A backyard patio is the perfect place to entertain friends, enjoy a cookout, or bask in the sun. But during the hottest part of summer, the sun is not your friend. But consider budgeting for the cost of covering a patio to enjoy that space year-round—rain or shine.
Covered patios look great and keep you cool in the summer, provide shade, protect your patio furniture and make outdoor living more enjoyable. Covering your patio also protects the inside of your home. Less sun shining through the windows means your home stays cooler, your furniture doesn’t fade and you enjoy lower energy bills.
Why cover a patio?
Patio canopy ideas come in a variety of styles—from an easy-to-install parasol to a professionally built permanent structure like a pergola. But before we commit to a solution, let’s look at the different reasons for covering your patio, the factors that will influence your choice of style, and the pros, cons, and costs of different types of canopy.
There are many benefits of covering your garden patio. In addition to those already mentioned, here are a few more to consider:
Factors to consider when choosing a type of patio cover
“When choosing a patio cover, you should consider the type of cover, the size of your patio, and your budget,” says Bailey Carson, home care expert at Angi. Knowing whether you want something permanent and connected to your home or something detachable can also help you choose the right style for your outdoor living space.
“Before you can start shopping, you need to decide how much area you want to cover,” says Carson. Then you can choose what type of coverage you need. For example, a fixed roof may be the best option to cover the entire patio, but a large awning may fit your budget better.
Next, set a realistic budget. Makeshift covers such as sun sails and parasols are cheaper than awnings. But permanent patio covers give you a better return and add value to your home, according to national home improvement expert Danny Lipford, host of the national TV and radio show Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford.
“A patio cover should look original for the home to add as much value as possible,” says Lipford. ‘You get the best ROI with coordinated roofing materials and styles.’ If your budget supports a permanent roof, he suggests doing so. “I’ve seen how patio covers done right – which look like they were part of the original construction – have evolved over time. Now you have an outdoor patio, then you screen it, next you have a sunroom and finally a living space.
The average cost of different types of patio covers
Cost of a temporary patio cover
Temporary patio covers include awnings, shade sails and parasols. They are the best option for renters or homeowners who do not want permanent development. Temporary covers are also attractive to those on a budget who want to make better use of their space while saving for something more permanent. Here are some temporary options, their average costs, and the pros and cons of each option.
Retractable awning– A retractable awning is placed over a window or door on the house to provide shade outside and inside. Whether manual or motorized, retractable awnings come in a variety of standard sizes or are custom-made. Manually operated awnings cost about $500, according to Carson. But motorized awnings can cost $3,500 and up. Larger awnings with more features come at a higher price. When shopping, look for features like waterproof fabric, phone app control, weather sensors, and built-in lighting and heating.
Advantages:
- Lots of options to choose from
- If you want sun, retract the awning
- Suitable for a variety of budgets
Disadvantages:
- The most expensive temporary cover
sun sail–A shade sail is a triangular or rectangular canvas that is attached to the structure at its points. Shade sails come in many sizes and colors and range in price from $20 to $200 depending on size and material. Make sure your patio has a contact point for each corner of the sail. If not, erect a post or two for this purpose. Also look out for features like reinforced eyelets, waterproof and UV-protected fabric, and included hardware.
Advantages:
- Easy to install
- Removable for desired sun exposure
- Comes in a wide range of colors and sizes
Disadvantages:
- Cannot withstand some gale force winds
- Additional support columns may need to be provided
umbrella– Consider an umbrella if you want to shade a small area. Umbrellas are an affordable solution for temporary coverage over a dining table or seating area. According to Carson, a typical tabletop umbrella can cost around $50, but expect around $900 for a large swiveling side mount. When choosing an umbrella, don’t forget to buy a base to hold it in place. Wayfair has a good selection of parasol bases and stands. Also keep in mind that you will need space to store it during the winter months. Finally, look for features like solar powered lighting, motorized operation and UV protected fabric.
Advantages:
- Easy to install and remove
- Shades only a small area
Disadvantages:
- Must have a heavy base that is difficult to move and takes up space on the floor
- Cannot withstand wind
Constant cover costs
Most permanent patio covers will require you to hire a reputable contractor to build and possibly an architect to draw up the plans. Or you can order a DIY sheet metal kit to assemble yourself. However, according to Lipford, “putting a flat metal roof on the house is like throwing money to the wind.” Also, he said they are hot in southern climates and won’t hold the snow load in the northern parts of the country. Here are some types of permanent covers, their average costs, and the pros and cons of each.
Pergola-A pergola with vertical columns supporting a series of transoms arranged at their edge to form a trellis. While it provides some shade, some homeowners use it to support vine plants to enhance shade and add a natural setting. Pergolas can be built to any size and can be freestanding on a large patio to define a seating or dining area, or attached to the house to shade the entire patio. You can build a pergola out of wood or vinyl. According to home services website Fixr, the average cost to build a pergola in the US is $1,900 to $6,500, with some as low as $1,000.
Advantages:
- Less expensive than other permanent options
- Can be built to any size
- Can be detached or attached to the house
- Provides support for vine plants
- A DIY friendly option
Disadvantages:
- Offers some shade but no rain protection
- More decorative than protection from the elements
pavilion–A gazebo is a hexagonal or octagonal covered structure with open sides. They are usually freestanding and not attached to the house. When erected over a patio, a gazebo provides a separate area for dining or entertaining while providing sun and rain protection. To provide a little privacy or extra protection from wind and rain, close off the sides with screens or hang curtains. Because of the roof construction, gazebos are more expensive than a pergola. According to Fixr, the average homeowner pays between $7,500 and $10,000 for a gazebo, with some going as low as $4,000.
Advantages:
- Offers more protection from sun and rain than a pergola
- Can build from a variety of materials
- Can wire for light and sound
- Increases the value of the house
Disadvantages:
- Not DIY friendly
- More expensive than a pergola
- Round shape more difficult to edit
closed roof– When built to match the home, the closed roof gives you the greatest return on investment and value. It is also the best choice for longevity. According to Fixr, the average homeowner pays between $2,200 and $18,900 for a gabled patio canopy. The integration of the patio roof into the roof of the house increases the costs.
Advantages:
- Gives the highest return on investment
- Best choice for increasing home value
- Can be built to match the style of the house
- Provides the beginning of a future enclosure
Disadvantages:
- Lowest cost option
- No DIY work
More considerations
According to Lipford, any permanent coverage associated with the home requires planning permission, which adds a few hundred dollars to the overall cost, depending on where you live. Irregularly shaped terraces deserve a roof just as much as rectangular ones. Just because your patio is kidney shaped or has curves doesn’t mean the canopy will be the same. “It’s not taboo that the roof doesn’t have the same shape as the ceiling,” says Lipford. That extra patio that forms the curves is the perfect spot for planters.
So don’t wait to protect your patio, family and friends from the elements. Instead, add a cover to extend your outdoor season this year.