Decks are a great way to unwind outside when the weather gets nice. However, exposure to the elements can interfere with your overall experience and have you running back inside.
A covered deck can provide shade and protection from the rain, depending on which style you choose.
If you have been entertaining the idea of building a roof over your existing deck, you have probably been wondering: How much does it cost to build a roof over a deck? Luckily, you are in the right place!
In this article, we go over the average price of building a roof over a deck as well as other factors to consider.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Roof Over A Deck?
There are a few different reasons homeowners may choose to install a roof over their deck. They may simply want to upgrade their outdoor living space, protect the furniture or other items they want to store on their patio, or increase the price of the house!
Deck roofs, also called patio covers, usually have an average cost between $3000 and $10000. However, there are a variety of factors that influence the price a homeowner will pay for a deck roof installation. Factors involve the square footage of the deck, as well as the type of roof and cost of materials.
You also need to keep in mind that prices of materials vary based on your location. Building materials in large cities will cost more than materials in small cities Below we have listed the most important things to consider when determining how much it will cost to put a roof over your deck.
1. The Size Of The Deck
One of the most important factors to keep in mind when it comes to how much your roof will cost is the square footage of your deck. The average cost per sq foot of roofing over at the deck comes out to around $42, give or take.
You will want to measure your roof to give you an idea of how much you are looking at before you do anything else, as this will help you determine the most basic costs involved. Obviously, bigger spaces will cost more.
2. The Style Of The Roof
Another factor to consider is the style of roof you want to install. Some roof styles are quite simple and will be relatively inexpensive, while others will be on the pricier side. Here is an idea of different roofing style options and how they differ in price.
- Shed Roof: Shed roofs are also called lean-to-roofs because they only have one slope. The pitch is usually pretty steep with shed roofs. However, they are one of the simplest roofs when it comes to installation, which means they will remain on the lower side price-wise.
- Gable Roof: A gable roof has two identical roofing patterns with identical slopes that meet in the middle. Like shed roofs, these are also a simple roof design and will have minimal costs when it comes to materials and labor.
- Hip roof: The next type of roof that is common is a hip roof. Hip roofs are much more expensive than shed roofs and gable roofs, but they are much more resilient to the wind. These roofs consist of four sides and are by far the most durable.
- Pergola: Pergola roofs differ from the other two roofs because they do not attach to the house, and although they offer some shade, they offer no protection against other elements like rain and strong winds. Pergolas are not covered; they are merely an open-concept frame. You usually see these types of patio roofs with vines laced through them for an aesthetic look. Since pergolas are more intricate, they may cost slightly more than a shed roof or gable roof, depending on the materials you use, but the cost isn’t that much greater.
3. The Type Of Roof Covering
The type of cover you want is another big factor to consider.
- Shingles: Shingles are usually what you see on most roofs, and they are the cheapest of all of the options. They are also highly customizable and have a life span between 20-30 years. However, they are susceptible to rot, so if you live in a very damp area, you may want to consider another option.
- Metal roof: Metal is also a popular choice for roofs because it is resistant to rot, which is a common issue with shingles. Metal and shingles are close to the same price, but metal is slightly more expensive and has a slightly longer life span of around 50 years. Some people simply opt for a metal roof to get that pleasing sound the rain makes when it hits it during a storm, providing a tranquil experience.
- Clay Tiles: A clay tile roof, also known as Spanish roofing, is much higher in cost. However, it is beautiful and extremely durable, lasting up to 100 years! Because it is more expensive, it isn’t generally seen on roofs of smaller decks. However, if you have a large, open-concept style deck, clay tiles would be a good option.
4. Other Materials
Besides the actual roof, there are other materials to think about when it comes to the overall investment of your roof, such as beams.
Pine is often used for beams; however, cedar wood and redwood can also be used. These have a beautiful aesthetic look and would be a good choice if you have a cedar or redwood deck.
However, cedar and redwood are more expensive than pine, which will add a significant cost to your material prices.
Aside from beams, you should also consider other materials needed for roofing your deck, as well as framing it. Trusses, braces, and post mounts should be factored into the cost, and don’t forget about the small things such as screws and nails.
5. Permits
If you have yet to consider this, you need to factor building permits into the equation. Building permits are usually required, and if you do not make sure you have the correct building permit for your project, you could face some hefty fines.
It costs an average of $350 to obtain a building permit. However, it could be more or less depending on your area. To avoid spending an arm and a leg in fines, it is better to just factor in the cost upfront. You can get a building permit from your local building permit office.
6. Consider Upgrades
It probably goes without saying, but your deck roof can be installed as cheaply or as expensive as you want or need. There are plenty of upgrade options, such as screen enclosures and skylights.
Really anything extra that is highly customized will add a much greater expense to your installation than just sticking with the basics.
Diy Or Contract, Which One To Choose?
The last thing to consider is whether you want to do it yourself or hire professionals. The plus side of hiring professionals is that they take care of all of the legwork for you, including gathering prices and acquiring building permits.
However, since they are doing all of the building and the legwork, there will be a lot of labor costs and contractor fees involved.
You may decide you want to skip the extra fees and do it yourself. That is ok too. There are a lot of people who take on projects like these for the same reason. If you decide you want to do it yourself, you will also need to factor in the cost of the tools required along with the materials and building permits.
DIY Kits
Another option to consider if you want to DIY is purchasing a kit. You can purchase kits containing the materials you need based on the size, and this will take a lot of the hassle out of the building. These will be more expensive than buying the materials separately because buying the materials yourself lets you get the best deals.
However, kits are a great medium if it’s going to cost too much for a contractor, but you don’t feel comfortable enough or don’t have the time to build it yourself.
Conclusion
Deck roofs are a great way to update your patio, as well as offer protection from the sun, wind, and rain! The cost of building a roof over a patio varies greatly, depending on the style of the roof, the size of your deck, and the type of roof covering you want!
There are also other factors like the cost of building materials in your area. Keeping these factors in mind will help you determine how much your project will cost so you can decide the best way to get your deck covered.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or comments, let us know in the comment section below!