How Much Does a Patio Cover Cost in Dallas-Fort Worth? (2026 Pricing Guide)

If you're a homeowner in Dallas-Fort Worth thinking about adding a patio cover, the first question on your mind is probably: How much is this going to cost me?

The honest answer is that patio cover pricing in DFW ranges widely — anywhere from $6,000 for a basic pergola to $25,000+ for a fully custom gable structure with electrical, fans, and premium finishes. The final number depends on your cover's size, style, materials, and the complexity of the build.

This guide breaks down real 2026 pricing for patio covers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area so you can plan your budget with confidence. Every number here reflects what we see in the field across our 150+ completed projects throughout DFW — not national averages pulled from generic websites.

Average Patio Cover Costs in DFW (2026)

Here's where most homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex land when they build a patio cover:

Small patio cover (10×10 to 12×12): $6,000 – $14,000
Medium patio cover (12×16 to 14×20): $10,000 – $18,000
Large patio cover (16×20 to 20×24): $15,000 – $25,000+

These ranges include standard construction with engineered plans, permits, and professional installation. They don't include extras like outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, or extensive electrical work — those push the budget higher.

For most DFW homeowners building a cover over an existing concrete patio, the sweet spot falls between $10,000 and $18,000 for a well-built structure that matches their home's roofline and finishes.

What Factors Affect Patio Cover Pricing?

No two patio cover projects are identical. Here are the major variables that move your price up or down.

Size and Square Footage

This is the single biggest cost driver. A 10×12 lean-to cover requires far less material and labor than a 20×24 gable structure. As a rough benchmark, most patio covers in DFW fall between $30 and $65 per square foot for the complete installed project — but that per-square-foot number drops as the overall size increases because fixed costs like permits, engineering, and mobilization get spread across more area.

Materials

The materials you choose have a significant impact on both upfront cost and long-term maintenance:

Treated pine: The most affordable framing option. It's strong and takes paint or stain well, but requires periodic maintenance in the Texas climate. Expect to re-stain every 3–5 years.
Cedar: A popular mid-range choice in DFW. Naturally resistant to rot and insects, and it weathers to a beautiful silver-gray if left unfinished. Costs roughly 20–30% more than treated pine.
Steel/aluminum framing: More expensive upfront but virtually maintenance-free. Steel frames are common on larger commercial-grade covers and can handle DFW's occasional high winds and hail.
Roofing material: Composition shingles matched to your home's roof are standard. Standing seam metal roofing or polycarbonate panels add $1,500–$4,000 depending on size.

Roof Style

The style of your patio cover's roof is a major price factor — and it also determines how the cover looks and performs. We cover each style in detail in our complete guide to patio cover styles, but here's the cost impact:

Lean-to (shed style): The most economical. A single slope that attaches to your home's existing fascia or wall.
Gable: A peaked, two-slope roof that looks like a miniature version of your home's roof. More materials, more engineering, higher cost — but significantly better curb appeal.
Pergola: Open-beam construction. Less material cost than solid covers, but the price depends heavily on beam size, spacing, and whether you add a polycarbonate or shade panel system.
Hip roof: Four-sided slope. The most complex and expensive to frame, but offers a clean, finished look from every angle.

Add-Ons and Electrical

Extras add up quickly. Budget accordingly:

Ceiling fan pre-wire + installation: $300–$600 per fan
Recessed can lights: $150–$300 per light
Tongue-and-groove wood ceiling: $1,500–$4,000 depending on size
Outdoor-rated electrical outlets: $200–$400 each
Stained or painted finish: $800–$2,500 depending on structure size

Permits and Engineering

Every city in the DFW metroplex requires a building permit for a patio cover (we cover this in detail in our permit guide). Permit fees range from $150 to $600 depending on your city, and engineered plans typically cost $400–$800. At Structure1, we include engineered plans and permit handling in every project — it's never an afterthought or a surprise add-on.

Cost Breakdown by Patio Cover Type

Here's a closer look at what each style typically costs in the DFW market, based on our project history.

Lean-To Patio Covers: $8,000 – $14,000

A lean-to (also called shed-style) cover is the most straightforward build. It attaches to your home with a single-slope roof that pitches away from the house. This is the most popular option for homeowners on a moderate budget who want solid rain and sun protection.

What's included at this price range:

Treated pine or cedar frame
Composition shingle roof matched to your home
Standard 6×6 cedar or wrapped posts
Engineered plans and building permit
Professional installation with a 2-year workmanship warranty

Best for: Homeowners who want reliable shade and rain coverage without the higher cost of a peaked roof. Lean-to covers work especially well on single-story homes where the existing roofline is high enough to maintain good clearance.

Gable Patio Covers: $12,000 – $22,000

A gable cover features a peaked, triangular roofline — the same shape as most residential roofs. This style is more complex to engineer and build, but it looks like a natural extension of your home rather than an add-on.

What's included at this price range:

Cedar or treated pine frame with decorative trusses
Ridge beam and full gable-end framing
Composition shingle or metal roof
Custom-matched paint or stain
Engineered plans and building permit

Best for: Homeowners who want maximum curb appeal and resale value. Gable covers are the most popular style we build across cities like Frisco, McKinney, and Plano where HOAs often have strict aesthetic requirements.

Pergolas: $6,000 – $15,000

Pergolas range dramatically in price depending on whether you want a simple open-beam structure or a fully outfitted modern pergola with polycarbonate roofing, fans, and lighting. A basic 12×12 open cedar pergola might cost $6,000–$8,000, while a 16×20 pergola with solid polycarbonate panels and electrical could reach $15,000.

