How much does a patio cover cost? [2024]

Patio covers can be installed DIY or by professionals. They let you get more use out of your patio and can be an investment in your home, but it's important to know how much a patio cover costs so you can budget for your project. Read this guide to patio cover costs to find out:

• Types of patio covers
• How much does a patio cover cost?
• How much does a patio structure cost?
• Getting quotes from patio builders
• How much does a DIY covered patio cost?
• Alternatives to patio covers

Types of patio covers

A patio cover provides shade from the sun and rain and will allow you to use the patio more often. All patio covers provide some level of shade, but this can differ greatly depending on the type of cover you choose.

Think about the design and size of your patio first and decide whether you want full shade or light to transfer through the patio cover. Don't forget about heat transference too – it may be better to spend more on a patio cover that's insulated so you can feel comfortable in the patio even on the hottest days, and the insulation will also help to dampen noise from rain.

Some of your options in patio covers include:

• Timber battens – these can be angled to provide more shade
• Polycarbonate patio covers – allow light to enter the patio while protecting against UV rays
• Aluminium or zincalume covers – block out sunlight and can be insulated to help keep the patio cooler and protect against noise from rain
• Colorbond patio roofs – hard-wearing and available in a wide range of colours
• Thatch roof – a tropical appearance and keeps the patio cool
• Climbing plants – provide shade and help to keep a patio cool, but won't protect against rainfall

As well as comparing patio cover costs, you should also consider whether you want a solid structure or one that will let more light through. For example, both polycarbonate and Colorbond roofing will protect against rain, but Colorbond provides full shade while polycarbonate can make a patio look like it has no cover.

You can use a combination of materials or choose different colours of Colorbond to make a patio more appealing. 

How much does a patio cover cost?

Patio cover costs are mainly determined by the material you choose and the size of the area to be covered. Prices include:

• Polycarbonate roofing costs between $38 for a 2.4 metre length to $68 for a 3.0 metre length of insulated roofing that blocks virtually all UV rays
• Colorbond roofing starts from around $18 per square metre and goes up to $21.50 per square metre for powder coated Colorbond
• Colorbond roofing that is powder coated on both sides costs around $24 per square metre
• Colorbond Ultra is a more durable option that resists saltwater corrosion and can be ideal for coastal properties, but it's a more expensive option at around $36.50 per square metre
• Thatch roofing costs $14 to $22.50 per sheet, if you prefer a more rustic look

How much does a patio structure cost?

All patio covers need a structure to support them. Patio covers may be attached in 3 ways:

• Attached to the house
• Semi-detached
• Free-standing away from the house

A free-standing patio cover will require more support than one attached to the house, but the extra cost may be minimal depending on the materials used.

The most common options are:

• Timber
• Aluminium or zincalume
• Colorbond

A timber structure can be suitable in many settings. Treated pine is the least expensive option. Hardwoods such as blackbutt, Merbau, ironbark, jarrah and spotted gum are more expensive, but they are long lasting and can enhance the appearance of a home.

As a rough guide, expect to pay around:

• $2000 to $2500 for a treated pine patio, depending on its size
• $2300 to $3500 for a hardwood patio, depending on its size and the type of timber

Aluminium is a popular choice because it requires little maintenance and comes in a wide range of colours. Zincalume is another option that's made from aluminium, zinc and silicon and can be longer lasting.

Colorbond is a more popular patio option because it comes in a wide range of colours and is known to be long lasting. A Colorbond kit will be more expensive than a timber patio, but it's easier to maintain in the long term and won't need periodic sanding and sealing.

Getting quotes from patio builders

Whether you need a whole patio building or just a cover, get 3 quotes from local patio builders so you can compare the cost of supply and installation. You should also check that they are licensed to build in your state and ask to see references so you can make sure they're a reputable company.

How much does a DIY covered patio cost?

If you're handy with tools, you could save money on professional installation by purchasing a DIY patio and building it yourself.

A Colorbond DIY kit will cost around $1200 for a small, basic model, which can go up to $3600 for an insulated patio and patio cover. If you want a gabled roof, this could cost as much as $6200 for a 5.5 metre wide by 7.2 metre long kit.

Timber kits are also available. Their prices depend on the type of timber used, the complexity of the design and the size of the kit. Other cost considerations will be the type of roofing material and products not included in the kit.

Alternatives to patio covers

If you don't want a fixed or solid patio cover, other options to consider could include:

• Large umbrellas
• Shade sails
• Retractable awnings

Umbrellas can be adjustable and moved from place to place. Shade sails are fixed in place to cover a patio and come in a range of colours and designs. They can also be treated to provide shelter from the rain. Read our guide to how to install a shade sail that goes step-by-step through the process.

Retractable awnings can be adjusted to different sizes of patio and can be fully retracted if you want them to be. Modern retractable awnings can span a wide area and some don't require additional support. Some retractable awnings can also be angled to provide shade or protection from rain and other weather conditions.

Read more: How much does an awning cost?

 

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.