This article provides a step-by-step guide on building a covered patio roof, covering the process from selecting the perfect materials to ensuring compliance with local regulations. The article focuses on the importance of functionality, aesthetics, and safety when designing a covered patio roof. It covers various options, including building a DIY patio roof from scratch, framing, and shingle roofing installation.
A patio roof, also known as a pergola or veranda, provides protection from harsh weather conditions and makes your patio a year-round space for relaxation and entertaining guests. Gable patio roofs are popular due to their classic, symmetrical design. Wood patio covers offer shade and allow for creative overhead elements like florals and lighting effects. Corrugated metal roofs are a cost-effective and simple way to create a shady covered area.
There are various ways to construct a patio cover, and the Room Divider tool can be used to create a covered patio or other outside structure with a roof held up by columns instead of walls. Building a free-standing roof to cover a deck can be challenging, but there are various plans available online.
In this blog, the benefits and looks of each patio roof type are discussed, highlighting how they can transform your space. The goal is to create the largest deepest patio with unobstructed views.
📹 DIY Patio Roof | HANDYBROS |
In this video, we will build a DIY Patio Roof (20 ft x 10 ft) from scratch including the framing, and shingle roofing installation.
What is the proper pitch for a patio roof?
The slope of a patio roof cover is crucial for its functionality and durability. A shallow pitch can trap water and cause drainage issues, while a minimum slope is 1/4 inch per 12 inches of run. The cover should match the home’s roof and prioritize aesthetic appeal to ensure the backyard design flows with the home. Proper slope allows rainwater and debris to effectively run off the roof, preventing leaks, damage, and costly repairs. A steeper slope prevents excessive snow buildup, which can cause structural stress and collapse in high-altitude regions.
The slope also affects the overall appearance of the patio, with some owners preferring a gentle slope for a more modern look, while others opt for a steeper pitch for a classic or rustic aesthetic. The slope should align with the owner’s design preferences and ensure the cover’s functionality and durability.
How long will a 6×6 post last in concrete?
Six-by-six wood, rated for ground contact, has demonstrated the capacity to withstand extended periods in soil or concrete. This is evidenced by the durability of a large play structure constructed with eight six-by-six posts in four feet of concrete, which has remained intact for approximately 15 to 16 years.
Do 4×4 posts need concrete?
Fence companies in Florida often use concrete on wood posts to create leverage, as the post length of choice is often 4′ x 4′ x 8′, resulting in a six-foot height fence post. However, if the desired leverage is the same, a longer post can be purchased at the same cost as a 4′ x 4′ x 10′ post and a bag of concrete.
Custom fence OrLANDO recommends two approaches to protect the hot zone from fungal decay. The first approach is to let dirt absorb moisture from the post and allow the soil’s thermal property to work, creating irregular temperatures within the zone. This approach is still vulnerable in wet and muggy years but is the most cost-effective way for Central Florida homeowners.
The second approach is to protect the Hot Zone by using products like PostSavers, which can prevent fungal decay by making the wood post no longer a food source. PostSavers come in various variations and sizes but can be expensive. The PostSaver, produced by Postsaver Europe Ltd, is a unique and cost-effective solution, extending the post’s life for up to 25 years.
What is a good size for a covered patio?
In order to ensure an optimal level of comfort and convenience for guests, it is recommended that a minimum of 25 square feet per person be provided, with a total space of at least 375 square feet and a patio area of 550 square feet.
How to design a patio layout?
The layout of your outdoor patio design is crucial for its functionality and comfort. To create a visually appealing and functional space, follow these seven tips:
Define the layout: Determine the size of your space and consider the furniture you have. Consider the number of pieces you can integrate, as too many or disproportionately large pieces can make your patio feel cluttered and busy.
Design for functionality: Incorporate shade, set a focal point, add pops of color, accent decor, and finish with lighting.
Set a focal point: Set a focal point in your design, ensuring your space is visible and easily accessible.
Add pops of color: Add pops of color to your design, and add accent decor to create a cohesive look.
Finish with lighting: Add lighting to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
By following these tips, you can create a well-designed outdoor space that is both functional and comfortable, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience.
How high should a patio roof be?
The optimal height for a patio cover is between eight and twelve feet, with a minimum height of eight feet to ensure adequate headroom. The optimal height for the patio cover depends on the size and nature of the gatherings. For smaller events, a lower ceiling is preferable, while a higher ceiling provides additional lighting. It is imperative to take into account the type of gatherings and the necessity for a patio cover.
Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 posts for patio cover?
It is recommended that the porch be supported using 6×6 posts, as they have a higher load-bearing capacity than 4×4 posts. It is recommended that 8×8 lumber be used for the beam, which will support the porch roof and deck. A low-pitch roof is an effective method for maintaining clear sight lines; however, it is of the utmost importance to select the appropriate roofing material. It is of the utmost importance to select the appropriate posts and beams in order to ensure the structural stability of the porch.
How far apart should patio roof posts be?
The allowable span for aluminum patio covers is 6 feet between 4-by-4 posts. This is due to the weight distribution chain from the roof covering material to the foundation, which is supported by beams or ledgers. The size and spacing of these framing members depend on their weight-bearing capacity and the distance they can span without breaking or bowing, known as the span. The recommended span for aluminum patio covers is 6 feet between 4-by-4 posts. This ensures structural integrity and longevity of the outdoor space. Therefore, proper post spacing is crucial for creating a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor space.
Do you need a footer for a patio roof?
Footings are crucial for the stability and structural support of a patio cover, anchoring posts securely and providing a solid foundation. They prevent the patio from shifting or sinking. The depth of footings depends on the location’s conditions and requirements, typically installed below the frost line and extending below the surface. For a typical aluminum patio cover, footings range from 18 inches to 36 inches deep, with deeper footings recommended for larger and more elaborate structures.
How should a patio be laid?
This guide delineates the methodology for the installation of patio paving slabs, including the processes of measuring and marking the patio area, excavating the area, laying the sub-base, preparing a concrete mix mortar bed, and finally, laying the paving slabs on top of the mortar bed. The guide provides comprehensive coverage of the three primary categories of patio paving materials: porcelain, natural stone, and concrete. The seven primary steps are as follows:
How to calculate patio slope?
A 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot slope is a good starting point for patio slope, ensuring a 1-inch drop in elevation for every 12-24 feet of horizontal distance. This slope is suitable for water drainage and maintaining a level surface for comfort and aesthetics. However, the ideal slope for paver patios varies based on factors like local regulations, climate, intended use, and aesthetic preferences. Consulting and hiring a professional can ensure the slope is functional and visually appealing for your specific needs and location.
📹 My Biggest Patio Build
Every day new homes without a patio covers or any kind of shading are built leaving homeowners looking for respite from the …
I wish you lived in AZ, I’d hire you to do this for me. I currently have a wood pergola that’s rotting and I want to replace it with full covered roof. I have 3 concrete pillars holding it up so wouldn’t need the posts you put in. The rest of the house is tile though, not sure what kind of shingles would look good on it if any. Most people are replacing theirs with the aluminum ones. Enjoyed your article.
I just started a very similar patio off the side of my house, so thanks for the article, it was great. I’m definitely going to use the 6×6 posts and 4×4 header. Quick question though, any idea what the snow load is for that roof? I am going to be using a 2×10 ledger with 2×8 rafters and then I am topping it with a corrugated steel roof. I just want to make sure it can stand up to the Wisconsin snowfalls. Side note: I will have a much steeper pitch to my roof than yours was. Mine is 9.5/12 pitch, which makes me believe most of the snow is going to slide off anyway.
Let me start with saying that is a nice looking patio cover. I’m a licensed general contractor in California and here we wouldn’t be able to build it like that. Thats to much weight on the top. I don’t know where this is at . But in California we have to pour footings for our post with embedded post brackets . You need to be able to transfer the load across the beam and down the post to a footing. Not just anchored to the slab.
Sorry, I’m a noob, but want to do that exact same project. When you placed those brackets at the very beginning against the wall, camera view point looks like the beams would be straight once installed on the brackets. How were you guys able to slope it to the other side? If you set the wood, wouldn’t it have gone straight instead of a down wards slope? Thank you. Love the job, simple and cost is low.
Awesome article. Shows exactly what I wanted to see in detail. Have a question – has the angle been driven just by how high you could install the ledger, or was it actually calculated to make sure it takes the full load of a snow cover in the winter (since North Jersey does get snow)? I have a very similar setup, but elevated on top of a deck, and the area is a bit larger – 18 x 20″ and have been trying to figure the loading, angles etc. Don’t know if I can do just a simple slope like this or have to do a full gable roof with a steeper slope. Also, I want to try and just see if I can get away with 2 posts rather than 3… would using 2×12 for a beam work for that, over 2 6×6 posts roughly 20 ft apart?
