Budgeting for a Patio Cover
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As we’ve all experienced post-COVID, the costs of many products and services have changed dramatically. Unfortunately, most material costs have increased. We believe it’s a great time to reset and update some of the budgets homeowners should consider for their projects.
This page is designed to provide an outline of pricing and budgeting for a patio cover in late 2024 and early 2025, focusing on Dallas-Fort Worth pricing. (Stay tuned for additional budgeting pages covering pools, pool houses, and more.) Every project we undertake is one of a kind, so there is no “cookie-cutter” pricing. However, our extensive experience gives us a solid understanding of current costs.
Please keep in mind that there are thousands of options and variables, making it impossible to address them all. Your project will likely deviate from this outline in some areas. Additionally, we strive to use best practices when designing and building spaces. The pricing ranges included on this page reflect those best practices. While there are ways to build things more cheaply, we are focusing exclusively on high-quality, best-practice construction.
Patio Cover Budget Guide
What Are the Major Costs Associated with Building a Patio Cover?
Square Footage
The largest cost factor is the size of the project. For example, if we are contracted to build a 30-foot-wide attached patio cover and the homeowner wants to extend it an additional 2 feet away from the home, this adds 60 square feet to the project. While 2 feet might not seem significant, adding 60 square feet of materials—such as roofing, framing, ceiling, flooring, concrete/rebar, veneers, and more—can increase costs by several thousand dollars.
Project Scope
Additional features significantly impact the overall cost. Here are typical price ranges for common add-ons:
- Fire Features: All-masonry, wood-burning fireplaces typically cost $20,000–$25,000.
- Outdoor Kitchens: These typically range from $10,000–$25,000, including appliances and granite countertops.
- Flooring: Prices vary widely but are typically $12–$20 per square foot.
- Sinks: Expect a range of $3,000–$6,000.
- Motorized Retractable Screens: These range from $8,000–$20,000.
- Outdoor Heating: Costs typically range from $5,000–$10,000.
- Masonry: This can vary based on complexity and materials used.
Plumbing
Plumbing costs can escalate quickly, especially if water lines need to be extended over long distances. Additionally, if the slope is insufficient for proper drainage, extra steps and adjustments may be required.
Masonry
Experienced and skilled masons are in high demand and for good reason—their expertise ensures a high-quality finish. While premium talent comes at a higher cost, it’s well worth the investment. Partnering with a contractor who has a vetted team of masons adds further value and peace of mind.
Unique Features
Custom elements like fountains, waterfalls, golf simulators, outdoor showers, and bathrooms can also drive up costs, depending on the complexity and materials involved.
Cost-Effective Value Adds When Building a Patio Cover?
Outdoor Heating
Adding Bromic outdoor heaters is one of the best ways to enhance the value of your patio cover, creating a comfortable, year-round space. Imagine sitting outside to enjoy a football game in the winter—it’s hard to beat! Outdoor heaters are often more effective at warming an outdoor area than a fireplace and come at a lower cost. Budget: Starting at $5,000 for heaters and installation.
Outdoor Lighting
Lighting is an easy and affordable way to elevate your patio’s appeal. Consider incorporating pendants or chandeliers to add a touch of sophistication. Don’t be afraid to get creative—well-placed lighting can transform your space into something truly special without a significant expense.
Finished Ceiling
A thoughtfully finished ceiling can dramatically enhance the look of your patio. While Hardie finished ceilings are a common choice, more appealing options like white oak or pre-stained products such as Woodtone offer cost-effective alternatives. For a truly unique look, consider custom finishes like those from Delta Millworks.
TV Wall
A wood-framed wall with a stone veneer offers an attractive and functional centerpiece that’s more affordable than a full masonry fireplace. It provides privacy and shade while creating a perfect spot for a TV or an electric, outdoor-rated fireplace. This setup combines beauty and functionality at a fraction of the cost of traditional masonry features. Budget: $5,000–$10,000, depending on materials and square footage.
Motorized Retractable Screens
While not the most cost-effective option, motorized retractable screens can add significant value and versatility to your patio cover. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, they’re especially useful for afternoon shade, insect protection, wind resistance, and even child safety around pools. Screens can also help enclose a space for enhanced comfort; for example, you could pair them with an outdoor air conditioning system to keep the area cool during hot summer months.
Surprisingly Expensive Items
There are a few elements in patio construction that can end up costing more than most homeowners expect. Here are some of the top ones:
Outdoor Kitchen Sinks
After building hundreds of outdoor kitchens, we’ve found that homeowners are often surprised by the added expense of installing a sink. To add a sink, we need to trench for both water and sewer lines. In many cases, these lines enter the home from the front yard, which can require over 100 feet of trenching and plumbing. This can easily add $5,000–$6,000 (or more) to the project, depending on the distance and complexity of the plumbing. There are less expensive options (kits that don’t tie into the sewer line), but typically not best practice.
Outdoor Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Building a properly constructed outdoor fireplace adds significant costs in both time and labor. A skilled mason is required, which drives up the expense. A full outdoor fireplace, including the proper footing, hearth, masonry (CMU, fire brick, stone veneer, etc.), mantel, and electrical work for a TV, typically costs $20,000–$25,000.
Excavation, Regrading, and Steps
When a project requires significant grading or elevation changes, the labor and costs can add up quickly. In some cases, adding a step in a more functional location may increase costs due to the labor and materials required. The additional expense of modifying the landscape to improve functionality can sometimes make the better design choice more expensive. For more on balancing costs and functionality, visit our Space Planning page.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Every project includes a variety of small but necessary costs that can quickly add up. Demolishing an existing failing structure or removing flagstone pavers may cost thousands. Engineering and permitting fees typically range from $1,500–$5,000, depending on city requirements. For a typical patio cover, cleanup and trash hauling can add $1,000–$2,000. While these expenses are all necessary, they can significantly impact your budget.
Is it More Expensive to Build an Attached or Detached Patio Cover?
Generally, the answer is that an attached patio cover is more cost-effective. While both options have their merits, a detached patio often incurs additional costs for trenching and bringing electricity or plumbing to the new structure. Attaching the patio cover to your home is usually less expensive and more functional, as it provides easier access and typically requires fewer materials and labor.