Why you need a patio cover
Emma Valentine
Published Apr 06, 2026
Benefit #1: A covered patio allows you to spend more time outside. With a covered patio, the weather doesn’t have to drive you indoors. When uncovered, patio use is often limited by rain or hot sun. A patio cover allows you to take control of your patio space.
What is the difference between a patio cover and a pergola?
A patio cover works as an extension of your home. … The roof of the structure is usually a solid panel of aluminum fiberglass or PVC with posts supporting the end away from the wall of the house. A pergola does not have a roof. Instead, it defines the outdoor space with an overhead frame of open rafters (or joists).
Why are patio covers so expensive?
The main factors that influence the cost of a patio cover are the materials cost, the cost of labor, and any unique design features. According to HomeAdvisor, as of 2021 the cost range of patio covers was between $2,900 and $40,000, with $16,567 being the national average cost of a new patio cover.
What is a covering over a patio called?
The word pergola has come to be used interchangeably with patio cover. Patio cover. An attached structure that provides shade and/or rain coverage for a patio or deck. A patio cover may have an open or solid roof. The term patio cover is often used interchangeably with pergola.Does patio cover add value to home?
Outdoor rooms A dining area, dry laid patio, a patch of gravel, a covered patio or an above-grade deck: According to SmartMoney.com, a landscaped patio raises the value of your home by 12.4 percent. Today’s best-selling improvement is a backyard terrace that abuts the family room.
Why are pergola not covered?
So maybe you are wondering, why are pergolas not covered? Pergolas are intended only to provide protection from direct sunlight and are not designed to act as a roof. They offer a sitting area that allows for breeze and sunlight and provides climbing plants for a structure to grow on.
Is a patio cover worth it?
Patio covers are a worthwhile investment for any homeowner who spends time in their yard. They add elegance and value to your home, while providing shelter that allows you to enjoy the ambiance of nature. Most installations can be accomplished in a day!
What's the point of a pergola?
Yes, pergolas were designed to add shade to your backyard space. They are excellent for providing relief from the harsh, direct rays of the sun while allowing sunlight access to fill the space. Although, as a stand-alone structure, pergolas do not provide full shade, their versatile structures allow many shade options.Does a pergola add value to your house?
Here’s what we tell our customers: yes, a pergola will add market value to any house. Since outdoor living has become more popular than ever, the value of properties with a pergola or a comfortable outdoor space has been on the rise. A safe gauge for a deck or backyard improvement is about 50% — 80% for your ROI.
Is a patio a permanent structure?In general, paver patios do not require permits, because they are not considered “permanent structures”. … As you get into more complex outdoor living areas that include electric, plumbing, and other wood structures, permits/inspections may be required, but it does vary widely between municipalities.
Article first time published onWhat is a lattice patio cover?
Lattice patio covers provide partial coverage from the sun and the elements. … This cover uses a uniformed treated wood that lets partial sunlight and rain pass instead of blocking them completely. This patio cover is great if you’re looking to add a little style to your backyard.
What is the average cost of a covered patio?
The national average cost of a covered patio is $4,000 to $12,000, with most homeowners paying around $8,500 for a 12′ x 18′ patio laid with pavers with an attached pergola cover. The low cost for this project is $700 for a 6′ x 10′ gravel patio with a sailcloth cover.
How much does it cost to put a roof over a patio?
Average Cost to Build a Roof Over a Deck But we can give you an average range of prices that it would most likely fall within. They include: Adding any deck covering or enclosure will typically cost between $1,000 – $10,000. Adding a covered roof to your deck will typically cost between $3,000 – $10,000.
What is the average cost of an aluminum patio cover?
Aluminum Patio Cover Cost. Aluminum patio covers cost about $3,750. Installation costs range from $2,000 – $5,500. For decades aluminum patio covers have been a common option due to it being an inexpensive option.
Is a deck or patio more expensive?
Patios are generally less expensive than decks, but the ROI on a new deck addition runs greater than one on a patio. However, both additions can offer a great experience depending on what you’re looking for.
Is a patio cheaper than a deck?
