How do I build a cover for my deck ?

Cindy Bivings
by Cindy Bivings
  12 answers
  • Gk Gk on Jun 19, 2020

    Hello Cindy! Are you looking to build a roof for your deck? Not sure what you are asking. In the past I considered this idea and I wanted to completely enclose my deck and make it into a three season porch, however, I discovered that my deck piers wouldn't hold the weight so there would have been some structural changes to be made on an old deck as well as the cost to tie a roof into the side of my house. It was a spendy idea that never happened!

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jun 19, 2020

    If you are considering adding a roof, you will need to add posts (4x4 most common) to support the new structure. You can secure them with metal tie ins and screw them down as well. Once that is done, you add the "band" around the area and then your ceiling joists. After that, your decking and roofing material.

    Other than adding the posts for support, it isn't much different than building a roof for a house.

    If you don't want a permanent structure, you could do an arbor type frame and add a tarp or some other material that can be removed for temporary covering.


  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jun 19, 2020

    If you want a permanent cover for your deck you may neeed to get the proper permits from your local authority.

    Are you considering an awning?

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 19, 2020

    Do you need a permit first? The planning office should be able to help you out on what is acceptable for your community. Different areas require different things.

  • So I don't know if you'd need a building permit or not for a pergola, but here's an interesting cover. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/decks/best-pergola-for-sun-relief-8887514

  • Cindy Cindy on Jun 19, 2020

    Hi Cindy. I'm Cindy too. You could get a Sun Setter deck cover. They even have an electric line to consider where you just push a button and it rolls in and out. They come in several different colors and patterns.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jun 20, 2020

    Depending on your budget might impact your choices. You could use a sail, or install a extension to your roof, or build a self standing pergola or purchase a retractable awning.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Jun 20, 2020

    You could realy just hang a large tarp they sell sails that you put up and there triangle shaped for shade the tarp would be larger just a suggestion.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jun 20, 2020

    yes, Anything with a roof is technically called a Patio Cover and they have to be permitted.

    Most cities have Prototypical Plans on what they require for Permits, on line.


    If you’re going to attach new wood to your existing deck framing, then a pergola style of framing would need to be designed around the tarp or shade cloth you’ll put over it.

    I’m thinking you’ll need 2x6’s at a minimum for “ceiling joists”.


    Meaning tarps have grommets and they’ll need to be secured for wind loads and also be removable for winter & replacement.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jun 21, 2020

    Are you wanting the cover on your patio to be permanent, in other words, it will be in place 12 months of the year? or

    Are you wanting the cover to be in place only during the seasonal months, so that it provides shade on the patio?


    Also, do you want the cover to open and close, or do you want the cover to be static (unmoving)?

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jun 23, 2020

    My neighbor put a gazebo kit on their patio to provide shade and shelter. It looks great! Stay safe!