Over Your Patio?
You can choose from several options to cover your patio or deck, whether you want something simple and inexpensive or more complex and high-end. Before installing a new patio roof, think about the new roof cost and how you plan to use the space. Consider how much time and money you’re willing to spend on maintenance, and discuss your options with a professional contractor if possible. A well-built patio roof covering can last for decades.
FAQs About the Cost to Add a Roof Over a Patio
How much does it cost to install a patio roof?
A patio roof’s cost depends heavily on the chosen roof type and materials, but the average cost is around $6,500.
Is it more expensive to install a patio roof on a concrete patio versus a wood deck?
The relative prices of patio and roof decks will depend on a number of variables, including the roof type and the deck’s condition. If the deck requires extra reinforcements to support a roof, it may be more expensive to cover than a patio.
Will installing a patio roof add value to my home?
Yes, covering your patio will add to the resale value of your home. However, a midrange, functional roof will have a better return on investment than a luxury patio enclosure.
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of besides the cost of materials and labor?
When covering your deck or patio with a roof, you should be aware of the following costs:
- Building permits
- New or upgraded drainage
- Repairs to existing deck or patio
- Extra support necessitated by extreme weather
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