How Much Does a Patio Cover Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

Patio covers come in all shapes and sizes, but they commonly serve one function:  to block out or even allow the sun to come in for a limited portion of the day.  Whether it’s as simple as something as an umbrella providing you a break from the sun to a full-blown custom made gazebo-type patio cover made from the finest wood, the costs can be all over the place.  The costs really come down to what materials you’re going to be using, the size of your patio, the complexity of the job and the contractor you plan on hiring.

Covered Patio by Kendyl Young, on Flickr
Covered Patio” (CC BY 2.0) by Kendyl Young

How much does a patio cover cost?

On average, plan on spending $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the materials selected and the contractor you choose.  A standard fixed cover will be much cheaper than a retractable option.

A simple patio umbrella that covers a majority of a patio can cost anywhere from $45 to $200.  For example, the Coolaroo 11 feet round patio umbrella retails for $110 to $160.  Mechanical umbrellas can cost anywhere from $800 to as much as $2,500.  While this isn’t technically a patio cover per se, it will cover the patio as a temporary solution.

A tent type canopy, similar to a gazebo or temporary shelter, can cost $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot for a DIY kit to $3 to $6 per square foot to have a professional install.  Keep in mind this option won’t be that durable and can’t withstand higher winds.

A permanent aluminum shade canopy or shaded awning can cost $8 to $12 per square foot, depending on the materials, contractor and strength.  For example, PatioMan.com lists prices for their lifetime aluminum lattice patio covers.  On their page, a 10′ x 10′ starts at $1,195, while another 8′ x 20′ starts at $1,795.

A wood slated canopy, often referred to as an arbor, can be custom built for around $10 to $20 per square foot.

A pergola, which tends to be one of the most popular options, can cost anywhere from $40 to $90 per square foot, greatly depending on the wood being used.  For instance, standard cedar wood will be much cheaper than those who use Teak wood.  The average 10-by-10 patio, according to pergolakitsusa.com is about $3,500 when materials and labor is factored in.

Retractable or even permanent aluminum frame awnings can cost $13 to $22 per square foot.

A wood gazebo-type patio with a roof over top can cost upwards of $50 to $100 per square foot.

The popular Alumawood patio covers, for example, cost about $20 per square foot if you’re replacing an existing wood patio.  Another popular option — the Equinox patio cover — can cost $35 to $65 per square foot.




What are the extra costs?

While an aluminum patio cover will need a simple cleaning here and there, a wood patio will have to be stained and sealed every seven to 10 years, depending on where you live.  As the sun beats down on the wood, it will break down the wood, creating a not-so-good look.  So depending on the material you choose, maintenance always needs to be kept in mind.

How can I save money?

When hiring any contractor, always get at least three quotes before making a decision.  To make the process easier, consider getting multiple quotes for free from reputable websites such as HomeAdvisor.com.  Here, you input your job and contractors bid, saving you a lot of time.

If you’re handy, consider looking for a DIY kit, commonly available on the market.  These kits can cost about $1,000 to $2,000 and will have everything you need to install the patio cover yourself.  These kits often include aluminum and wood.


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