How Much Does It Cost To Build A Wood Patio Cover

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Wood Patio Cover?

Installing a wood patio cover adds value and expands the amount of time your outdoor living space can be used — offering protection from rain and excessive sun, extending your outdoor entertaining and enjoyment.

Installing a patio cover can be a DIY project for someone with solid carpentry skills, but hiring a contractor may be necessary for more complex designs. The cost to build a wood patio cover will vary based upon the materials used, size of the patio, and whether you hire a contractor or tackle the project yourself.

The homeowner can expect to pay around $8,000 for a 12 x 12 ft wood patio cover, including materials and labor. A handy homeowner may save around $5,000 by completing the project themselves.

Materials And Costs

The total price of a wood patio cover is determined mostly by the materials used. When building a wood patio cover, the most common type of wood used is pressure-treated pine due to its affordability and weather resistance. Cedar and redwood are more expensive options but offer increased durability and a more appealing appearance.

The average cost for pressure-treated lumber is approximately $10 to $15 per square foot. Cedar costs about $15 to $20 per square foot, while redwood ranges from $20 to $25 per square foot. Other materials required to complete the patio cover will include roofing materials, posts, and fasteners.

Labor Costs

Hiring a contractor to build a wood patio cover will cost around $50 to $100 per hour. The total labor cost will depend on the complexity of the project and the number of hours required to complete the installation. Building a 12 x 12 ft patio cover will take approximately 20 to 30 hours to complete and will require two workers.

DIY Or Hire A Contractor

Building a wood patio cover is a project that can be completed by a skilled DIYer. This will save a considerable amount of money in labor costs. However, if the homeowner lacks carpentry skills or the time to complete the project, hiring a contractor is the best option.

When hiring a contractor, it is important to get multiple quotes from different contractors to ensure you are getting a fair price. Be sure to check references and ask about the contractor's experience building patio covers.

Estimated Costs

The following are estimated costs to build a wood patio cover, including materials and labor:

12 x 12 ft Pressure-treated pine: $1,200 to $1,800
12 x 12 ft Cedar: $1,800 to $2,400
12 x 12 ft Redwood: $2,400 to $3,000
Labor: $1,000 to $3,000

These costs are estimates and may vary depending on the specific materials used and the complexity of the project.

Factors Affecting Cost

The cost to build a wood patio cover is affected by several factors:

Size of the patio
Materials used
Complexity of the design
Whether you hire a contractor or DIY
Location

By considering these factors, homeowners can create a budget for their project and make informed decisions about the materials and design of their wood patio cover.