Solid patio covers
Permanent overhead panels or metal roofing for consistent shade and a defined roof plane.
Patio Covers
Custom patio covers for outdoor dining and shared space.
Universal Awning designs and installs patio covers for restaurants, hotels, multifamily communities, commercial courtyards, and homes. The system is selected around the amount of shade, roof type, span, drainage, attachment, and how the patio is used.
Covered outdoor dining areaPergola-style roof coordinated with the patio below
Cover typesFabric, aluminum, metal, translucent panel, trellis, and compatible retractable systems
SettingsRestaurants, hotels, offices, multifamily courtyards, rooftops, and homes
PlanningCoverage, structure, posts, attachment, drainage, light, access, and finish
Planning the system
The right patio cover depends on how much sky the space should keep
Some patios need a solid roof that remains in place. Others need partial shade from a trellis, filtered light through translucent panels, or fabric that can open when full sun is welcome. Patio cover is a broad category, so the first decision is what kind of coverage the property actually needs.
We review the patio footprint, building attachment, doors, windows, seating, heaters, lighting, drainage, neighboring views, and service routes before selecting a structure. That keeps the cover useful without making the area feel low, dark, or difficult to operate.
Cover outdoor diningAdd consistent overhead coverage to restaurant, club, or hospitality seating areas.
Improve a shared courtyardCreate shaded resident or employee space at multifamily and commercial properties.
Add shade at homeCover a backyard patio, terrace, outdoor kitchen, or poolside seating area.
Choose fixed or adjustable coverageMatch the roof type to whether the patio should stay covered or open when desired.
Available configurations
Fixed, open-lattice, fabric, and retractable patio coverage
Each system handles light, drainage, appearance, movement, and maintenance differently. The patio and building conditions determine the best fit.
Explore all shade systemsAluminum trellis covers
Open or partially covered aluminum structures that create shade while maintaining an architectural outdoor feel.
View 4K aluminum trellisFabric patio covers
Fixed fabric panels or canopies add color and shade over a custom frame.
Retractable patio systems
Operable awnings or slide-on-wire panels allow the user to open and close the overhead coverage.
View slide-on-wire canopies
Project planning
A patio cover changes light, runoff, and circulation around the building
The roof should not block doors, trap runoff, interfere with windows, or place columns in the furniture or walking path. The finished height and underside are also important because they are experienced from inside the patio every day.
Coverage and daylightDecide how much sun to block and whether filtered or adjustable light is preferred.
Building connectionReview wall, roofline, eaves, doors, windows, waterproofing, and attachment points.
Posts and furnitureCoordinate columns with seating, grills, kitchens, planters, stairs, and circulation.
Drainage and utilitiesPlan slope, runoff, gutters, lights, fans, heaters, and other coordinated components.
Common applications
Patio covers for commercial and residential outdoor areas
The same product name can describe very different projects, from a restaurant dining structure to a residential terrace cover. The site and use set the direction.
Restaurants and food service
Outdoor dining, bar patios, pickup areas, and covered customer seating.
Restaurant projectsHotels and resorts
Guest terraces, pool areas, lounges, dining patios, and event spaces.
Hotel projectsMultifamily and offices
Resident courtyards, rooftop amenities, employee patios, and shared outdoor rooms.
Multifamily projectsHomes
Backyard patios, balconies, pool decks, outdoor kitchens, and family seating areas.
Residential projectsSelected work
Different ways to cover a patio
A covered restaurant terrace and a colorful framed fabric canopy use different roof materials and levels of openness to serve the space below.
Project process
Choosing and building the right patio cover
The roof type, structure, drainage, attachments, finish, and use of the patio are resolved before fabrication.
Review the patio
Document the footprint, building, doors, windows, furniture, sun, drainage, utilities, views, and daily use.
Choose the coverage system
Compare fixed, open-lattice, fabric, panel, or retractable options around the required shade and appearance.
Coordinate the project details
Resolve spans, posts, attachments, slope, runoff, finish, accessories, responsibilities, and access.
Fabricate and install
Build or prepare the approved system and coordinate delivery, staging, assembly, and field completion.
Patio Covers questions
Frequently asked questions
What types of patio covers does Universal Awning provide?
Depending on the project, options may include fabric covers, aluminum or metal structures, open trellises, translucent panels, retractable awnings, and slide-on-wire canopies.
Can a patio cover be attached to the building?
Yes. A patio cover may be attached, freestanding, or use a combination of building attachment and posts depending on structure, span, and site conditions.
What is the difference between a patio cover and a pergola cover?
Patio cover is a broad term for overhead coverage at an outdoor area. A pergola cover refers specifically to the fabric, panel, or retractable shade added over an open pergola or trellis frame.
Can a patio cover be retractable?
Yes. Retractable awnings and slide-on-wire canopy systems can provide adjustable patio coverage where the site and structure are compatible.
How is rainwater handled on a fixed patio cover?
Roof slope, edges, gutters where applicable, and discharge points are planned so runoff is directed away from doors, seating, and pedestrian areas.
What should I send for a patio cover estimate?
Provide the property address, photographs, approximate footprint and height, desired amount of shade, preferred fixed or adjustable coverage, and any plans, finish direction, or accessory needs.
Request a custom patio cover estimate
Share photographs, approximate dimensions, how the patio is used, and whether you prefer fixed, partial, or retractable coverage. We will review the space and discuss the appropriate system.