DIY Aluminum Patio Cover Guide: From Planning to Installation in the Okanagan

Complete step-by-step guide for installing aluminum patio covers in British Columbia

Planning Your DIY Project

Is DIY Right for Your Project?

Good Candidates for DIY:

Simple rectangular patio covers
Single-story installations
Spans under 16 feet
Level ground conditions
Basic carpentry skills

Consider Professional Installation for:

Complex roof lines or angles
Multi-story installations
Spans over 20 feet
Structural modifications needed
Limited time or tool access

Permit Requirements in British Columbia

We make sure our kits have
everything you need to get the job done right:

When You Need Permits:

Covers over 10 square meters (108 sq ft)
Attached to house structure
Electrical work for lighting/fans

Permit Process:

Contact your local building department:
- Kelowna: 250-469-8500
- Vernon: 250-550-3500
- Penticton: 250-490-2400
Submit drawings showing dimensions and structural details
Allow 2-3 weeks for approval
Schedule inspections as required

Realistic Timeline Expectations

Planning Phase: 1-2 weeks
Material procurement: 1 week
Installation: 2-3 weekends (for beginners)
Inspection/completion: 1 week

Total Project Time: 4-6 weeks from start to finish

Measuring & Sizing Your Space

Step-by-Step Measurement Guide

1. Determine Coverage Area

Measure the width of your patio/deck
Measure desired depth of coverage
Account for door/window clearances
Consider furniture placement

2. Height Measurements

Minimum clearance: 8 feet from finished floor
Attachment height: Mark on house wall
Slope requirements: 1/4″ per foot for drainage

3. Foundation Points

Mark post locations (typically 8-12 feet apart)
Check for underground utilities (call BC One Call: 1-800-474-6886)
Ensure posts are square to house

Common Okanagan Home Configurations

Ranch Style Homes:

Typical span: 12-16 feet
Standard depth: 10-12 feet
Attachment height: 8.5-9 feet

Split-Level Homes:

May require stepped installation
Consider upper-level interference
Plan drainage carefully

Heritage Homes:

Maintain architectural character
May need special fasteners for brick/stone
Consider heritage district regulations

Snow Load Calculations for Local Climate

Okanagan Snow Loads:

Kelowna area: 2.4 kPa (50 lbs/sq ft)
Vernon area: 3.0 kPa (63 lbs/sq ft)
Higher elevations: Up to 4.8 kPa (100 lbs/sq ft)

Beam Sizing Chart:

Span	Snow Load 2.4 kPa	Snow Load 3.0 kPa
8 feet	2×8 beam	2×10 beam
12 feet	2×10 beam	2×12 beam
16 feet	2×12 beam	Engineered beam

Aluminum Grade Recommendations

Structural Components:

Posts: 6061-T6 aluminum (4″ x 4″ minimum)
Beams: 6061-T6 aluminum (sized per span requirements)
Rafters: 6063-T5 aluminum (2″ x 6″ typical)

Roofing Panels:

Corrugated aluminum: 29 gauge minimum
Standing seam: 24 gauge recommended
Insulated panels: For year-round use

Why Material Quality Matters for DIY Success

The Problem with Big Box Store Materials:

Inferior aluminum grades that don’t meet snow load requirements
Limited colour options that fade quickly in Okanagan sun
Generic fasteners that fail in local weather conditions
No technical support for complex installations

Okanagan Patio Covers Material Advantage:

Professional-Grade Materials: Same quality we use for our installations
Local Climate Tested: All materials proven in Okanagan conditions
Complete Material Packages: Everything sized and coordinated for your project
Expert Support: Technical guidance throughout your DIY project
Warranty Protection: Materials backed by manufacturer warranties

Get Professional-Grade Materials for Your DIY Project

DIY Material Packages Include:

Precisely cut structural components
Color-matched panels and trim
Professional-grade fasteners
Flashing and weatherproofing materials
Detailed assembly instructions

Why Choose Our Materials:

No waste: Pre-cut to your exact specifications
No guesswork: Everything coordinated and compatible
No shortcuts: Same materials our crews use daily
Local support: Technical help when you need it

Start Today

Elevate Your Patio Experience!

Ready to create the outdoor oasis you’ve always dreamed of?

Contact Okanagan Patio Covers today for a free quote and let us help you choose the perfect DIY aluminum patio cover kit for your home!