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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Benefits of a Patio Roof

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 flooring 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 summer months. Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard, and you’ll save on your utility bills.

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Factors Affecting 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.

Canopy

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.

Awning

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.

Shed Roof

A lean-to or shed roof is typically a single, flat sheet of material attached to the house’s side and installed on a downward slope. It’s one of the simplest, most cost-effective permanent patio roof options, but also one of the least aesthetically appealing. These roofs are usually made of aluminum or wood and cost about $1,400.

Gable Roof

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 side or be freestanding, but it’s often 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.

Pergola

A pergola is an open roof structure with a series of parallel rafters supported by pillars, 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.

Louvered Roof

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.

Gazebo

A gazebo is 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 raised peeks, thus starting at the highest price point of around $7,500–$10,000.

Cost by Materials

The first choice you’ll need to make is the roof type you want. Then you can pick materials. Obviously, some materials are better suited to certain types of roof structures, and each has its own 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 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 depend on the wood’s type and grain.
• 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.
• Stucco is an outer coating that’s typically used for a wooden structure. It provides texture and insulation. It’s often used for both the support columns and a patio or deck roof. 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 rain but not sunlight. This can magnify heat, so glass patio coverings are mostly 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.

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.

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.

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.

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Additional Patio Covering Cost Considerations

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. 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

A patio set into the ground will be able to support a roof, but an elevated deck may require reinforcement to hold the added roof weight. 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.

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DIY vs. Professional Patio Roofs

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. When adding a patio roof, take care to avoid causing any roof leak repair issues by improperly attaching it to your home’s existing roof structure. Hiring a professional roofing contractor is the best option if you have doubts about the cost of roof repair.

Professional Patio Roofs

If you want a full roof system complete with rafters, shingles, and gutters, you should hire a professional contractor. They’ll be able to create a roof that meets all necessary local building codes. You’ll also need to hire an electrician to add any wiring or lighting to your new patio roof. Though you’ll pay extra labor costs, professionals can complete the job quickly and ensure it’s up to code. While a tile roof cost is typically higher than other materials, a professionally installed one will have the highest resale value.

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How To Save on Installing a Patio Covering

Here are some tips for keeping costs down when covering your deck or patio.

• Keep it simple. If all you want is shade, simple canopies or paneling can do the job at a much lower price than a full roof.
• If you have a large patio or deck, covering only part of it may provide enough functionality. 
• Balance up-front costs with long-term durability and return on investment. A DIY kit or cheap materials may save you money now, but they could require extra maintenance or limit the project’s resale value.
• If your ultimate goal is a luxury porch, start with the basics now and add features as you can. For example, if you commission a well-built roof structure now, you can add lighting and ceiling fans down the road.

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How To Hire a Pro

Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing contractors for your patio roofing project.

• Ensure that the contractor you choose has experience with the specific type of patio roof you want. For example, installing a retractable awning is very different from building a pergola.
• Some manufacturers of branded products like canopies, awnings, and life rooms will offer installation with purchase.
• If you want a more traditional roof, ensure that the contractor has a current roofing license.
• No matter who you hire, check that anyone doing work on your home is bonded and insured.
• Look at the company’s Better Business Bureau page and customer review sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews.
• Ask for references and look at the company’s previous work.
• Get quotes from at least three different contractors before making your choice.

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Our Conclusion

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.

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FAQ About Patio Roof Installation

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