Types of Patio Covers
Patio covers come in several basic configurations, each with different levels of coverage, cost, and appearance.
Solid Roof Patio Covers
A solid roof cover uses opaque panels (aluminum, wood, or polycarbonate) to provide complete shade and full rain protection. This is the most common type and what most people mean when they say "patio cover." It functions like an extension of your house's roof. Solid covers keep the area underneath the darkest and coolest, but they also block all natural light, which can make the space feel closed in. Adding skylights or translucent panels at intervals helps with this.
Lattice Patio Covers
Lattice covers have a grid of closely spaced slats that filter sunlight rather than blocking it completely. They provide partial shade (roughly 50-70% depending on slat spacing) and don't protect from rain. Essentially, a lattice patio cover is a pergola with denser overhead coverage. They work well in mild climates where you want sun filtering rather than full shade. More on this in our pergola section.
Insulated Panel Patio Covers
Insulated patio covers use sandwich panels with foam insulation between two aluminum skins. They provide full shade, rain protection, and thermal insulation that keeps the space underneath significantly cooler than a single-layer roof. Popular in hot climates like the Southwest. See the dedicated insulated patio cover guide for details.
Combination Covers
Some designs combine a solid section (directly off the house) with a lattice or open section further out. This gives you a sheltered area for furniture and grilling right next to the house, with a more open, sun-filtered area beyond. You can add a retractable canopy to the lattice section for adjustable shade.
Freestanding Patio Covers (Pavilions)
A freestanding patio cover (often called a pavilion) is independent from the house. These are common over outdoor kitchens, fire pit areas, or dining spaces away from the main structure. They require four or more posts and footings. Design and permitting considerations are similar to freestanding pergolas.