For a deeper comparison of pergolas versus solid patio covers, check out our patio cover vs. pergola guide.

Best for: Homeowners who want a defined outdoor living space with partial shade and a more open, airy feel. Pergolas are also excellent for wrapping around outdoor kitchens or pool areas.

Custom and Combination Designs: $18,000 – $25,000+

Custom builds combine elements — a gable cover over the main seating area with a pergola extension over the grill, for example, or an L-shaped cover that wraps around two sides of the house. These projects require more engineering, more material, and more on-site craftsmanship.

What pushes into this range:

Mixed roof styles (gable + pergola, hip + lean-to)
Oversized spans requiring steel beams
Tongue-and-groove ceilings with recessed lighting
Integrated drainage systems
Premium stain and finish packages

You can see examples of our custom work on our projects page.

Patio Cover Cost Comparison Table

| Patio Cover Type | Typical Size | Price Range (Installed) | Shade Coverage | Maintenance Level | |---|---|---|---|---| | Lean-To | 10×12 – 14×20 | $8,000 – $14,000 | Full (solid roof) | Low–Medium | | Gable | 12×14 – 18×22 | $12,000 – $22,000 | Full (solid roof) | Low–Medium | | Pergola (open) | 10×10 – 16×20 | $6,000 – $10,000 | Partial (30–50%) | Low | | Pergola (w/ panels) | 10×10 – 16×20 | $9,000 – $15,000 | Full or near-full | Low | | Custom / Combo | Varies | $18,000 – $25,000+ | Full | Low–Medium |

How to Get the Best Value on Your Patio Cover

Getting a good deal doesn't mean choosing the cheapest bid. It means making smart decisions that maximize what you get for your dollar.

1. Don't over-build (or under-build) for your space. A 20×24 cover over a 12×14 patio wastes money. Conversely, a cover that's too small won't protect your furniture from angled rain or afternoon sun. We always recommend walking your yard with your builder to determine the right proportions before signing anything.

2. Match your home's existing materials. If your home has a composition shingle roof, matching that on your patio cover is the most cost-effective approach. Going with a different material — like standing seam metal on a shingle house — adds cost and can look out of place.

3. Prioritize structural quality over cosmetic upgrades. A properly engineered frame with quality fasteners and flashing will last decades. Cosmetic upgrades like decorative brackets or a tongue-and-groove ceiling look great, but if budget is tight, invest in the bones first. You can always add a ceiling later.

4. Get a fixed-price written estimate. Watch out for lowball quotes that exclude permits, engineering, or cleanup. At Structure1, our estimates are all-inclusive — what we quote is what you pay unless you request changes.

5. Plan electrical work upfront. Running wiring through a completed patio cover is more expensive (and less clean) than installing it during construction. If you think you might want fans or lights down the road, have the wiring roughed in now — it typically adds only $300–$500 to the build.

Does a Patio Cover Increase Home Value in Texas?

Short answer: yes, in most cases.

Outdoor living space is one of the top features Texas homebuyers look for, especially in the DFW market where the climate allows 8–10 months of outdoor use. A well-built patio cover that matches the home's architecture typically recoups 50–80% of its cost at resale, according to remodeling ROI studies and local real estate data.

But the return goes beyond raw numbers. Homes with covered patios sell faster because they photograph better in listings and show better during tours. In competitive DFW neighborhoods — Allen, Prosper, Celina, Southlake — a quality outdoor living space can be the difference between getting an offer in the first weekend versus sitting on the market.

There's also the intangible value: you actually use the space. A patio cover turns a concrete slab that's unusable five months out of the year (because of Texas sun and rain) into a room you live in year-round. That's worth something beyond resale math.

What About Financing a Patio Cover?

Many DFW homeowners fund patio cover projects through home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), personal loans, or cash savings. With a typical project costing $10,000–$18,000, financing can make the investment manageable — and if you're planning to stay in your home for 5+ years, the improved quality of life makes the monthly payment easy to justify.

We don't offer in-house financing, but we're happy to work with your lender on documentation, timelines, and payment scheduling.

Why DFW Pricing Differs from National Averages

If you've been Googling patio cover costs, you've probably seen national average figures that don't match what local contractors quote. There are a few reasons DFW pricing differs:

Labor costs in DFW are moderate compared to coastal cities, which keeps project costs reasonable relative to the quality you get.
Permit and engineering requirements vary by city. Some DFW cities like Frisco and McKinney have stricter requirements that add to the engineering cost. Others, like unincorporated areas of Collin or Denton County, are simpler.
Wind and storm engineering matters. North Texas gets severe thunderstorms, high winds, and occasional hail. A patio cover built here needs to be engineered for those loads — which means heavier framing, better connections, and proper tie-downs. That costs more than a cover in a mild climate, but it also means your structure survives the next spring storm season.
Material availability fluctuates. Cedar and treated lumber prices in Texas have stabilized since the pandemic-era spikes, but they still shift seasonally. Getting a quote in early spring (before peak building season) can sometimes lock in better material pricing.

Get a Free Estimate from Structure1 Construction

At Structure1, we've built over 150 patio covers and outdoor living structures across Dallas-Fort Worth — from basic lean-to covers in Forney to custom gable builds in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, and beyond. Every project includes engineered plans, city permits, and our 2-year workmanship warranty. We're licensed, insured, and we show up when we say we will.

If you're ready to get a real number for your project — not a vague range from a website — get a free estimate today. We'll walk your yard, discuss your goals, and deliver a detailed, fixed-price quote within a few days.

You can also call us directly at (580) 665-2758 or check out our patio cover services to see what we offer.