How to Build a Patio Cover

Do-it-yourself projects can be rewarding but more importantly than that you can save money while doing something good for your home. Even the most experienced individuals are wise enough to read the directions when they are working on home improvement projects.

Things You'll Need:

• 2 post base


• 2 four-by-four posts


• 2 to 3 lengths of one-by-six lumber


• Two-by-six lumber (exact number will be determined by the size of your project)


• 1 two-by-12 lumber


• Plywood (exact number will be determined by the size of your project)


• Concrete anchors


• Level


• Tape measure


• Nail gun


• Stapler


• Drill


• ½ inch drill bit


• Framing square


• Tar paper


• Metal screen


• Roofing shingles


• Flashing

1. Determine the size you wish for your patio cover and the pitch of the roofline.


2. Place the post bases at the corners of the project and set them in place with concrete anchors.


3. Place the four-by-four posts on the post base and secure to it with nails.


4. Use the two-by-12 lumber to create a support beam at the roofline of the house.


5. Use the tape measure to mark rafter location at two feet intervals on the beam.


6. Using the roof pitch for your pattern cut tails and rafters.


7. Cut the ridgeline from the two-by-six lumber with the help of another person and then set the rafters in place.


8. Put a block of wood between rafter tails and drill three holes in the center of every third rafter.


9. Staple the metal screening to the inside of every block that was drilled.


10. Install the plywood decking with the help of another person.


11. Install the flashing to the intersection of the roofline and patio roof.


12. Starting at the bottom of the patio roof, roll the tar paper out and secure it to the plywood overlapping six inches on the sides.


13. Begin at the bottom and install shingles to the roof, overlapping according to manufacturer's instructions.


14. Install the roof jack two feet on each side of the ridgeline


15. Place sheathing on the underside of the roof to finish it off.


16. Use the one-by-six lumber to wrap around the post base for a more attractive finish.