Patio enclosures can be a pricey investment, but they’re worth it if you want to keep your outdoor space clean and free of debris.
Not to mention, patio enclosures can add extra protection from the elements and make your outdoor seating area more comfortable.
There are several factors to consider when purchasing an enclosure, such as climate control, ventilation, and privacy.
This article will discuss the cost of a patio enclosure, what drives their costs, and other related topics, so let’s take a deeper look.
Patio Enclosure Cost
A patio enclosure is not the same as a room in your house. It won’t have access to your home’s foundation, nor will it have access to your HVAC system.
If you are looking to have a patio enclosure, the cost can be variable depending on a lot of factors. It can range from $3000 to $20000.
You may partially or fully enclose your patio for an average cost of $70/sqft.
A partial enclosure shall provide seclusion and protect you from wind and rain, while a full enclosure would keep pests out and the patio temperature manageable.
The options for a patio enclosure are limitless, with prices ranging from $180 to $45,000 for high-end covered patios.
Cost Factors of Patio Enclosure
Multiple factors come into play when it comes to building a patio enclosure. Let’s take a brief look into each thing you’ll need to consider when calculating your overall cost.
- Type of patio enclosure: The most cost-effective type is a primary framed enclosure with screens. The cost adds to wall sections, windows, doors, insulation, and other features.
- Patio Enclosure size: Regardless of the materials used, the larger the enclosure shall cost you.
- Material Quality: You’ll have to make judgments at every process stage. You can use affordable 3-tab asphalt shingles, slightly more expensive dimensional shingles, metal roofing, or the most expensive aluminum shingles.
- Adding Electrical: Adding power to your enclosure will increase the cost and make your patio more useful all year.
- Amenities & others: Adding privacy/sunscreens, lights, an electric or gas space heater, and other extras to your patio enclosure will increase the overall cost.
- Preliminary Site Work: Whether you use a contractor or not, preliminary work such as removing trees or bushes, pouring wall footings, or preparing the roof and home for connecting the enclosure can increase the cost.
- Season: Because contractors are busier in the spring and summer, patio enclosure installation costs are higher during these seasons.
- Professional vs. DIY: Contractor rates range from $12-$15 per square foot to $30-$40 per square foot, depending on the type. The contractor fee will be deducted from the total if you do it yourself.
- Permit: A permit is required if you run electrical to the enclosure. The requirements differ depending on the municipality if there is no power on the patio.
Patio Enclosure Styles and Their Cost
Patio coverings are available in various styles to meet every homeowner’s demands. Check out the following cost comparisons:
Covered with Sailcloth: A sailcloth patio is inexpensive yet efficient in providing shade. Stretched canvas is affordable compared to its competitors; the cost varies, but it’s generally between $100 to $500 for the material and another $1,000 for installation.
Gable: A gable patio canopy adds an architectural design element to your patio. It works well as an attached patio or as an independent patio.
Gable patio covers costs between $3,000 and $18,000.
Gazebo: A gazebo, with its trademark hexagonal or octagonal canopy and bench seating, provides an appealing shelter space. This patio design is typically composed of metal, wood, or vinyl.
The national average for gazebo construction is $4,000.
Awnings: Awnings provide good shade covering and are available in various styles, including canvas, portable, manual retractable, metal, mechanical, motorized, etc.
Awning installation typically costs between $1,500 and $4000.
Enclosed: Enclosed patio types need a higher investment because of the material cost. They’re useful if you want to eat outside but don’t want to be plagued by bugs.
They can also be used for semi-protected outings with friends and family or as a studio space. The cost of constructing a covered patio is between $10,000 and $25,000.
Pergola: The pergola, a perennial favorite, is a frequent patio element for outdoor spaces and gardens. The pergola is known for its spaced-rafter design and is often built of wood, fiberglass, metal, vinyl, etc.
A pergola costs from $2,000 to $6,000.
Patio Enclosure Cost by Material
It goes without explaining that some building materials are more expensive than others. Whether it be toughness or pure aesthetics, each material has its advantages.
Each of those advantages also influences the price.
Vinyl: For labor and materials, vinyl patio enclosures cost between $4,000 and $6,500. Here are the features of vinyl patio enclosures:
- Less expensive than wood
- Warp-resistant
- Rot-resistant
- Bug-resistant
Lattice: Vinyl lattice patio covers range in price from $2,000 to $4,500, with some DIY kits costing between $1,000 and $3,200. Features of vinyl patio enclosures are:
- Aesthetic sensibility in design
- Allows for seclusion while retaining natural light
- Use of space for several purposes
- Critter-deterrent
- It does not protect against the elements
Fiberglass: Fiberglass Patio Covers Fiberglass patio covers are available in various styles and colors, ranging from $2,500 to $3,000. Here is what a fiberglass patio offers:
- Extremely long-lasting material
- Simple installation procedure
- Simple to clean and maintain
- Pergola rafters and panels are available in a variety of designs and sizes
- Typically offered as kits, which allow for less customization of the design
Patio Enclosure Cost by Type
Patio enclosures come in so many different types, and these variations will each contribute to your overall costs.
Screened-In Patio: Screening made of mesh materials costs around $4.50 per square foot, excluding the labor charge. Screening in a 200-square-foot room will most likely cost between $2,000 and $3000. When labor is included, you’re looking at an extra $400 to $500.
Sunrooms: A sunroom installation is expensive; it will cost around $15,000 to $20,000, including labor and supplies. Sunroom enclosures feature the following design options for you to consider:
Four-Season: These high-quality enclosures are built for climate control. They help keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Three Seasons: These enclosures are suitable for most seasons. However, they are not designed for locations with harsh winters or hot summers.
Life Room: A living room is similar to a four-season but has a contemporary twist. A life room installation costs between $10,000 and $20,000 for a low-end design, and $72,000 to $100,000 for a high-end design. The cost includes labor, materials, and any extra costs.
Screened Lanai Cost: Labor and material costs for a lanai enclosure range between $1,200 and $3,000. In terms of square footage price, it ranges between $6 and $8 per square foot. The total pricing is determined by the materials you select.
Additional Costs
Some additional costs will apply to any patio type, material, or style you choose. Here are those:
Flooring
Flooring costs around $10 to $20. Simple poured concrete shall cost around $5 per square foot, while concrete pavers cost about $5 to $20 per square foot.
Grading
You will need the surface properly graded while making a patio. Patio grading costs about $1000 to $2500.
Drainage
Optimum drainage is necessary to control water overflow and prevent solid from penetrating your patio foundation. A proper drainage installation costs around $2000 to $6000.
Labor Costs
Most of the patio enclosure cost is labor, including ground and site prep work, building, and installation. The average cost per square foot is between $20 and $40.
What are the potential cost savings of adding a solar patio cover compared to a traditional patio enclosure?
When considering solar patio cover pricing understanding, it’s important to factor in the potential cost savings compared to a traditional patio enclosure. By harnessing solar energy, a solar patio cover can significantly reduce energy costs and offer long-term financial benefits, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Final Thoughts on Costs of a Patio Enclosure
The cost of patio enclosures is not very high and can easily be available within a budget. Moreover, the design and style of the patio enclosure also depend on your taste.
So, while making purchases in this section, keep an eye out for various designs and colors to make the space look impressive.
Above all, ensure that the materials used in its construction are durable, secure, and weather-proof so that your lovely outdoor space lasts long!