Patio Covers in Knoxville, TN
Shade, rain protection, and outdoor comfort with custom patio covers designed for East Tennessee homes. Solid, lattice, and retractable options available.
What Is a Patio Cover?
A patio cover is a roof structure installed over your existing patio, deck, or outdoor seating area. Unlike a full patio enclosure that adds walls and windows, a patio cover provides overhead protection — shielding you and your furniture from direct sun, rain, and falling debris — while keeping the space open on the sides for fresh air and unobstructed views.
Patio covers are the most affordable way to make your outdoor living space more usable. They extend the hours you can spend outside by blocking harsh midday sun in summer and keeping light rain from driving you indoors. For many Knoxville homeowners, a covered patio is the first step in an outdoor living improvement that can later be upgraded to a full patio enclosure or screen room.
At ATC Sunrooms, we design and install custom patio covers that integrate seamlessly with your home’s roofline and exterior finish. Whether you want a solid roof for maximum protection, a lattice cover for filtered sunlight, or a retractable system for on-demand shade, we build patio covers that look like they were always part of your home.
Benefits of a Covered Patio
- Sun and UV protection — Block direct sunlight and harmful UV rays, making your patio comfortable even on the hottest East Tennessee summer days
- Rain protection — A solid patio cover lets you enjoy your outdoor space during light rain without getting wet or having to rush furniture inside
- Extended outdoor living — Use your patio more hours of the day and more months of the year with overhead protection from the elements
- Furniture preservation — Outdoor furniture, grills, and decor last significantly longer when shielded from direct sun, rain, and falling debris
- Lower indoor cooling costs — A patio cover blocks solar heat gain through adjacent windows and doors, reducing your air conditioning load
- Affordable entry point — Patio covers cost a fraction of enclosed rooms and can be upgraded to a full enclosure later
Types of Patio Covers
ATC Sunrooms offers three main patio cover styles for Knoxville homeowners. Each has distinct advantages depending on your goals, budget, and how you use your outdoor space.
Solid Patio Covers
Solid patio covers provide complete overhead protection from sun, rain, and debris. They use insulated or non-insulated panels attached to a sturdy aluminum or wood frame. Solid covers are the best choice if you want reliable weather protection and plan to use the space for dining, entertaining, or as a transition to a full enclosure. Many homeowners choose solid covers with integrated lighting and ceiling fans for a finished look.
Lattice Patio Covers
Lattice covers use an open-grid pattern that filters sunlight rather than blocking it completely. They create attractive dappled shade while still allowing air circulation and some natural light. Lattice covers are popular for garden patios, outdoor kitchens, and areas where you want partial shade without a fully enclosed feel. They can also support climbing plants and vines for a natural, green aesthetic.
Retractable Patio Covers
Retractable covers give you the best of both worlds: full shade when you want it and open sky when you don’t. Manual or motorized mechanisms let you extend or retract the cover in seconds. Retractable systems are ideal for homeowners who want flexibility — shade during hot afternoons and stargazing on clear evenings. They’re available in fabric, aluminum, or louvered panel configurations.
Patio Cover Materials
Aluminum
The most popular material for patio covers in East Tennessee. Aluminum is lightweight, rust-proof, low-maintenance, and available in a wide range of colors and finishes. It won’t rot, warp, or attract insects. Aluminum covers can be powder-coated to match your home’s trim color and will look great for decades with virtually no maintenance.
Vinyl
Vinyl patio covers offer excellent weather resistance and zero maintenance. They don’t need painting, staining, or sealing. Vinyl is typically available in white or off-white and provides a clean, traditional appearance. It’s a good mid-range option for homeowners who want durability without the ongoing upkeep of wood.
Wood
Wood patio covers deliver a warm, natural aesthetic that many homeowners prefer — especially for craftsman, farmhouse, or rustic-style homes. Cedar and pressure-treated pine are the most common choices. Wood covers do require periodic staining or sealing to maintain their appearance and prevent rot, but many homeowners feel the natural beauty is worth the extra maintenance.
Our Recommendation
For most Knoxville homeowners, we recommend aluminum patio covers. They handle East Tennessee’s humidity, temperature swings, and occasional severe weather better than any other material, and they require essentially zero maintenance. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss all material options and help you choose the right fit for your home and budget.
How Much Does a Patio Cover Cost in Knoxville?
Patio covers in the Knoxville area typically range from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the type, size, material, and installation complexity. Here’s a breakdown by type:
About These Prices
The costs shown on this page are industry averages based on national and regional market research. They do not represent specific pricing from ATC Sunrooms and are provided for general budgeting purposes only. Actual project costs vary based on size, materials, site conditions, and design choices.
