Patio Covers in Dallas–Fort Worth

Patio Covers: questions, answered

• How much does a patio cover cost in Dallas-Fort Worth in 2026?

  In the DFW market, most patio covers run $8,000 to $25,000+. A basic 12x12 lean-to (shed-style) cover starts around $8,000-$12,000, a mid-size gable cover with a shingled roof matched to your home typically lands between $14,000 and $20,000, and large custom designs with tongue-and-groove ceilings, lighting, and fans can exceed $25,000. Every Structure1 estimate is free, itemized, and includes permits and engineering.

• What's the difference between a gable and a lean-to patio cover?

  A lean-to (shed-style) cover attaches to your home with a single sloped roof — it's the most cost-effective option and works well under existing eaves. A gable cover has a peaked, A-frame roofline that adds height, airflow, and a more custom architectural look, and it's the better choice for taller ceilings or larger patios. Gable covers typically cost 20-35% more than a comparable lean-to.

• What's the difference between a solid-roof and a polycarbonate patio cover?

  The roof. A solid-roof cover (shingled or metal) provides complete protection from sun and rain and the deepest shade. A polycarbonate cover uses clear or tinted panels over cedar rafters, so it keeps rain off while letting natural light through. An open-rafter cover with no panels gives partial, dappled shade. For Texas weather, many homeowners prefer a solid roof for full protection, while polycarbonate offers a bright middle ground.

• How much does a polycarbonate patio cover cost in Dallas-Fort Worth?

  A cedar patio cover with a polycarbonate roof typically runs $10,000 to $18,000 in DFW depending on size, post count, and extras like lighting and fans. Open-rafter covers without roofing cost less. Every estimate is free and itemized, and includes the permit package.

• Can a patio cover be free-standing instead of attached to the house?

  Yes. We build both. Attached covers tie into your home's structure and work well over an existing patio; free-standing covers sit on their own steel-anchored footings and can be placed by a pool, over a dining area, or anywhere in the yard. Our Lewisville project is a free-standing build.

• Do you handle patio cover permits in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and other DFW cities?

  Yes. Nearly every city in the DFW metroplex — including Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and Arlington — requires a building permit for a patio cover. Structure1 handles the full permit process on every project: drawings, engineering letters where required, submission, and inspections. Permit approval usually takes 1-2 weeks depending on the city.

• Will my patio cover match my home's existing roof?

  Yes. On solid-roof covers we install architectural shingles color-matched to your existing roof so the addition looks original to the house, and we tie the new roofline into your home's structure correctly — flashing, drainage, and attachment points are where inexperienced builders cause leaks. Standing seam metal and polycarbonate panel roofs are also available.

• How long does patio cover installation take?

  Construction itself takes 3-7 days for most patio covers once permits are approved and materials arrive. End to end — contract, permit approval (1-2 weeks), material procurement, and build — plan on 2-4 weeks. We confirm a build date before work starts and keep one crew on your project until it's finished.

• Do you build patio covers with concrete included?

  Yes, and it's the most cost-effective way to do a full outdoor living project. Because we self-perform both structures and concrete, we can pour a new stamped concrete patio and build the cover above it in one mobilization — one permit package, one crew, one timeline.

• What materials do you use for patio covers?

  We primarily build with premium-grade Western Red Cedar and pressure-treated lumber, which are ideal for the Texas climate due to their natural resistance to warping, splitting, and insects. For roofing, we use architectural shingles matched to your home's existing roof, standing seam metal, or polycarbonate panels depending on your preference. All hardware is galvanized or stainless steel for long-term durability.

• Are your patio covers built to withstand Texas storms?

  Absolutely. Every patio cover we build is engineered to meet or exceed local building codes for wind resistance and structural load requirements. We use heavy-duty post anchors, hurricane ties, and proper footing depths to ensure your structure can withstand severe Texas weather including high winds and hail. Our 2-year workmanship warranty covers any structural issues, and our builds are designed to last 20+ years with minimal maintenance.