Attached vs. Freestanding Patio Cover

Once you've decided to build a patio cover, the next choice is how it connects to your home: attached or freestanding. Each has a place — here's how to pick.

Attached patio covers

An attached cover ties directly into your home's roofline, so it looks like a seamless extension of the house. It's our most popular choice because it feels built-in and is usually more affordable — it leans on the existing structure for support. See our full attached patio covers page for details.

Best for: covering the area right off the back door, creating a shaded outdoor living room, a finished built-in look.

Freestanding (detached) patio covers

A freestanding cover stands on its own posts and can go anywhere — by the pool, over a detached patio, or out in the yard. It needs its own full framing and footings, so it typically costs a bit more, but it gives you total freedom on placement. More on our detached patio covers page.

Best for: poolside shade, detached entertaining areas, yards where the best spot isn't against the house.

Quick decision guide

• Want it off the back of the house, lower cost, built-in look? → Attached.
• Want it by the pool or away from the house? → Detached/freestanding.

Both come in gable or hip roof styles. Still weighing options? You might also like patio cover vs. pergola and our cost guide.