Los Angeles has one of the world's most enviable climates for outdoor living — roughly 280 days of sunshine per year, mild winters, and warm summers. A quality patio cover turns an exposed concrete slab into a functional outdoor room used year-round.
Types of Patio Covers
Solid Patio Cover (Attached Alumawood or Wood)
A fully covered structure attached to the house that blocks rain and sun entirely. The most common patio cover type in the Valley.
Alumawood (aluminum that looks like wood): The dominant product in the LA market. Extruded aluminum painted and textured to replicate wood grain. Advantages: no rot, no painting, no termites, low maintenance. Disadvantage: doesn't look exactly like real wood to a trained eye, more limited custom sizing than wood. Very popular in Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Van Nuys.
Wood framing: Douglas fir, cedar, or redwood framing with plywood or tongue-and-groove decking. More custom, can match any design. Requires periodic painting or sealing. Appropriate for higher-end projects where material authenticity matters.
Cost: $12,000–$35,000 for a 300–400 sq ft attached patio cover, depending on material and finish.
Open Pergola
A structure with open rafters rather than solid roofing. Provides partial shade through filtered sunlight and defines the outdoor space without fully enclosing it. Can be made from aluminum, steel, vinyl, or wood.
Cost: $8,000–$25,000 for a standard wood or aluminum pergola.
Lattice Patio Cover
A middle ground between solid cover and open pergola — lattice creates partial shade (typically 30–50% coverage) and allows climbing plants to grow through it. Popular in traditional garden aesthetics.
Cost: $7,000–$18,000.
Freestanding Shade Structure
A detached structure that doesn't attach to the house. Appropriate when setbacks or structural limitations prevent an attached cover. Requires its own footing/foundation.
Cost: Add $2,000–$6,000 to above ranges for footing and structural independence.
Permit Requirements
Patio covers in Los Angeles (City of LA and most Valley municipalities) require building permits. The patio cover is considered an accessory structure and must meet:
- Setback requirements for accessory structures (typically 5 feet from side/rear property lines)
- Structural loading requirements (wind loads in LA are significant — Santa Ana conditions are considered)
- Any HOA requirements (many Valley neighborhoods have HOAs with design review)
We handle all permit applications for patio cover projects. Contact us to discuss your project.
Enhancements That Maximize Value
Integrated lighting: LED recessed lights in a solid patio cover and string lights or pendant lights in a pergola dramatically extend evening use.
Outdoor fans: Ceiling fans in a covered patio make a significant difference in summer comfort.
Electrical outlets: Build-in outdoor GFCI outlets for outdoor kitchen equipment, speakers, and lighting — much easier to include during construction than to add later.
Misting system: Low-pressure misting systems reduce ambient temperature by 10–15°F on hot Valley days — very popular in Encino, Sherman Oaks, and inland Valley communities.
What Patio Covers Cost (Full Range)
| Project | Cost Range | |---------|-----------| | Basic Alumawood lattice cover (200 sq ft) | $6,000–$12,000 | | Mid-range Alumawood solid cover (300 sq ft) | $12,000–$22,000 | | Premium wood patio cover with lighting + fan | $20,000–$40,000 | | Full outdoor room (cover + outdoor kitchen + paving) | $45,000–$120,000+ |
For a free patio cover consultation in Los Angeles, contact us.
Related: Outdoor Kitchen Construction in Los Angeles · Room Additions in Los Angeles