A covered patio in Tulsa turns a hot slab of concrete into a space your family will actually use. Without cover, most patios sit empty from June through September. The sun is too strong, and a sudden storm sends everyone inside. A well-designed patio cover fixes both problems. At Modern Woodscapes, we build custom cedar pergolas and pavilions that give you shade, rain protection, and a look that fits your home. This guide walks through your options so you can plan with confidence.
Why Families Add a Patio Cover
Think about how you use your backyard today. Maybe you grill on the weekends but eat inside. Maybe the kids play in the yard while you watch from the kitchen window. A patio cover brings everyone outside together.
With shade overhead, morning coffee on the patio becomes a daily habit. Summer dinners move outdoors. Fall football games play on a TV under the roof while friends gather around a fire. A covered space gives your patio a purpose, and it quickly becomes a favorite room of the house.
Cover also protects what you put outside. Cushions, rugs, and furniture last longer when they stay out of direct sun and rain.
Two Ways to Cover Your Patio
We build two main styles of covered patio in Tulsa. Each one has its own strengths. The right choice depends on how you want the space to feel.
Cedar Pergola With a Polycarbonate Roof
Pergolas are our specialty. On about 95% of the pergolas we build, we add a clear polycarbonate roof. This roof keeps rain off your furniture and off the cedar. It also blocks UV light, so the space can feel up to 20 degrees cooler underneath. Our standard polycarbonate has a 40% tint for extra shade.
You still get the open, airy feel of exposed cedar beams. Daylight comes through, so the patio never feels dark. Many families love this balance of light and protection.
Cedar Pavilion With a Shingled Roof
A pavilion gives you a solid roof with shingles matched to your house. It blocks 100% of the sun. Inside, you can choose a cathedral ceiling, exposed rafters, and a tongue-and-groove finish. A pavilion feels like a true outdoor room. It works well for families who want full shade or plan to add an outdoor kitchen or fireplace. You can see examples on our cedar pavilions page.
Attached or Freestanding
Your covered patio in Tulsa can attach to your house or stand on its own. An attached cover extends your living space right off the back door. For pergolas, we use SkyLift brackets to mount the structure to your roof. This gives a clean connection and a tall, open feel under the cover.
A freestanding cover works well near a pool or at the edge of a larger patio. It creates a separate destination in the yard. Homeowners in Jenks and Bixby often choose this style for poolside shade.
We also build around odd shapes. If your patio is not a perfect square or rectangle, we can design a cover that matches it.
Features That Make the Space Your Own
A patio cover is a starting point. The extras are what make it feel custom. Popular add-ons include:
- Electrical for ceiling fans, light fixtures, and outlets
- String lights for evening gatherings
- A custom cedar TV cabinet for game days
- A stone or brick outdoor fireplace
- Cedar benches or a porch swing
- An outdoor kitchen with a grill, sink, and bar seating
Ceiling fans are a favorite in Oklahoma summers. Pair one with a polycarbonate roof, and the patio stays comfortable on hot afternoons. A fireplace stretches your season well into the cooler months. These details turn a covered patio in Tulsa into a space you use all year.
Built With Quality Materials
A covered patio in Tulsa has to handle intense summer sun and heavy spring storms. That is why we build every cover with pre-stained Western Red Cedar. The wood has rich color and a natural grain that looks warm against brick or stone. Because we stain it first, the cedar arrives protected and ready.
Each post sits on a bolted Ozco post base. These bases anchor the structure and give the posts a clean, strong connection at the ground. Plan to re-stain the posts every 3 to 5 years to keep them looking fresh.
We do not build cheap kits. We design every cover for your home and your patio. That approach costs more than a box-store option, but the result looks better and lasts longer.
What a Covered Patio Costs
Pricing depends on the style you choose. Our cedar pergolas typically run $45 to $65 per square foot. Cedar pavilions run about $75 to $95 per square foot. Design, roof type, beam size, and backyard access all move the price within those ranges.
We bid each project individually, and our proposals are itemized. You see each option and choose what fits your budget. Financing is also available. To dig deeper, read our guide on how much a pergola costs.
See It Before We Build
Every project starts with a free consultation with owner Jared Covey. He visits your home, listens to how your family wants to use the space, and looks at your patio. Then our team creates a free 3D rendering of the cover on your house. You see the roof, the posts, and the finish before construction starts. The rendering also helps if your HOA needs to review plans.
Start Planning Your Covered Patio
If you are ready for a covered patio in Tulsa, we would love to help. We serve families in Tulsa, Jenks, Broken Arrow, Bixby, and Owasso. Call Modern Woodscapes at 918-399-3436 to schedule your free consultation. Let’s build a space your family will enjoy for years.