How To Build A Freestanding Patio Cover

Aluminum Patio Roof Cost

The cost of an aluminum patio roof cover averages $20 to $70 a square foot installed. There are many different aluminum types for patios. You can find aluminum lattice, pergolas, and panels that come in several different gauges. Aluminum can be louvered, installed in slats, or combined with other materials. The thicker the aluminum, the longer-lasting its appearance but the higher its cost. Extruded aluminum costs more than rolled aluminum. Insulated aluminum costs more than extruded and rolled.

Step #1: Getting Started

The first step is arguably the most important. These components go into starting the build.

This assumes that you already have your building permit and subsequent drawings and plans for the build.

Install the Ledger Board

The first thing to do is to install a ledger board. Find the framing under the fascia and dressing of your homes exterior.

Some areas require a 2×6 ledger board here. This is going to be the only connection between your home and your patio cover.

To save some time, you can pre drill 1/8 holes along the ledger board before mounting.

Space them about 6 inches apart. If there are internet, phone, or cable lines running along this area of your phone, use a staple gun to fasten them to the rear face of your ledger board.

Use decking screws or equivalent to fasten the ledger board to your homes framing.

Dig Post Holes

With the ledger board up, its time for the post holes. If you have a post hole digger, break it out, or you can rent one from your local hardware store.

Otherwise, time to grab a shovel and do some stretching. You cant build a patio cover with a corrugated metal roof, no matter how small, without digging some post holes.

Finding the exact location of the postholes is a little tricky.

Here is the shovel he uses in the video:

• Measuring stick on the handle for accuracy in hole depths
• Oversized cushion grip for comfort
• Hardwood handle for strength and durability
• Used to dig fence post holes and in ground support for decks and mail bo

Step 3: Make The Posts Even

Next I scratched my head as I thought about how Id make sure that the tops of the three posts would be even once they were placed into the post holes. Moreover, without anyone to help hold things in place, I needed to figure out how to attach the rest of the frame to posts that would already be standing upright.

What I came up with worked, although I never saw it done on TV. I laid a board on the patio slab and set a bubble level on the end of that board. Then I took that end of the board to the hole and stood the 4×4 post up straight, holding it by hand, and lifted the board with the bubble level up until it was level and then made a mark on the 4×4 post. I then laid down the post and measured seven feet from its top and marked it. The difference between the two marks was how much taller I wanted the post to be, so I attached a length of treated 2×4 to the end, adding enough length to the post so that its height would be perfect. I did this for all three posts.

Squared the frame

Aluminum Patio Cover Idea

Aluminum has been widely used not only for kitchen utensils but also patio cover because it is very versatile. It can look as good as wooden cover, but it is more affordable.

This white freestanding patio looks really great with four rounded posts. The curvy edges suit the beams very well. To create some cool breeze in the patio, a fan is hung on the aluminum cover.

This patio just needs some furniture to make it a cozy place to enjoy your me-time with your family.

Pros:

• Aluminum is easy to maintain.
• It is also easy to clean and install.
• It is not easily affected by rain and sunshine.

Con:

• Aluminum cover is prone to ding.

How To Easily Build A Diy Patio Cover

A DIY Patio Cover can be easier than you imagine.

There are many possibilities to plan and build a patio cover; every area is uniquely different. In spite of the differences from project to project, in most cases, in less time than the average turkey takes to bake, you could build a gazebo, pavilion or pergola to cover your patio. We have had families enjoying lunch or dinner beneath their newly erected ShadeScape kit the same day it was built.

Covering a patio can extend your home and provide shade while reducing cooling costs. It also is perfect for multi-level homes/buildings, great for apartments and condos, entryways, existing patios, balconies, etc. to give more livable space. Best of all, it does not have to be a stressful or strenuous task. A patio cover can be quick and easy, built to last and stand against strong winds.

It looks awesome!! Only took about 3 1/2 hrs. My brother said this is a GREAT kit!!! Said if you ever needed anyone to install in our area that hed be more than happy to do it. Just wanted to let you know how excited we are!Karen Reynolds Enterprise, AL

You may be wondering how building a massive, oversized timber frame structure can be as fun as our ShadeScape families tell us.

