How Much Does a Covered Patio Cost?
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A covered patio provides shelter and privacy in a homeowner’s backyard. Installing a covered patio costs between $8,243 and $26,255, or an average of about $17,154.
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.
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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.
| Patio Type | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Arizona/Florida room | $35 per square foot |
| Enclosed breezeway | $40,000 |
| Life room | $10,000 to $100,000 |
| Screened-in | $2,000 to $2,800 (materials only) |
| Screened lanai | $6 to $8 per square foot |
| Sunroom | $15,000 to $22,000 |
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.
| Cover Material | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Aluminum | $2,500 |
| Fiberglass | $2,500 to $3,000 |
| Glass | $30,000 to $50,000 |
| Insulated panels | $5,000 |
| Lattice | $2,000 to $4,500 |
| Stucco | $25 to $40 per square foot |
| Vinyl | $4,000 to $6,500 |
| Wood | $13,000 |
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.
| Flooring Material | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials and Labor) |
| Bluestone | $18 to $24 |
| Brick | $8 to $12 |
| Concrete | $6 to $10 |
| Flagstone | $15 to $30 |
| Gravel | $5 to $10 |
| Paver | $16 to $25 |
| Slate | $15 to $40 |
| Stamped concrete | $15 to $30 |
| Stone | $10 to $40 |
| Tile | $15 to $20 |
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.
Want to build a covered patio?
Talk to a knowledgeable pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated patio builders near you.
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.
| Type of Lighting | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| Lanterns | $45 to $200 |
| Recessed lights | $100 to $200 |
| Solar lights | $10 to $150 |
| String lights | $30 to $100 |
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.
Want to build a covered patio?
Talk to a knowledgeable pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated patio builders near you.
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.
| Patio Cover Type | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Awning | $1,400 to $4,200 |
| Enclosed | $10,000 to $25,000 |
| Gable | $3,000 to $18,000 |
| Gazebo | $4,000 |
| Louvered | $6,048 to $26,100 |
| Pergola | $2,100 to $6,000 |
| Sailcloth cover | $1,100 to $1,500 |
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,