Adding a roof over your patio offers you and your family a more usable outdoor space protected from the weather. Most homeowners pay an average of $21,000 to add a roof over their patio but prices can range from $14,000–$31,000. Final costs depend on the type of roof, material, patio size, and extra features. Simple canopies start at just a few hundred dollars, while high-end roofing structures can reach $55,000 or more.
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What Factors Affect Patio Roof Construction Cost?
The price of a new roof will vary based on the design, materials, and size. The chart below outlines typical costs for different patio roofing styles:
| Type of Roof | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Canopy | $120–$600 | $360 |
| Shed roof | $1,100–$10,500 | $5,800 |
| Awning | $1,500–$7,000 | $3,000 |
| Gable roof | $13,000–$30,000 | $18,500 |
| Pergola | $4,000–$15,000 | $6,600 |
| Louvered roof | $10,000–$25,000 | $13,000 |
| Gazebo | $8,000–$11,000 | $9,500 |
Cost by Type of Patio Cover
The type of patio cover you choose largely impacts overall project costs.
- Canopy ($120–$600): A canopy is a sailcloth stretched over poles. Cheaper options block the sun but offer minimal rain protection. Most canopies only last 2–5 years before requiring a replacement.
- Awning ($1,500–$7,000): An awning is a thin cover extending from a house wall. Awnings come fixed or retractable made in canvas, metal, wood, or polycarbonate. Retractable models cost 30%–40% more than fixed versions.
- Shed roof ($1,100–$10,500): A shed roof is a single-sloped surface attached to your house. This is a no-frills but practical option. However, costs jump dramatically with premium materials like copper or slate.
- Gable roof ($13,000–$30,000): This type of roof has a triangular design with two slopes meeting at a ridge, which matches traditional home architecture. Higher-end versions can include skylights and ceiling treatments.
- Pergola ($4,000–$15,000): A pergola is a slatted roof on posts with large gaps between beams. This type of cover lets in the sunshine while creating dappled shades. Typically made of wood, and cedar costs less than redwood but needs more maintenance.
- Louvered roof ($4,500–$21,500): Features adjustable slats controlled by motors, which you can open for sun and close for rain. The prices depend heavily on the size and control system complexity.
- Gazebo ($8,000–$11,000): A gazebo is a freestanding octagon or round structure with a solid roof, which offers full weather protection. The higher cost reflects its structural complexity.
Cost by Materials
Roofing materials impact both price and durability. The difference between cheap and premium options can double or triple your costs. Here’s what to expect for material pricing per square foot:
| Material | Average Cost per Square Foot | Cost Range per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $10.50 | $6–$15 |
| Wood | $27 | $16–$38 |
| Fiberglass | $30 | $18–$42 |
| Aluminum | $48.50 | $22–$75 |
| Glass | $39 | $28–$50 |
| Insulated panels | $47.50 | $30–$65 |
Learn more about each type of roofing material below:
- Vinyl ($6–$15 per square foot): A cheaper material option that typically fades and warps after 5–7 years. Vinyl is fine for milder climates, but may need repairs by year three. Note that this material can’t handle snow loads as well.
- Wood ($16–$38 per square foot): This roofing material offers benefits based on the type of wood used. Cedar has a pleasant smell and resists insects naturally. Redwood costs more but lasts longer than other roof types without maintenance. Pine costs the least but requires staining every 18 months or so.
- Fiberglass ($18–$42 per square foot): Fiberglass blocks heat and rarely needs maintenance. Fiberglass typically lasts 15-20 years and costs less than aluminum, but doesn’t dent when hail hits.
- Aluminum ($22–$75 per square foot): Aluminum is ideal for homes in coastal areas where salt air can destroy other materials. Rolled aluminum is cheaper and works well for simple designs. Extruded aluminum is pricier but better handles complex structures and heavier loads.
- Glass ($28–$50 per square foot): Glass creates a sunroom-like feel while blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays. Tinted glass costs more but prevents the greenhouse effect. Plain glass costs less but can boost cooling bills.
- Insulated panels ($30–$65 per square foot): These panels keep the summer heat out and add warmth during the winter. Their sandwich construction with a foam core prevents condensation problems that plague single-layer roofs.
