How to Build a Patio Cover

This article is about building a patio cover on the rear of the house, with this article you should be able to build a patio cover.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One page drawing/blueprint
• Permit
• Materials
• Tools
• Help

1. Draw up a simple one page plan of your patio cover, better yet the local building department usually offers an example fill in plan sheet with areas for your measurements. The building department will have an outline of their specific requirements on this form.

2. Obtain a permit from your local building department. Most building departments are very helpful.

3. Dig out the footings where the posts will go usually 12'wide by 12'deep. Call for the inspection on this. Materials needed 4x4x7' posts, 2x4s, 2x6 or 2x8 for rafters, 4x8 beams sized by length for your project, joist hangers for rafters, #16 sinker nails, pekoe nails for hangers, #16 galvanized nail for fascia around new patio. #8 sinker nail for 4x8x 7/16 OSB plywood. If you have access to nail guns you are ahead of the game. Also depending on the slope of your patio roof the right roofing material is important, most roofs will need rolled roofing, torch down type is best.

4. Most people will place a slab for the patio along with the footings, this does not need to be inspected. Form up the slab and place your post anchors at each footing, forms are usually 2x4s cut to the size you want, place concrete, let stand over night.

5. Most building departments Will give you several options for connections at the roof, either cutting back the existing eave or lag bolting the fascia board into the rafter ends. Install Joist hangers, brace posts and install beam, requires at least a 7' clearance grade to beam, run your rafters at least 16" on center.

6. Once you are done with all the rafters install the fascia board and then the plywood or OSB. When all the framing and hardware is done call for the rough frame inspection. Finally put on the roof and paint all wood. Call for your final inspection.

Tips & Warnings

• Always have help.
• Construction zone use safety equipment.
• Never cover any work until inspected

[jcoolcash11]

on 7/2/2009 Wow great detail on how to build a patio cover. Spoken like someone who has done this before! RRCR5*

[gahazeleyes]

on 6/22/2009 Excellent article. You are very talented. Thanks

[xrayness]

on 6/17/2009 Excellent tips

[happymaker]

on 6/12/2009 Thank you so much! It's so hot here. We need to do this outside our bedroom patio. 5* and a rec!

[our5kids]

on 6/8/2009 Great tips on How to Build a Patio Cover 5* and recommended you!!