Your backyard, your vision. Our family-owned team designs and builds one-of-a-kind aluminum patio covers tailored to your home's architecture, style, and how you actually use your outdoor space.
Personalized DesignMatches Your HomeBuilt to LastExpert InstallationLicensed & Insured
A custom patio cover is exactly what it sounds like: a shade structure designed from the ground up for your specific home, your backyard layout, and the way your family spends time outdoors. Unlike prefabricated kits that come in standard sizes and limited configurations, a custom build from DCI Patios starts with your unique space and works outward from there. Every dimension, material choice, color, and feature is selected to complement your home's architecture and meet your functional needs.
DCI Patios serves homeowners throughout the greater Sacramento region, including Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Lincoln, Elk Grove, and surrounding communities. As a family-owned and operated business based in Cameron Park, we bring decades of combined construction experience to every custom project. We handle everything from the initial design consultation through permitting and final installation, so you have a single point of contact throughout the process.
Sacramento's climate makes outdoor living a year-round priority, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit and more than 260 sunny days per year. Quality shade is not optional in those conditions. A custom patio cover lets you solve specific challenges that off-the-shelf products cannot: wrapping around an L-shaped patio, matching an unusual roof pitch, integrating with an existing pergola, or incorporating features like ceiling fans, recessed lighting, and built-in electrical for your outdoor entertainment setup.
Whether you are envisioning a clean, modern aluminum structure with flat-pan roofing, a traditional design with decorative columns and crown molding, or a combination cover that blends solid roofing with open lattice sections, our team has the experience and craftsmanship to make it happen. Learn more about our step-by-step process from consultation to completed installation.
Complete creative control over materials, colors, finishes, and structural design instead of a standard kit with limited options.
A cover that matches your home's architecture, including roof pitch, fascia color, trim style, and column design.
Flexible sizing for unusual layouts such as L-shaped patios, wraparound configurations, or oversized spaces that do not fit standard dimensions.
Integration of custom features like ceiling fans, recessed LED lighting, skylights, electrical outlets, or built-in speakers.
A combination design that blends solid roofing for full protection in one area with open lattice for filtered light in another.
Premium craftsmanship from a local contractor who manages the entire project, including design, engineering, permits, HOA submittals, and installation.
A structure engineered for Northern California conditions, including wind loads, occasional heavy rain, and sustained high temperatures.
Decorative posts, trim details, and finish choices can be tailored to the architecture of the home.
Material Snapshot
Primary Material
Heavy-gauge extruded aluminum
Finish
Baked-on enamel coating, UV-resistant
Color Options
8–12 standard colors plus custom color matching
Materials
Materials & Construction: How Custom Patio Covers Are Built
At DCI Patios, our custom covers are constructed from heavy-gauge extruded aluminum, the same material used by leading patio cover manufacturers like Alumawood and Duralum. Aluminum is the preferred material for Sacramento-area patio covers because it will not rot, warp, crack, or attract termites like wood, and it requires virtually zero maintenance. The extruded profiles are engineered to replicate the look of traditional wood grain while delivering superior structural performance and longevity.
Every custom cover starts with engineered drawings that account for your home's specific attachment points, the span of the cover, local wind and dead-load requirements, and the 2025 California Building Standards Code effective January 1, 2026. Posts are set in concrete footings sized to your soil conditions, and the roof system, whether flat-pan solid, insulated foam-core, or open lattice, is assembled using interlocking panels and concealed fasteners for a clean, finished appearance.
Finish options include a baked-on enamel coating available in a range of standard colors that resist fading, chalking, and peeling under Sacramento's intense UV exposure. For homeowners who need a precise color match to their home's existing trim, fascia, or stucco, we offer custom color matching. Decorative options such as contoured beams, scalloped rafter tails, fluted columns, and crown molding allow you to achieve the exact aesthetic you are looking for.
Primary Material
Heavy-gauge extruded aluminum
Finish
Baked-on enamel coating, UV-resistant
Color Options
8–12 standard colors plus custom color matching
Roof Types
Flat-pan solid, insulated foam-core (3-inch EPS), open lattice, or combination
Post Footings
Engineered concrete footings per California Building Code
Code Compliance
2025 California Building Standards Code, including Appendix BF for patio covers
Compare Options
Custom Covers vs. Other Patio Cover Types
Not sure whether a custom design is what you need, or whether a standard solid, lattice, or insulated cover would do the job? Here is how custom patio covers compare to our other service options.
Solid patio covers provide complete sun and rain protection with a flat-pan aluminum roof, and they are an excellent choice when you need straightforward, full-coverage shade for a standard rectangular patio. A custom cover makes more sense when your patio has an unusual shape, when you want to combine solid and lattice sections, or when you need features like a non-standard roof pitch or integrated electrical that go beyond a standard solid configuration.
Insulated patio covers use a 3-inch EPS foam-core panel that reduces heat transfer and provides a cleaner, quieter ceiling. If temperature regulation is your top priority and your patio is a standard rectangular layout, an insulated cover may be all you need. Custom builds can incorporate insulated panels as part of a larger design, such as insulated roofing over a dining area paired with open lattice over a garden section.
Lattice patio covers filter sunlight through open slats, creating dappled shade that is ideal for garden areas, poolside lounging, or growing climbing plants. If you love the filtered-light aesthetic but also need a section of full coverage, such as over an outdoor kitchen, a custom combination design gives you both in a single, cohesive structure.
Essential for air circulation during Sacramento's triple-digit summer afternoons.
Recessed LED Lighting
Low-profile fixtures for evening entertaining without bulky fixtures.
Electrical Outlets
Pre-wired for TVs, speakers, blenders, or string lights.
Custom Paint Colors
Matched to your home's existing trim, fascia, or stucco.
