Patio Cover Plans

For Do-It-Yourself Patio Covers

Our look at patio cover plans will cover ideas for the do-it-yourself homeowner as well as ideas you could share with your local contractor.

If you are looking for patio cover plans for covering an existing patio on a residential home, mobile home, or park model these pictures and links should be of great help. If you are looking for patio cover plans to use with a custom house you are building we have sources for these also. Patio covers are made with a wide range of materials and for many different uses. I will start with a few of the ones we could do for you with a little help from my Contact form.

We will start with a simple aluminum patio cover. This link sends you to the page where I install an aluminum patio cover. If you are buying one of these they should come with some how to directions, my way of doing things might help also.

Aluminum Awning Installation

If you are in the Phoenix Arizona area don't forget my contact info, this is something we could do for you.

Alumawood Rafters Attached to the Lattice Installation

Now let's move to a more complicated Alumawood project. Again my step by step process might be of help. This is starting with page one of three pages.

Alumawood Installation.

Again, in Arizona we specialize in custom aluminum construction.

Enough self promo, let's get down to what we are here for, information about patio covers, how to build them and the plans.

Planning to build a patio cover for your house or mobile home can be an exciting and rewarding project. Besides, who doesn't love the idea of a sun and rain protected area to enjoy their morning coffee or an evening barbecue? This is where we explore the myriad of options for construction, discuss the pros and cons of each, and help you navigate through the price ranges while examining where to find the best do-it-yourself 'Patio Cover Plans.'

Firstly, let's discuss the most common materials used in constructing patio covers: wood, aluminum, and vinyl. Each of these options has their unique benefits and drawbacks, so your choice depends largely on your preferences, budget, and the overall aesthetic of your home.

Underside of a Wood Patio Cover Construction

Wood patio covers are traditional and can give your outdoor space a rustic, warm appeal. They are highly customizable; hence if you have a specific design in mind, wood can be an excellent choice. However, they require consistent maintenance to protect against rot, insects, and weather damage. Typically, wooden patio cover plans can range from the free ones up to $1000 depending on the size and design complexity.

Aluminum patio covers are increasingly popular due to their durability and low-maintenance requirements. They are resistant to pests and rot, come in various styles, and are generally cheaper than wood. However, they may not match the aesthetic appeal that natural wood brings. Prices can range from $1000 and up for standard aluminum patio cover kits. Installed prices from a contractor will be significantly higher, it all depends on the size you are looking for.

Vinyl, on the other hand, is a versatile and a low-cost option for patio covers. Vinyl is resistant to rot and insects, and requires little maintenance. However, vinyl may not provide the sturdiness of wood or aluminum, and some homeowners may not find it as attractive. Vinyl patio cover kits can range from $500 to $1500 and of course more depending on size. Buying a kit online will come with instructions so no building plans are needed, just follow the instructions. Yes guys, that means read them.

The critical part when selecting the material for your patio cover is to ensure the style is consistent with your home’s exterior to maintain a cohesive look. Therefore, consider different material combinations such as wood and glass, or metal and polycarbonate for a unique patio cover design.

Different styles of patio covers include attached covers, standalone covers, lattice covers, awnings, and pergolas. Attached and standalone covers will depend on the layout of your yard and property line.

Attached patio covers are fastened to an existing structure like your house or mobile home. This style is ideal if you want the patio area adjacent to your home, offering easy access to the indoors. Depending on the design, attached patio covers can range from $500 for materials only for a small project up to sky is the limit for large projects. The photo shows an unfinished wood cover attached to a modular home. We did our part now the other pros come in and drywall and paint, then it looks like it came with the home.

Standalone patio covers, as the name suggests, are built separately from the main house. If you have a large yard or want to create an outdoor oasis away from your main living area, this could be a perfect choice. They typically cost between $800 and $5000 for custom designs. Again, if you are ordering a kit you will not need building plans, just follow the instruction. The photo shows a design that was custom built by our pros, not something you could buy in a kit and I am sure you would never find detailed plans for it. We do one of kind stuff to fit your needs.

Lattice covers, made of crisscrossed strips, create a partially shaded area that allows some sunlight in a patterned manner. They give an aesthetic appeal to your patio and are perfect for gardens as climbing plants can be grown on them. We do the aluminum variety but there are many options and plans available for just about all of them.

Awnings, whether stationary or retractable, provide a versatile solution for patio covers. Retractable awnings give you control over when to shade your patio and when to enjoy open skies, with prices ranging from $200 to $3500.

These usually come in do it yourself kits, just follow the instructions or hire a handyman to do it for you.

There are also local contractors who sell and install the retractable awnings.

Pergolas are a trendy choice for patio covers, especially if you are going for a Mediterranean ambiance. They cost around $2000 to $5000 for a standard size. This is one of our custom installs made out of aluminum but it could just as easy be a do it yourself project made out of wood. Imagine this pergola with fines growing all over it. There are plenty of plans available for the backyard pegola.

Once you have a rough idea of the type and material of your patio cover, it is time to obtain patio cover plans. These plans offer detailed instructions on how to build your patio cover, including a list of materials, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.

You can find a multitude of free patio cover plans online. Websites such as MyOutdoorPlans, OZCO Building Products, and Craftsmanspace offer plans for a variety of patio cover styles. Keep in mind, though, that these free plans may often need some adaptation to fit your specific situation and may not always meet local building codes.

If you want a specialized plan for your patio cover, consider hiring an architect or a draftsman. This will ensure your cover fits perfectly with your existing property and meets all local codes. However, this option may increase your overall cost significantly.

Another resource for obtaining patio cover plans is your local home improvement store. Stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot have pre-designed patio cover kits which come with everything you need to build your cover, as well as detailed instructions.

Reading through all this information, you may feel a little bit overwhelmed—that's completely normal given all the options available for patio cover plans. Remember, every homeowner’s situation will be different based on the style, budget, and personal preferences, so ensure you consider all these factors carefully before embarking on this project.

Once you have decided on the type of patio cover, the material, and obtained the design plan, the next steps involve preparation for construction including getting building permits (if applicable). It is crucial to understand that depending on your local zoning laws and HOA rules, you may need a permit to build a patio cover.

Consider the roots and wingspan of any trees nearby and how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance. Additionally, understand local weather patterns to pick materials that can withstand them.

Furthermore, ensure that your patio cover is installed correctly. A well-built patio cover not only increases your home’s outdoor living space but also boosts its curb appeal, potentially adding value to your property. Therefore, invest time in gaining the right skills or consider hiring professionals if the task seems too daunting.

In conclusion, creating a patio cover is no small task, but with the right plan in hand, it can be a rewarding project that enhances your home's usability and value. So, put on your DIY hat, roll up your sleeves, and create an outdoor paradise with the patio cover of your dreams.

Remember, the key here is proper planning and execution. Regardless of whether you decide on a traditional wooden cover, a modern aluminum one, or a functional awning, your new patio cover will increase your living space, improve your quality of life, and create a more usable space protected from sun and rain. So, start your journey toward finding the perfect patio cover plans for your home.

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