Cost by Size
Materials pricing for roof installations is calculated by the square foot, so size can dramatically affect your bottom line. So adding a roof over a coffee nook would cost a fraction of doing so over a full outdoor kitchen space. Generally, you can expect to pay $15–$60 per square foot all-in, as outlined below:
| Patio Size | Square Footage | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 6×7 feet | 42 | $630–$2,520 |
| 12×12 feet | 144 | $4,200–$21,500 |
| 12×14 feet | 168 | $4,750–$23,000 |
| 12×18 feet | 216 | $6,500–$24,000 |
| 20×20 feet | 400 | $12,000–$44,000 |
| 18×24 feet | 432 | $14,500–$48,000 |
| 24×36 feet | 864 | $29,000–$96,000 |
Cost by Customizations
Extra features add both function and expense. For example, ceiling fans can add $100–$400 for basic models but make hotter days more bearable. A basic ceiling fan installation might add just $300, while high-end models with remote controls and smart capabilities could add $1,200 or more to your project.
Lighting can transform your patio space. Simple string lights cost $50–$200, while professional recessed fixtures run $300–$1,000. A complete lighting system tied to home automation jumps to $1,500–$4,500. A singlet fixture might add just $100, while a full system with zoned controls could add $3,000 or more.
If you live in a colder climate, heaters extend patio use into cooler months for $150–$600. Skylight brings in natural light for $1,200–$3,000. Motorized screens or louvers cost $2,000–$5,000 and eliminate the need to manually adjust for changing weather.
Fancy ceiling treatments cost $5–$20 per square foot beyond basic materials. Crown molding adds $10–$30 per linear foot. These touches add up fast—a 15-by-15 foot patio with premium features could easily cost $10,000 more than adding a basic cover over the same area.
Labor Cost
Installation typically runs $10–$35 per square foot or roughly a third of your total budget. Simple structures cost less to install than complex designs. A concrete contractor in Phoenix might charge $15 per square foot for a standard pergola, while a contractor in Boston charges $25 per square foot due to differences in regional wages and cost of living.
When adding a roof over your patio, most projects take 2–5 days. Complex jobs requiring multiple trades, such as an electrician, carpenter, and roofer, may take longer and cost more. Limited backyard access means workers can’t use machinery efficiently, adding to your cost. Getting multiple quotes can save you money as prices can vary by up to 20% among qualified contractors for identical work.
What Additional Patio Covering Costs Should You Consider?
Depending on your project’s specifics, the following cost factors may also play a role in your total roofing cost:
- Building codes and permits: Permits cost $200–$1,400 depending on your location. Larger projects need engineered plans, which can run $500–$2,000. While you may not think you need a permit for simple structures, this risks fines and complications if you sell your home. Some municipalities charge inspection fees separate from permit costs.
- Drainage: Water management prevents foundation damage. A gutter installation adds $3–$20 per linear foot, with vinyl material at the lower end and copper at the higher end. A 20-foot gutter section with downspouts costs about $600 in aluminum, the most common choice. Homes in rainy regions need more extensive drainage solutions that can add thousands to the project.
- Locality: Regional costs can vary widely. The same pergola that costs $4,000 in rural Texas might cost $7,000 in urban San Francisco. Storm-prone states like Florida require tie-dows and reinforced materials due to hurricanes that can add 20% or more to your costs.
- Repair and reinforcement: Existing patios may need upgrades to support roof weight. Concrete footings cost $150–$500 each and provide stability. A typical 12-by-12 foot structure needs at least four footings. You may also need to replace or restore damaged deck boards, which can cost $8–$22 per square foot. Rotted wood actually costs more to replace than intact sections because it requires demolition first.
- Total patio enclosure: Replacing or adding a patio screen typically costs $5–$8 per square foot. Glass walls run around $30–$100 per square foot. Comparing costs directly to indoor spaces, a screened porch addition costs $140 per square foot versus $300 or more for interior living space—making outdoor areas a much more economical addition.
