Frequently-Asked Questions

Patio covers come in a wide range of sizes and configurations. A typical acrylic aluminum patio cover generally ranges from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the design and scope of the project. We provide free in-home estimates, so you know exactly what to expect before any commitment.

Labor is always included in our residential estimates — no surprise charges at the end. While we don’t install upgrades like lighting or fans, our covers are engineered to safely support these additions if you choose to add them later.

Wood tends to have a more labor-intensive build and requires ongoing maintenance — staining, sealing, and eventual replacement as moisture and UV exposure take their toll. Aluminum is the sweet spot: no painting, no sealing, no rot, no warping. It simply outlasts wood in the Pacific Northwest climate. We build with aluminum for exactly that reason — it's the one material that looks as good in year fifteen as it did on install day.

For panel materials, Acrylite (acrylic) is the longest-lasting polymer available on the market today. It holds up against UV rays without yellowing, maintains structural integrity in heavy rain, and doesn't become brittle over time the way polycarbonate can. Combined with an aluminum frame, it's the most durable system we offer — and the one we'd put on our own homes.

Our covers perform exceptionally well under wind and snow —as long as they are built to engineering specifications. Every cover is engineered and sized according to local load requirements. The key is to stay within the design parameters: our team walks every customer through exactly what their cover is rated for. Follow those guidelines and you'll have a structure that handles Pacific Northwest winters without issue year after year.

Yes — aluminum is genuinely as close to maintenance-free as outdoor structures get. Twice a year, wipe it down. That's it. No staining, no sealing, no repainting, no rot treatment. A quick wipe with soapy water in the spring and fall keeps it looking clean and extends the life of the finish. Compare that to a wood structure that needs professional refinishing every few years, and the math becomes clear fast.

💡 Most of our customers spend less than 20 minutes per year on maintenance — that's less time than mowing the lawn once.

This is exactly what our in-home estimators are for! Send us photos of your home and let us come out — we'll look at your roofline, siding, and the overall aesthetic before recommending anything. The right cover should look like it was always supposed to be there. A good estimator won't just size the structure; they'll make sure it feels architecturally intentional.

Our most popular finishes are Black Aluminum and Heatstop Cool Blue Acrylite — both complement modern Pacific Northwest homes beautifully. While these are customers’ favorites, we offer a curated selection of additional color options and panel styles, allowing you to tailor the look to match your home’s architecture and personal aesthetic. The powder-coat finish on aluminum is highly UV-resistant and holds color far longer than painted wood. Heatstop panels are specifically formulated to reflect heat, which keeps the space underneath cooler on summer afternoons. A great option for sunny south-facing patios. 

In the Pacific Northwest, covered outdoor living is a significant selling feature — not just a nice-to-have. We've seen homes with quality patio covers featured prominently in listings, go pending within 24 hours, and sell $15,000 or more over asking price. Buyers in this region know how many months of the year they'll actually use outdoor space — and a covered patio makes that possible year-round. It's one of the few home improvements that delivers both lifestyle and market return.

For most homeowners, professional installation is the better path — and not just because we're the ones installing. A professionally installed cover comes with a structural warranty and ongoing service support. Kit structures are designed to generic specs and don't account for your specific roofline, post placement, or attachment points. A custom-installed cover is built to your home, not around it.

Yes — and our customers will tell you the same. The most consistent feedback we hear is that people wish they'd done it sooner. A covered patio transforms how you use your home: morning coffee in November, dinner outside in March, kids playing in the yard through a light drizzle. In a region where the weather is unpredictable, a patio cover gives you your outdoor space back for every season. Read our reviews and you'll hear that story over and over again.

We offer 2 different plans: an Equal Payment with No Interest option and a Fixed Payment with Reduced APR option.

With an Equal Payment Promotion, payments are divided equally over a 6-month pay period. No interest will be charged on the promotional purchase if paid in full within 6 months. This monthly payment amount is determined by dividing the purchase price by the number of months in the promotional period. All payments must be made on a monthly due date to avoid late fees. 

With a Fixed Pay Promotion, a reduced APR of 11.99% is charged on the promotional purchase from the purchase date, and the same fixed payment amount is required monthly.

Interest is assessed on the promotional purchase at the reduced APR, and equal payments are required until the promotion is paid in full.

Promotional options are only visible when a purchase is made using your Synchrony account with American Patio Covers. 

Decisions for Credit Approval are instant. You will get one of three decisions after submission: Approved, Denied, Need More Information. 

Acrylic Patio Covers Kits are manufactured in Arlington, Washington, and shipping is available to the US and Western Canada.

Ordering is easy. Simply download our order form above and complete all sections. We'll need information on the installation site (we ship throughout the US and Western Canada), as well as details about the size and type of patio cover you are ordering. Once completed, simply fax or email us the form. Our support team will review your order and prepare a “cut sheet” that details all components of your kit. We'll return this to you for review and approval before we proceed with your order. 

Because all Acrylic Patio Covers Kit orders are custom fabricated, orders must be prepaid by major credit card before manufacturing can begin. We will contact you for your credit card details when you sign off on your final order confirmation. Once your payment has cleared, manufacturing will begin. For security reasons, please do not provide your credit card information to us via email.

From the time we receive your final order confirmation and payment, manufacturing your kit will take two weeks. Acrylic Patio Covers direct ships throughout the United States and Western Canada from our production facility in Arlington, Washington. Shipping times to reach your location will vary. When your kit is ready to ship, we'll contact you with the delivery date and details. 

Your kit will arrive packaged on a skid at the shipping location you indicated on your order form. Your final delivery point must allow access to large freight trucks. It is the responsibility of the receiver to offload the kit from the truck. Special handling equipment may be available by advance arrangement at an additional cost. Contact our support team at (360) 386-2824.

Yes! Acrylic Patio Covers Direct welcomes inquiries from dealers interested in multiple kits or bulk components. Please call us at (360) 386-2824 for details.