Question- I have preasure washed wood for deck but I was told that I shouldn’t use that same heavy wood to make frame for roof? I know for the top I need to put plywood sheets but I’m asking about the frame around and the beams that hold roof. Is that true? I was told it might be too heavy. Help please
18′ WIDE BY 10′ OUT (SC) with a 2″/12″ slope I built my patio lean to with ledger on rafter tails of the main roof 16″ spacing with 2X6 rafters on 3 4×4 posts with a 2X6 on the outside end, if i just put purlins and metal roofing on top with flashing over the leger board and rafter tie in point would that be okay or if i put 1/2 plywood and ice and snow underlayment paper with the metal roofing with flashing would that be better?
there were “lords” (lets say) who went up to the 9th lords’s lord and the next month higher to the 100,d000th lord who kept yapping in my head. Not at all like how ppl talk like in a convo. It was them meeting me in my thoughts “i’m the 23,000 high lord,believe that im a higher lord” No u dont know what the whatever, demon since they tortured me esp at nhights, reason was for . i couldnt ignore it. This was Nov dec jan It was basically a “lord” who kept saying, ”no” like a 3 yo toddler. they never said things like ”the kirkland costco toilet paper is in the closet downstairs”. And they had no power on mankind basically. i called them demons and ignored them, tried to, i couldnt
Where are you all at I in all my years never ever have I put 2 layers of plywood on a roof? Also something else that I have never done is install it like this we have always broken up the joints by cutting the second piece in half but you all just run with it like that maybe that’s why the second layer going opposite direction. I am not judging just really curious about it thanks
I can’t even count how many times I have seen this mistake smh and it is such a simple step. Youre suppose to pull up 3 or 4 rows of shingles, remove the facia board, and tie your new 2×6 rafters into the existing rafter tails.. a couple nails in each of the rafters and you’re set.. then when you run your new roofing material it goes up n under the existing shingles at least 1 ft and wam bam wont ever leak… And why on earth would you double up on the plywood ? You say so the roofing nails wont go through but all you have to do to solve that problem is buy the right size nails, they make em short enough that they won’t go through.. come on guys use your head for more than a hat rack… Oh and on a pitch that flat you’re suppose to double up on your felt underlayment and run your shingles on half, full, half pattern.. cmon you guys are hacks
Would actually be a DIY if there was instructions and steps how to do it. I’ve got quotes and they’ve been all over 3000 for a 10×14 lean to cover. Makes no sense to me. Material is around 500 and if I help someone do it and they show me I’d throw them a couple hundred and I do all the labor. But can’t seem to find anyone to make sure I do it correctly
Why the “notch for the beam” isn’t it typical to use two. One on the inside face of your posts then one on the outside. Seems like you would lose a lot of your strength doing it like this. Or if youre going to notch it is seems like a bridle joint would be better than that kinda half lap idk what to call it joint
I am not a builder, but in my mind, if there’s earthquake, the patio roof will cause additional impact to my walls. I would have preferred a stand alone patio where its roof overlaps underneath my main roof. I would also prefer a gutter all around it and water spout on the front left and right side of the patio. I live in a tropical country with lots of monsoons and typhoons and occassional earthquakes.
Thanks so much for the great article. Realy appreciate it. Question. you showed putting in the L Flashing in the beginning, but later on i didn’t see it? How come? You don’t use any screw or adhesive for the flashing, just the 3″ board? How do you know where to cut the stucco? thanks again so much for all your teaching
Great article and instructions. For the Joist/truss hanger to the ledger board i can only see this part from HD. Simpson Strong-Tie LUS ZMAX Galvanized Face-Mount Joist Hanger for 2×6 Nominal Lumber. Your ledger hangers 2×6 wrap over the top of the ledger board. which i do like better, do you know if they carry at Home Depot?
Definitely would not have cut out the buildings sheer structure, think you called it plywood in the way of the ledger😂 and hopefully there were footings underneath that freshly poured patio where your posts went. All things you should know if you’re a licensed contractor 😢 otherwise build was par for the course. Be careful who you hire people.