For many reasons, but firstly,

there is an essential element that makes a Western Timber Frame architectural ShadeScape timber kit far superior to conventional and ancient time-proven architectural timber frame structures.

Secondly,we do all the hard work for you.

Cost To Build A Covered Patio By Location

Most patios are located beside the home. This makes them easily accessible and still leaves plenty of space for the rest of the yard and landscaping. But patios can be located elsewhere on the property, particularly if you want them located beside another feature like a pool, tennis court, or fountain.;

The patio cover can also have different positions. If the patio is located beside the home, the cover can be either attached to the home, extending out over it, or it can be freestanding. When the patio is moved away from the home, the patio must be freestanding, limiting your choices for the cover. Both attached and freestanding covered patios have a wide range of costs because patios and covers come in many sizes and materials.

Stand Alone Concrete Pad

The third stand alone, it uses the concrete pad for the base with 4 poles. Certainly, you can place it in the backyard or garden that is separated from the house. Moreover, you can use the aluminum or asbestos for the roof.

Fro this one patio cover, it is made from the roof tile that is usually used for house roof too. With 4 poles, you can build a little bit large patio that you want. Furthermore, you can build the small bar using the concrete for more interesting. Actually, you can build it in the backyard near the swimming pool or hot tub.

This patio cover is so natural looks that are made from the wood. If you really love something natural, certainly, you can build using the wood for the cover and the poles. It can be mentioned as the large patio where you can build the fireplace or placing a set of patio furniture. Of course, it is good for a large family which has a lot of family member. For the fireplace, you can build it using the concrete covered with ceramics.

For this type of patio cover, it is as the durable material compared with wood cover. The cover uses steel for the cover and the poles. For more stunning, you can build it a little wider for covering the patio and swimming pool in part. As seen in the picture, the patio and swimming pool is covered by the steel cover. Certainly, you can enjoy your relaxation while you are swimming in the pool. It is so perfect idea, right?

Open Or Solid Roof: How Do You Choose

Different levels of air circulation and protection from the weather are provided with open or solid patio covers.  An open arbor with lattice roof will allow a lot of ambient light through while creating partial shade, but you can count on little to no protection from the occasional spring shower.  Air circulation is maximized with an open lattice roof, so the need for ceiling fans is not necessary.

Solid patio covers will maximize the amount of shade and provide the best protection from a light rain shower.  One of the drawbacks of a fully covered structure is that it is not always the coolest.  The solid roof will actually trap heat and make it hotter, even though it is in full shade.  This makes ceiling fans a necessity for fully covered patios.

As we mentioned earlier, there is the polycarbonate panels option.  These semi-translucent panels allow light through while providing adequate protection from a light rain shower. These panels, similar to a solid roof, will trap some heat so ceiling fans may be needed to help keep cool under the structure

Do you need to discuss more with a design professional? Are you ready to start your new project today? Contact us today to discuss how AquaTerra Outdoors can help.

Step 3: Take It Step By Step Literally

It is possible to build a freestanding patio cover in a day, but if you want it done well it is worth taking some time to make sure it is a stable and sound structure. Once you have all of the materials you need make sure you have the steps for your plan.

There are a lot of different freestanding design options out there, so it wont be hard to find a DIY plan but there are some general steps to take as you get started. You want to start with marking off the locations of the holes for the poles and digging at least a two-foot deep hole for each pole.

Then fill the holes in with concrete or gravel to help stabilize the structure and prevent moisture from rotting the wood over time. Next, you will add the boards for the roof. It is important to use galvanized screws when attaching the boards to help prevent rust.

As you add the joist beams to the main wooden posts, make sure to check that they are level. The last thing you want is a crooked patio cover. When you move on the structure of the roof, remember to have the rafters evenly spaced with at least a 12-inch overhang. Refer back to your blueprint or other patio builders plans often to make sure that your final structure is secure and stable.

Hot Tub Inside A Covered Patio

The cost of a hot tub is between $4,000 and $8,500 on average. Hot tubs come in many sizes, styles, and configurations. Any of them can make an excellent addition to your covered patio. The key is to make sure that you have enough room to comfortably fit the tub inside the covered area, while leaving enough room for other patio activities. Hot tubs need to be wired to your homes electrical panel, so place them fairly close to the home for the best results.