Decorative Columns
Fluted, smooth, or tapered options to match your home's style.
Skylights or Light Panels
Translucent inserts that let natural light through a solid roof.
Crown Molding Trim
Adds a finished, architectural look to the fascia and beam profiles.
Rain Gutters and Downspouts
Integrated drainage for solid-roof sections.
Privacy Screens
Attached side panels for wind protection or visual privacy.
Combination Roof Sections
Mix solid, insulated, and lattice in a single structure.
Extended Overhangs
Extra coverage beyond the patio slab for additional shade.
Fan and Light Combos
Dual-function fixtures that save ceiling space.
Our Process
From Concept to Completed Cover: Our Process
1
Free Design Consultation
We visit your home, measure your patio, discuss your goals, and review design possibilities. There is no cost and no obligation, just an honest conversation about what will work best for your space and budget.
2
Custom Design & Proposal
Based on your consultation, we prepare a detailed design proposal with dimensions, materials, color selections, features, and a transparent, itemized estimate. You will know exactly what you are getting and what it costs before any work begins.
3
Permit Coordination
We prepare and submit all required building permit applications to your local jurisdiction. Whether your city uses eTRAKiT, Accela, or another system, our team handles the paperwork, engineering documents, and any required revisions.
4
HOA Submittal (If Applicable)
If your home is in an HOA community, we prepare the architectural review submittal package, including drawings, material specs, and color samples, and coordinate with your HOA board for approval.
5
Professional Installation
Once permits are approved, our crew installs your custom patio cover, typically in 1 to 3 days depending on complexity. We protect your landscaping, clean up daily, and treat your home with respect.
6
Final Walkthrough & Warranty
We walk through the completed project with you, confirm every detail meets your expectations, and provide warranty documentation for your records.
“DCI Patios designed a custom cover for our oddly shaped patio that two other companies said could not be done. The installation crew was professional, the permit process was completely hands-off for us, and the finished cover looks like it was always part of the house. Highly recommend.”
“We wanted a combination cover, solid over the outdoor kitchen and lattice over the seating area. DCI nailed the design and matched our house color perfectly. The whole project from consultation to final walkthrough took about five weeks.”
“Great experience from start to finish. They handled our HOA submittal, pulled the permits, and installed everything in two days. The quality of the aluminum is impressive, no comparison to the DIY kit we were originally considering.”
FAQ
Custom Patio Cover FAQs
How much does a custom patio cover cost in the Sacramento area?
Custom patio cover pricing varies based on size, materials, roof type, and features like lighting or ceiling fans. Most Sacramento-area homeowners invest between $8,000 and $25,000 or more, depending on complexity. We provide free, detailed estimates with transparent, itemized pricing, no hidden fees and no surprises.
What's the difference between a custom patio cover and a prefab kit?
Prefab kits come in fixed sizes and limited configurations. A custom patio cover is designed from scratch for your specific home: your dimensions, your roof pitch, your color, and your features. Custom builds also use heavier-gauge aluminum and engineered connections that meet California building code, which most kit products do not.
How long does a custom patio cover installation take?
From the initial consultation to completed installation, most custom projects take 4 to 8 weeks total. That includes design, permitting, typically 2 to 4 weeks depending on your city, and installation itself, which usually takes 1 to 3 days on site.
Do I need a permit for a custom patio cover in California?
Yes. In virtually every city and county in the Sacramento region, patio covers require a building permit. DCI Patios handles the entire permit process for you, from preparing engineered drawings to submitting the application to scheduling inspections. You do not have to visit the building department.
How do I maintain a custom aluminum patio cover?
Aluminum patio covers are essentially maintenance-free. Unlike wood, they will not rot, warp, crack, or attract termites. To keep your cover looking new, simply rinse it with a garden hose a few times a year to remove dust and pollen. The baked-on enamel finish resists fading and chalking under Sacramento's intense sun.
Can I customize the color to match my house?
Absolutely. We offer 8 to 12 standard aluminum colors that coordinate with common home exterior palettes. If you need a precise match to your existing trim, fascia, or stucco color, we provide custom color matching so your patio cover blends seamlessly with your home.
Will a custom patio cover hold up to Sacramento's summer heat?
Yes. Our aluminum covers are engineered specifically for Northern California's climate, including sustained temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, intense UV exposure, and occasional high winds. The baked-on finish will not peel or fade, and the aluminum structure will not expand, contract, or deteriorate the way wood does under these conditions.
What warranty comes with a custom patio cover?
DCI Patios provides a comprehensive warranty covering both materials and workmanship. The aluminum structure and finish carry a manufacturer's warranty against defects, fading, and structural failure. We also stand behind our installation work. Specific warranty terms are provided with every project proposal.
Can I combine solid and lattice sections in one custom cover?
Yes. Combination covers are one of the most popular custom designs we build. You might want a solid section over your outdoor kitchen for full rain protection, and an open lattice section over a garden seating area for filtered light. Custom design lets you blend any of our cover types into a single, cohesive structure.
Will DCI handle my HOA approval?
Yes. Many Sacramento-area communities require architectural review approval before installing a patio cover. We prepare the complete HOA submittal package, including dimensioned drawings, material specifications, and color samples, and coordinate with your HOA board throughout the approval process.
Independent structures that can be placed anywhere in your yard over pools, gardens, or outdoor kitchens.
Service Areas
Serving the Greater Sacramento Region
DCI Patios designs and installs custom patio covers for homeowners across the Sacramento metro area and surrounding foothill communities. Based in Cameron Park, we are within easy reach of every city in our current live service area.
Schedule your free in-home design consultation. We will measure your space, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed, no-obligation estimate at no cost to you.
