Three Big Box Retailers of Patio Covers

Homeowners have plenty of options when it comes to purchasing patio covers. From ready-to-install kits to custom installations, from big box retailers to smaller chains. It has never been easier to get the look you want for your patio.

After reading our patio cover buying guide, consider the top three big box retailers of patio covers. They have some of the best prices.

Lowe's

Lowe's is one of the most recognizable home improvement chains in the world. Known for its expert staff and wide selection of products geared towards the DIY home improvement enthusiast, Lowe's is a great place to begin your search for the perfect cover for your patio.

From standard lean-to designs to the materials you need to build a luxury patio cover, Lowe's sells products in a wide range of prices, starting at $600 for low-end carports and ranging up to $6,000 for more deluxe models. Check out our article on the true cost of patio covers for more information.

Last time I checked, I didn't see a Lowe's offering for coverings that are insulated.

Home Depot

Home Depot is similar to Lowe's but known for an even more personalized approach to home renovation. With delivery and classes at your local store, Home Depot provides the support you need at every step of the way. The national chain offers patio covers that range from as little as a few hundred dollars to those that cost $5,000.

The most notable aspect of Home Depot's patio cover selection is the wide range of materials and styles available. Metal and fiberglass covers typically cost thousands, while a simpler wood or plastic cover may run several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. And while you are there, pick up some accessories for your outdoor room.

Costco

Costco is the most organized big box retailer when it comes to selling patio covers. The store's massive selection is categorized into arbors, canopies, pergolas and gazebos. A typical open-roof arbor with wood construction and lattices runs between $400 and $1,000.

Meanwhile, canopies offer functional shade and protection for your property at less than $500. Costco has one of the most extensive selections of pergolas and gazebos of any online retailer, with a standard wooden gazebo for $3,000 and a more ornate Tuscan pergola made of durable polymer concrete material costing as much as $5,000.

When choosing between these big box retailers, selection is key. Home Depot and Lowe's offer a variety of low-cost options in basic designs, but the cost should always be weighed against long-term value.

While some of Costco's patio coverings are more elaborate, a benefit which is reflected in the higher cost, more expensive patio covers tend to be made from quality materials that provide years of low-maintenance functionality. A simple wooden lean-to may be several thousand dollars more than a solid roof pavilion made of a durable polymer blend, stone or fiberglass, but it is likely that you will have to replace the low-cost option sooner rather than later.

All three retailers offer detailed assembly instructions and delivery options to make things easy for the DIY enthusiast.