ATC Sunrooms consistently offers more competitive pricing than national franchise brands and many local competitors. As an independent, owner-operated company with low overhead, no franchise fees, and no expensive showrooms to maintain, we pass those savings directly to you. Our pricing reflects the true cost of quality materials and skilled labor — not corporate markups. Request your free estimate to see the difference.
| Cover Type | Typical Price Range | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Lattice (aluminum) | $3,000 – $7,000 | Filtered shade, open feel, low cost |
| Solid (aluminum, non-insulated) | $4,000 – $10,000 | Full rain/sun protection, budget-friendly |
| Solid (aluminum, insulated) | $6,000 – $13,000 | Full protection plus heat reduction, can support fan/lights |
| Retractable (motorized) | $5,000 – $15,000 | On-demand shade, maximum flexibility |
| Wood (cedar or treated pine) | $5,000 – $12,000 | Natural aesthetic, requires maintenance |
Key factors that affect pricing include the size of the area to be covered, the material and style you choose, whether your home’s structure requires any modification to attach the cover, and whether you want add-ons like integrated lighting, ceiling fans, or gutters.
The best way to get an accurate price is to schedule a free in-home consultation. We’ll measure your space, discuss options, and provide a detailed written estimate with no obligation.
Patio Cover vs. Patio Enclosure: Which Do You Need?
A patio cover protects from above but leaves the sides open. A patio enclosure adds walls (screen or glass) for a fully enclosed space. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Patio Cover | Patio Enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead protection | Yes — sun and rain | Yes — sun and rain |
| Side protection | No — open sides | Yes — screens or glass walls |
| Insect protection | No | Yes — screens block insects |
| Climate control | No | Possible with glass enclosure + HVAC |
| Typical cost | $3,000 – $15,000 | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Upgradeable | Yes — can add walls later | Already enclosed |
Many homeowners start with a patio cover and upgrade to a full patio enclosure or screen room later as their needs evolve. Our team designs covers with future upgrades in mind so the transition is seamless when you’re ready. For a detailed comparison of enclosed vs. open-air options, read our sunroom vs. screen room guide.
Popular Uses for Covered Patios
A covered patio opens up a world of outdoor living possibilities. Our Knoxville clients use their patio covers for:
- Outdoor dining and entertaining
- Grilling and outdoor kitchen space
- Morning coffee and evening cocktails
- Kids’ play area (shaded and protected)
- Pet shelter from sun and rain
- Hot tub or spa enclosure
- Outdoor living room with furniture
- Garden workspace and potting area
- Transition zone between house and yard
- Carport or covered parking alternative
Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Covers
Do I need a permit for a patio cover in Knoxville?
In many cases, yes. Knox County and surrounding municipalities typically require a building permit for attached patio covers that modify your home’s structure. Freestanding pergola-style covers may have different requirements. ATC Sunrooms handles all permitting as part of our standard installation process, so you don’t have to worry about codes or inspections.
How long does it take to install a patio cover?
Most patio cover installations are completed in 1 to 3 days once construction begins. The total timeline from consultation to completion is typically 3 to 6 weeks, including design, material ordering, and permitting. Simple aluminum covers on the smaller side can be completed in a single day.
Can I add a patio cover to an existing deck?
Yes, patio covers can be installed over existing decks as well as concrete patios. The attachment method and structural requirements depend on your deck’s construction. In some cases, we may need to add support posts or reinforcement. Our team evaluates this during your free consultation. For a full deck conversion, see our deck enclosure page.
Can a patio cover be upgraded to a full enclosure later?
Absolutely. One of the advantages of starting with a patio cover is that it establishes the roof structure needed for a future enclosure. When you’re ready, we can add screen walls, glass panels, or a combination to convert your covered patio into a screen room, patio enclosure, or even a three-season sunroom. We design our covers with future upgrades in mind.
What areas do you serve?
ATC Sunrooms serves the greater Knoxville area and East Tennessee, including Farragut, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Clinton, and surrounding communities. View all service areas.
Get a Free Patio Cover Estimate
Ready to add shade and protection to your patio? Schedule a free in-home consultation. We’ll measure your space, discuss cover types and materials, and provide a detailed written estimate with no obligation.
Explore Related Services
- Patio Enclosures — Fully enclose your patio with screens or glass for year-round use
- Deck Enclosures — Convert your existing deck into an enclosed living space
- Screen Rooms — Bug-free outdoor living with fresh air and views
- Sunrooms — Custom three-season and all-season sunroom additions
- Three-Season Sunrooms — Enclosed rooms for spring-through-fall comfort
- All-Season Sunrooms — Year-round, HVAC-connected living spaces