In short, patios are usually cheaper than decks. For instance, since a patio is placed directly on the ground, you’ll want to choose a space that is level. Patios may not be the best choice for uneven ground because the cost to create a level foundation can double or triple the cost of the actual addition.
How much does a 20x20 paver patio cost?
A 20×20 brick paver patio costs $3,800 to $6,800. The average cost of pavers and base materials is $4 to $6 per square foot, while labor runs $6 to $11 per square foot. Get free estimates from masonry contractors near you or view our cost guide below.
What do you put in a covered patio?
- Top With an Enclosed Skylight. Tamsin Johnson. …
- Buy Partially Shaded Furniture. LAURE JOLIET. …
- Construct a Pavillion. William Abranowicz. …
- Install Galvanized Steel Panels. …
- Build a Pergola. …
- Hang Curtains Around a Pergola. …
- Stretch a Tarp. …
- Make Use of Trees.
Does a patio need insulation?
An insulated patio roof is a smart outdoor improvement to your home. You might be thinking, “Why insulate over outdoor space? … Unlike a thin aluminum pan roof, an insulated roof will help you keep heat away from your patio. And that will make your patio much more comfortable than it’s ever been.
Which is better gazebo or pergola?
Structurally, pergolas are much less cluttered and much more elegant in comparison to gazebos. They may have a full or retractable roof if the purpose of a pergola is primarily for shade, but many pergolas offer only partial shade with intermittent beams laid spaciously across the top.
Is a pergola considered a covered deck?
“Pergola and trellis structures are considered to be architectural features and cannot be reviewed against the building code. These structures are not to be sheathed, as they become covered decks once sheathing is attached.” … Therefore, they are covered by building code.
What do you call a pergola with a roof?
Pergolas with a roof are often referred to as pavilions. Although they are quite similar in design, a pavilion is a freestanding pergola with a fixed roof that generally completely covers the pergola.
How long will a pergola last?
With limited maintenance, expect a wood pergola to last about five years. You can improve its lifespan to 10 to 12 years with annual cleaning, staining or sealing.
Do you have to anchor pergola?
Do I have to anchor a pergola? To prevent a pergola from blowing away in bad weather or warping with time, it’s highly recommended that you anchor it to the ground. Anchoring a pergola will help your structure last longer, but it will also protect your family and neighbors should you experience high winds.
Can you put a cover on a pergola?
A fabric cover provides shade, but for rain or snow protection you’ll need something more sturdy. You can purchase a pergola with a metal roof, or you can build your own waterproof cover out of corrugated metal or plastic. As a bonus, the raindrops will sound beautiful as they hit the solid pergola cover.
What's the difference between a pergola and an arbor?
You can think of a Pergola as an outdoor room, whereas an Arbor is more of an outside doorway. Arbors are generally freestanding, although you may see them attached to fences now and then. Some Arbors come with gates which makes them even that much more quaint as an entryway to your garden.
How high should a patio cover be?
The height of your patio cover can be between eight to twelve feet tall. The minimum height should be eight feet tall to give enough head room. You can also decide on what gatherings you will have on your patio covers. A lower ceiling will be great for small, intimate events.
Can I enclose my patio?
Typically, if you live in a single-family home and your patio is already covered with a roof, chances are, you can enclose it. However, if it isn’t currently covered, then an architect may need to verify if enclosing it would violate required setbacks or lot coverage. These setbacks will vary per zone and jurisdiction.
What is a lattice roof?
A latticed roof is one of the most enduring outdoor designs ever created. The simplicity of lattices means that, when thoughtfully designed, they can enhance any space. That’s not to mention the shade and cooling benefits a lattice roof provides.
Can you put lattice on top of a pergola?
Q: If we want to increase the shade over our pergola, is lattice our best option? A: Lattice works, but it does have some drawbacks. … That way, you can easily take the lattice down for cleaning or removal.
What is a lanai patio?
Lanai: A term frequently used in Hawaii to describe a specific type of porch. Most often it’s used to describe an enclosed porch with a concrete or stone floor. Lanais are slightly different from sunrooms because most often they have concrete floors and are situated on the ground adjacent to the home. –