While patio covers can provide shade, they're enclosed structures that can get very hot, especially if they have glass or transparent acrylic roofs. A pergola is an open, airy structure ...

Here are the common patio cover materials and relevant price ranges ... If you want a total enclosure, including four walls surrounding the patio, that’ll cost $5 to $90 per square foot.

Aluminum retains the heat that escapes into the air above the cover. “I can also enclose the patio with thick aluminum panels filled with foam that decreases the heat or cold. The unit can also ...