Classic Freestanding Patio Cover

The classic look is timeless. The wooden posts denote the classic touch to the patio. And the shingle roof sits perfectly on the exposed beam ceiling. A fan hangs above the black ottoman that has the same color as the roof.

Although this patio is not too spacious, it is still cozy enough to spend your spare time while slurping some tea in the afternoon and enjoying the spectacular landscape.

Outdoor Patio Gazebo Cost

The cost of building a gazebo on your patio averages $7,500 to $10,000. This makes the total cost of a patio with a gazebo between $9,228 and $15,400. Gazebos offer more shade and protection than pergolas. However, they do not have louvered options that allow light and breezes in. They have varying wall types, from screens to fully formed walls with windows. The more structure a gazebo has, the higher its overall costs.

Patio Screen Enclosure Cost

While you can screen a covered patio, you can build a screen enclosure for the patio as well. This has an average cost of around $20 to $25 a square foot for the enclosure. In this case, you build a frame over the entire patio, which has some type of screen. Many screens provide shade when used on the upper portion, particularly if you choose an option designed to help filter light.

Screen enclosures can have doors added. This allows you to enter and exit the patio easily from the house or yard.

Step 2: Choose A Material And Make A List Of Supplies

If this is the first time you have built a larger structure, you may want to hire some help or watch some instructional videos before you begin. Regardless of your experience level, it is helpful to follow a set of step by step instructions on how to build a freestanding patio cover.

It is also important to have the right materials before you start building. You will need to purchase items like quick-dry cement and bolts and pressure treated boards. If you go to your local hardware store they can help guide you on what to purchase before you begin.

You will need basic tools like a drill and screwdriver. You will also need a circular saw, but you can rent those instead of spending the money to only use it once.

How To Build A Well

If you have a patio where hot sun can make using the patio uncomfortable, you will want to build a patio cover. There are many ways to create shade over a patio. Here are some ideas you can use to build a patio cover that will both cool your space outdoors and make your landscape look great.

Resources

Step 4: The Final Touch

After you have the structure done you can move on to adding the material you chose for the roof. If you choose a freestanding patio cover in the style of a pergola, you want to make sure that the wood you choose has been treated for outdoor use.

If you choose metal or tin as the roof material it will already naturally be prepared to weather the elements. Make sure as you add the materials for the roof that you have the right slope and size planned before fastening the materials together.

Sun Shade Sail Canopy Cost

The cost of a sailcloth canopy over a patio is between $100 and $200 on average. This makes the average total cost for a 12 x 18 patio between $1,828 and $5,600. This assumes that the patio is ground level and not raised. Costs range for the finished patio, depending on the rest of the patio features. Sailcloths can be installed freestanding or attached to the house. They can also be combined with pergolas for additional shade.

Additional Considerations And Costs

• Permit. To build any type of structure on your property, including a covered patio, you need to obtain a permit. Check with your local town or city hall to find out more information.
• Cushions. Ensure that any patio cushions or furnishings you use are meant for outdoor use if you intend to leave them outside.
• Resale Value. Patios and outdoor living spaces can increase the value of your home. The amount varies, depending on the patio type you build.
• Sun Exposure. When planning the position of your patio and the cover, consider the sun exposure and shade and what you plan on doing there. While covers provide some shade, the patio can still become overheated in a very sunny area.

Glass Patio Cover Cost

The average cost of a glass patio cover is between $25 and $45 a square foot installed. Glass patio covers give your patio a very contemporary appearance. They offer a solid cover, which keeps off the rain. However, unless the glass is tinted or shaded somehow, it does not offer much protection from the sun. Glass roofs also heat up the patio below very quickly, so they work better in cooler climates. Several different glass types can be used this way, but using panels is the most common method.

Step 6: Shape The Beams

Take the 2×10 boards and cut beams to whatever length you need. Each beam has to be able to cover the distance from one post to another.

If you want to add an accent to the beams, you can draw decorative patterns and cut them out so that you can get the beams that you want. But it will be quite tricky.

