Most homeowners pay $4,500–$12,000 for a professionally installed patio cover, or about $20–$50 per sq. ft., with a national average around $8,500. A shingled gable roof that ties into the house costs more, typically $14,000–$31,000 (Angi and This Old House data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: Angi + 3 more. National US estimates.
A covered patio turns an open slab into an outdoor room you can use in rain or harsh sun. Options range from a simple lattice or pergola to an aluminum cover, a louvered roof or a full gable roof framed into your home, and the price follows that same ladder.
This guide covers costs by roof type, size and material, a line-item breakdown for a typical 12×20 ft cover, and the permits and electrical work to plan for. If you don't have a patio yet, start with our concrete patio cost guide; if you want walls and screens, see patio enclosure costs.
Average cost
Installed covered patio prices, national data as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small cover or pergola, 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft.) | $2,000–$5,000 | Attached lattice, pergola or aluminum kit |
| Mid-size solid or aluminum cover, 12×20 ft (240 sq. ft.) | $4,800–$9,000 | Most common; national average about $8,500 |
| Large or roof-style cover, 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft.) and up | $8,000–$31,000+ | Gable roof tied into the house, louvered systems |
Covered patio cost by roof type
| Roof / cover type | Typical cost | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Awning | $1,500–$7,000 | $2,500–$3,000 |
| Shed roof | $1,100–$10,500 | $5,800 |
| Pergola | $4,000–$15,000 | $5,000–$6,600 |
| Lattice cover | — | $4,500 |
| Solid roof cover | — | $8,500 |
| Louvered roof | $10,000–$25,000 | $13,000 |
| Gable roof | $13,000–$30,000 | $18,500 |
Covered patio cost by material
| Material | Typical cost per sq. ft. | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | About $15 | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Aluminum | About $20 | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Vinyl | About $22 | $2,200–$12,000 |
| Wood | About $25 | $2,500–$15,000 |
| Steel | About $30 | $3,000–$18,000 |
| Glass | About $40 | $4,000–$20,000 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for adding a 12×20 ft (240 sq. ft.) attached solid patio cover over an existing slab, with four post footings, a ceiling fan and lighting. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Cover materials | $2,500–$5,000 | Aluminum or wood framing and solid roof panels |
| Labor | $1,500–$3,000 | Framing and installation; often about a third of the budget |
| Post footings (4) | $600–$2,000 | Concrete footings at about $150–$500 each |
| Electrical: fan and lighting | $500–$1,800 | Ceiling fan ($300–$800) and integrated lights ($200–$1,000) |
| Permits & inspections | $100–$500 | Most attached covers need a building permit |
| Contingency (about 10%) | $300–$800 | Slab or ledger repairs, gutter add-ons |
| Estimated total | $5,500–$13,000 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Electrical work and footings are easy to overlook in early quotes; ask for them as separate line items.
What affects the price
- Roof type. An awning or lattice cover is the cheapest way to add shade (about $2,500–$4,500 on average). Solid roof covers average about $8,500, louvered roofs about $13,000, and a gable roof framed into the house about $18,500.
- Size. Cost scales with area: a 10×10 ft cover runs about $2,000–$5,000, a 12×20 ft cover $4,800–$9,000 and a 20×20 ft cover $8,000–$20,000.
- Materials. Fabric and aluminum are the budget materials at about $15–$20 per sq. ft.; wood runs about $25, steel $30 and glass about $40 per sq. ft.
- Foundation. Posts need concrete footings, typically $150–$500 each; a 12×12 ft structure usually needs at least four. If the existing patio is cracked or uneven, budget for repairs first.
- Electricity. Hire a licensed electrician for fans, lights and outlets. Integrated lighting runs about $200–$1,000, ceiling fans $300–$800, and patio heaters $500–$2,000.
- Permits. Permit fees range from about $100–$500 per Angi to as much as $1,400 per This Old House, plus inspections. Larger roofs may need engineered plans costing $500–$2,000.
Ways to save
- Get multiple quotes from licensed contractors; This Old House notes that quotes from qualified pros can vary by up to 20%.
- Choose an attached cover over a freestanding one when possible: attached covers average about $4,000 versus $7,000 for freestanding.
- Stick to standard sizes and kit-based aluminum covers to avoid custom fabrication costs.
- Schedule installation during the off-season, and bundle it with other outdoor work such as a new paver patio.
- Run electrical conduit while the cover is being built; adding wiring later costs more.
Related questions people ask
How much does a flagstone patio cost?
A flagstone patio typically costs $15–$27 per sq. ft. installed, with a national average of about $3,600, according to Lawn Love. HomeGuide reports $15–$32 per sq. ft. for dry-laid flagstone and up to $45 for flagstone set in concrete, putting a 20×20 ft patio at roughly $6,000–$12,800 before adding a cover.
How to get an accurate quote
Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured patio cover builders. Give each the same details:
- The patio's dimensions and whether the cover will attach to the house or stand alone.
- The roof type and material you want, plus photos of the house wall, eaves and roofline where it will attach.
- Electrical needs: number of fans, lights and outlets.
- Ask what's included: footings, permits, engineered plans, gutters, painting or finishing, and the warranty on materials and workmanship.
FAQ
Does a covered patio add value to a home?
It usually adds livable outdoor space that buyers notice, though resale return varies by market. A solid, permitted cover built to match the house roofline tends to add more value than a freestanding kit.
Do I need a permit to cover a patio?
Usually yes for solid or attached roofs, since they're structural and affect drainage and wind loads. Permit fees run roughly $100–$1,400 depending on the city and project size.
Can I add a cover to my existing patio?
Yes, if the slab is in good shape. Posts need their own footings ($150–$500 each), so the existing slab doesn't have to carry the roof load. Deck or patio repairs beforehand can cost $8–$22 per sq. ft.
For the big picture, start with our complete concrete driveway cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does Patio Cover Installation Cost? [2026 Data] (updated May 30, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- This Old House — How Much Does Adding a Roof Over a Patio Cost? (2026 Pricing) (updated Apr 1, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Lawn Love — How Much Does a Flagstone Patio Cost in 2026? (updated Oct 5, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does a Flagstone Patio Cost? (2026 Prices) (accessed Oct 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all yard & pests cost guides.