How much does it cost for outdoor coverage?

ARTICLE Patricia Moore

By creating covered living spaces in outdoor areas, smart home-owners are adding both visual appeal and value to their properties. They’re also maximising the use of areas which are less appealing over the cooler months.

The options are wide – permanent or semi-permanent, shade sails, awnings, umbrellas, timber pergolas and free-standing gazebos that can function as an alfresco dining space, pool house or spa room. We drop into the shade to take a look at the options and the estimated costs.

How much does a permanent roof cost?

When installing permanent outdoor roofing, choose a product that’s durable and unobtrusive, requires minimal maintenance, offers a range of designs to suit all architectural styles and comes with a replacement guarantee.

With PSP ClearVue roofing, homeowners can enjoy a glass-like appearance that’s naturally resilient, provides a high level of protection against UV and, due to the lightweight nature of the panels, requires less structural support, reducing the overall cost. It’s suitable for use in high wind zones and sea-spray zone areas.

Glazing panels can be supplied ready to install by a tradesman or modified on-site using standard tools.

Permanent coverage of small sites usually starts at around $5,800+, materials and labour costs included.  

Permanent coverage costs

$5,800+*

Looking for inspiration? Check out this Balinese Yoga-inspired covered outdoor area. 

How much does an opening roof cost?

An ‘Eclipse Louvre’ opening roof is a versatile and stylish solution, providing coverage plus control of the environment by adjusting the aluminium blades, either manually or automatically, to manage, light, shade and airflow temperature.

Look for a product designed to withstand climatic conditions such as salt spray, strong winds, and high UV levels. Eclipse Louvre Systems currently offers a number of different systems, all of which have fully engineered technical specifications to cater for any environmental factor. All products are available in powder coat or anodised finishes, and packages can include automatic rain sensors, LED lighting, home automation connectivity, mobile phone/ pc compatibility and much more.

The Eclipse Opening Roof can be installed flat, pitched, curved, gable, angular or used vertically as a privacy screen. When installed in conjunction with partitioning, privacy screens, or fencing products from the vast offering of Slat, Louvre and Laser Cut designs, your outdoor area can be transformed to a thing of beauty for year-round enjoyment.

Whether retro-fitting to a deck, gazebo or pergola - or installing in a new home - using qualified installers will ensure the manufacturer’s warranty.

Depending on the complexity of your louvre roof, you could be spending anywhere between $28,800+ on materials, labour and automation.

Opening roof costs

$28,800+.*

Looking for inspiration? Check out this louvred outdoor area in Auckland. 

How much do pergolas cost?

A landscaping project that involves building a deck is the perfect time to consider adding a pergola - effectively a veranda when covered. This can be either freestanding or attached to a dwelling.

While building consents are not required unless it has a closed roof, a pergola must comply with the Building Code and any local by-laws. In some cases – such as proximity to the boundary – resource consent may also be necessary.

For a short-term solution, a ‘pop-up’ gazebo or party tent is an inexpensive option and there are a wide range of designs available for groups of all sizes. They’re a popular temporary structure, particularly at the height of summer.

For a pergola installation, labour costs are likely to be around $30 - $40+ per hour. Materials and building consents included, you will be looking at spending at least  $5,800 - $9,200+ NZD on a small to average-sized pergola build.

Pergola costs

$5,800 - $9,200+*

Looking for inspiration? Check out this covered outdoor area in Papamoa.

How much does shading in smaller areas cost?

Patio or market umbrellas are the perfect solution for shading smaller areas like outdoor dining settings, kid’s sandpits and play pools. The big movers are the versatile side-mounted cantilever styles.

The side-mount keeps the base out of the way and they can cover a wider area than the traditional patio umbrella. Look for products featuring anti-fading UVA and UVB-resistant fabric, which offer greater protection to those using the umbrella, and are more resilient to sun damage and fade.

Most cantilever umbrellas can pivot a full 360 degrees and can either be weighted with a sand or water-filled base, or bolted to a deck. The counter-weight technology in cantilever umbrella bases helps maintain stability.

At Mitre10, market umbrellas can be found between the range of $130 - $400 and cantilever umbrellas between $500 - $1,000. For an umbrella base, you can spend anywhere between $40 - $200+.

Umbrella costs

$130 - $1,000+*

How much does shading in larger areas cost?

Shade sails are probably the most cost-effective way to shade large areas and range from off-the-shelf, sail-only options, to customised designs in a variety of dedicated sail fabrics including shade cloth, canvas, PVC and shade mesh. Unless these are sufficiently heavy-duty, the effectiveness of the structure will be compromised.

A custom-made 5m x 5m shade cloth with four heavy galvanised poles, installed, could cost in the vicinity of $2,900-$3,600. Off-the-shelf shade sails, can cost under $50 (sail only).

Shade sails costs

$2,900-$3,600 + GST*

*The cost estimates provided in this article are rough guides only and are subject to change. For a cost estimate accurate to your specific requirements, please consult a landscaping specialist.

This project estimate by Patricia Moore featured in Issue 018 of New Zealand Renovate Magazine. New Zealand's first and only magazine solely dedicated to home renovations.

Get in touch with Zones to discuss your landscaping project

If you would like to discuss outdoor coverage options and ideas for your outdoor renovation project, please use the enquiry form on this page to provide us with your contact details. We will get in touch with you at a time that suits you to discuss your landscaping design and build. If you would like to provide us with more information about your project, we have a more comprehensive enquiry form on our "Get in touch" page too.

*Costs are rough estimates and are subject to change. For a fixed-quote accurate to your specific project, please consult your local Zones landscaping specialist. All Zones franchises are independently owned and operated.