Method 1 Of 2:installing Different Types Of Patio Covers

Insulated Patio Roof Panels Cost

The cost of an insulated patio roof ranges from $26 to $59 a square foot installed. Insulated patio roof panels help prevent the patio from becoming overheated. This is a particularly good idea if your patio has some type of enclosure or walls like a gazebo. Insulated panels can be made of fiberglass, aluminum, or wood. They come in several different styles and can be added to many different types of roofs or covers. The material being insulated and the overall structure style dictate the final cost.

Building A Patio Cover

Overview: The new patio cover will be built using Western Red Cedar 4×6 posts, 4×6 beams, and 2×6 rafters . The roof will be constructed using Multi-Core Galvalume metal roofing. The posts will be attached to the slab using galvanized post anchors; and the rafters will be attached to the beams using various straps, ties, and joist hangers.

Free-Standing Patio Cover Plans

Assumptions: A concrete patio slab is already in place with footings capable of supporting the load of the new patio cover .  The footings are not shown in this example, since they vary considerably depending on your location and soil composition.

The dimensions indicated in these drawings of the existing structure are for example only. Your existing structure will enfluence your patio cover design and make it distinctive and unique.

Front Elevation

Since this patio cover design has supporting posts located close to the existing structure, I tried to position the patio cover and slab, so that the posts were not located directly in front of windows and doors.

Side Elevation

This patio cover plan example uses galvanized metal as the roofing material. You can alternatively use shingles as roofing material, providing the roof pitch on your patio cover falls within the shingle manufacturer’s specifications. This patio cover on mycarpentry.com provides an example of a shingle roof design.

Roof Framing Plan

Roof Plan – Top RightRoof Plan – Front RightBuilding a Patio Cover – Brace Detail

What next?

Labor Cost To Build A Covered Patio

The cost to build your covered patio can typically be broken down into two areas – material and labor. For this installation type, you may have one professional who can do both the patio flooring and cover. Or, you may need to work with two different professionals – one for the patio and one for the cover. This depends largely on the type of roof or cover you purchase and whether it is readymade, in a kit, or custom.

Labor costs also vary depending on the material and type of patio and cover you are building. A gravel patio with a sailcloth awning may have labor costs of between $4 and $6 a square foot, while a stamped concrete patio and pavilion-style gable roof have labor costs closer to $50 a square foot. Total labor costs average $25 to $40 a square foot for a covered patio. The more intricate the patio or more substantial the cover, the higher your total costs.

Stand Alone Patio Cover Ideas

For more comfortable, certainly, you have to build the good material that has long-lasting application. The patio cover must durable and withstand any kind of weather.

For the first, it is actually good for outdoor dinner party. Although, you waste money to build it, it will give you perfectly patio. Furthermore, you can create the fireplace using the wall to block the patio by seeing from your neighbor. For this kind of stand alone patio cover, it uses roof tile with wood frame.

The second stand alone patio, it is found in Texas using the corrugated metal. This stand alone is classified as a cheap material because it uses low-maintenance. Furthermore, you can use canopy as the patio cover roof. Actually, you can build it beside the house or alternative entrance into your house.

Fiberglass Freestanding Patio Cover

This all-white patio perches on four stone posts. The rounded white posts look elegant and suit the window trims very well.

The beams feature curvy edges that make the patio look more attractive. And the fiberglass roof is just nice. It protects you from the rain, but it does not hinder you from getting the sunlight.

How To Cool Off The Backyard

Outdoor areas don’t have to be all about soaking in the sun. Sometimes it’s nice to relax in a shady spot, shielded from the harsh rays. There are many ways to bring shade to an outdoor space. You can build a new freestanding structure or enhance an existing patio or pergola through the addition of a shade screen. Many such screens are made from fabric or canvas, but even materials like lattice and bamboo are popular options that cast delicately dappled light onto the outdoor living space beneath or behind. Best of all, there’s no need to call in a contractor; most of these projects are simple enough for the average homeowner to complete easily and quickly, often within the space of a single weekend. So check out our gallery to see a selection of yard improvements that will have you made in the shade.