Benefits of a Patio Roof
Some benefits of adding a roof over your patio include protection from the outdoor elements, reduced maintenance, increased resale value, and extended living space. Here’s what homeowners can gain by installing a roof over an existing deck or patio.
Protection From Weather
Rain can ruin outdoor events. Adding a roof over your patio lets you grill during light showers and entertain despite sporadic drizzles. It also blocks harmful UV rays, preventing fading on furniture and sunburn. During the summer, a covered patio could feel 15–20 degrees cooler than in direct sun.
Reduced Maintenance
Uncovered patios need cleaning every 2–3 weeks during the fall due to falling leaves and debris. Covered patios might only need quarterly attention. Patio furniture without protection lasts 2–3 years but under cover, the same pieces often last 7–10 years. Deck staining intervals double from every two years to every 4–5 years when protected.
Increased Resale Value
Houses with covered patios sell faster and for more money in most markets. This is especially true in states with hot summers where patios can offer shaded places to gather and relax.
Extended Living Space
Covered patios add more usable living space than a full-on home addition. For example, adding a 300-square-foot indoor family room could cost $75,000 or more, while covering a patio of the same size would cost $15,000–$25,000. For many homeowners, especially those with larger families, the extra space allows them to spread out more and feel comfortable.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Shading windows cut cooling costs. South-facing windows shielded by patio roofs can reduce summer indoor temperatures by 8–15 degrees. This translates to roughly 20% in energy savings on air conditioning in hot months. In winter, removable panels allow beneficial solar heat gain when desired.
How To Save on Installing a Patio Covering
Getting multiple quotes can save you 10%–15% overall. Off-season installation, which runs from November to February in northern states, often costs 5%–20% less. Material substitution can slash costs without sacrificing appearance or function. Here’s some other ways to save on your installation:
- Phase your project: Build the structure first, and add electrical and extras later.
- Mix materials: Use expensive materials where visible and cheaper materials in areas not as easily seen.
- Buy clearance materials: Last year’s inventory often sells at 30%–40% discounts, which can help lower your overall costs.
- Provide labor help: Some contractors discount jobs if homeowners handle the cleanup or painting.
- Reuse existing structures: Incorporating that old metal shed frame or other existing structures on your property could save you $1,000 or more on support beams and other project aspects.
- Get remnant materials: Contractors often have leftover premium materials they might sell for cheaper.
- Check local incentives: Some utility companies offer rebates for shade structures that reduce energy use.
Can You Add a Roof Over Your Patio Yourself?
Pre-made canopies and simple awnings make reasonable do-it-yourself (DIY) projects for most homeowners with basic tools and skills. Pergola kits from home centers include pre-cut lumber and hardware.
However, permanent structures attached to your house need proper flashing, waterproofing, and engineering to prevent leaks and structural failure. Amateur roof additions frequently cause water damage to the main house, and can pose a safety risk. For this reason, we recommend using a professional for more involved roof installations.
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.
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.
Is it Worth Adding a Roof Over Your Patio?
For most homeowners, adding a roof over their patio is worth it. Patio roofs provide increased property value, expanded living space, and reduced utility costs. A properly built patio roof can remain functional and attractive for decades.
However, the overall value will vary by location and usage patterns. In Phoenix, a covered patio might see daily use for most months out of the year, making the cost per use extremely low. Homes in rainy Seattle gain even more utility since homeowners can use covered outdoor spaces during the city’s frequent drizzles. Families who entertain frequently will also get more value than those who rarely use outdoor spaces. For certain homes, a patio roof ranks among the most practical improvements compared to kitchen remodels or bathroom upgrades that cost far more relative to the payback.
FAQs About the Cost to Add a Roof Over a Patio
How much does it cost to install a patio roof?
The cost of a patio roof depends heavily on the chosen roof type and materials, but the average cost is around $21,000.
Is it more expensive to install a patio roof on a concrete patio versus a wood deck?
It typically costs more to install a patio on a wood deck than a concrete patio since concrete is more durable. Wood, on the other hand, may require extra reinforcements to support a roof, which can add to project costs compared to a concrete 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.
What other costs do I have to worry about besides 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
Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on contractor estimates from Angi and other market research into project pricing.
