(949) 525-1267
Dark freestanding aluminum patio cover with a ceiling fan over a concrete patio

Freestanding Patio Covers in Orange County

A freestanding patio cover puts shade exactly where you want it, on its own posts and nothing fastened to the house. Ocean Pacific Patios builds detached covers for yards across Orange County.

4.6Google rating · 39 reviews
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Your project at a glance

Orange County homes

Also serving Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

Patio cover options

  • Freestanding Lattice Cover
  • Freestanding Solid Cover
  • Freestanding Insulated Cover
  • Wood Grain or Extruded Frame
See all patio covers

Wood grain & extruded

Duralum wood grain4K extruded aluminum

Send a few photos

Call or request a quote and share photos of the space you want to cover.

When a freestanding patio cover makes more sense

When a freestanding patio cover makes more sense

A freestanding cover carries its whole roof on its own posts and beams. Nothing is bolted to your wall or roof line, so it can stand out in the yard or close to the house without touching it. It also goes by detached patio cover or detached patio roof.

Freestanding is often the better choice when:

  • Your eaves are low or shallow, so an attached cover would sit too low to feel open.
  • You would rather not cut into stucco, siding or a tile roof to mount a ledger board.
  • The spot you actually use is away from the house, such as a back corner that gets the afternoon sun.
  • You want shade in a second place, for example a cover by the back door and another over the spa.
A freestanding patio cover next to the house

A freestanding patio cover next to the house

You do not have to go far from the house to go freestanding. A cover can stand a short gap away from the wall on its own back row of posts. You get shade at the door while the stucco, gutters and roof tiles stay as they are.

Where detached patio covers work best

Where detached patio covers work best

We have built freestanding aluminum covers in our own projects, and these are the spots where they earn their keep:

  • Pool deck. Shade for lounge chairs without crowding the water. Posts go where they stay clear of walkways and gates.
  • Fire pit. A lattice roof keeps the space open overhead, and roof height and clearance need careful planning around any fire feature.
  • Outdoor kitchen. A solid roof keeps the grill and counters dry, with room to plan lights and outlets.
  • Spa. A cover adds shade and a sense of privacy around the tub.

Plan your project

Talk to Ocean Pacific Patios

4.6 on Google (39 reviews)

Footings, posts and layout

Footings, posts and layout

Because a detached cover does not lean on the house, the posts and footings do all the work. How many posts you need depends on the cover’s size and design, and each one needs a footing sized for the load.

A good layout puts posts where they stay out of views, doorways and pool gates. Our own crew pours the footings, along with any new slab, as part of the same project.

Roof choices for a detached patio roof

Roof choices for a detached patio roof

Out in the open yard, with no house wall to block sun or wind, the roof choice matters more.

  • Lattice. Best where you want some sky, like a fire pit or garden seat.
  • Solid. A dry spot for an outdoor kitchen or dining set far from the back door.
  • Insulated. Worth it over a pool deck or spa that sits in full sun all afternoon. See our insulated patio cover page for more.

Frames are aluminum, our specialty: Duralum wood grain if the cover should feel like a garden structure, 4K extruded aluminum for a crisp modern frame, or a mix of the two.

Freestanding cover or freestanding pergola?

Freestanding cover or freestanding pergola?

Both stand on their own posts. The difference is overhead: a freestanding cover can take a solid or insulated roof that blocks sun and rain, while a pergola keeps its top open so it frames the space and softens the sun rather than blocking it.

If you want a lighter, architectural look, compare our freestanding pergola options before you decide.

The floor under your cover

The floor under your cover

A cover out in the yard often needs a floor to match. We pour concrete and lay pavers with our own crew, so you can plan the floor and the cover together.

Detached patio cover designs, planned for your yard

Detached patio cover designs, planned for your yard

A good design starts with the yard itself: where the sun falls, how the ground slopes and where people actually sit. Roof type, color and post layout follow from that. Permit rules for patio covers vary by city, so check with your city early.

Weighing a detached cover against one attached to the house? Our patio covers orange county overview compares them side by side. Then Contact Ocean Pacific Patios or call (949) 525-1267. Our office is at 566 Sturgeon Dr in Costa Mesa.

Options

Freestanding patio cover options

Pick the roof first, then the frame material that suits your home.

Freestanding Lattice Cover

Open slats on their own posts that filter the sun over a fire pit, garden bench or play area.

Freestanding Solid Cover

A full roof on its own posts for steady shade and rain cover over a dining set or outdoor kitchen.

Freestanding Insulated Cover

Foam core roof panels that keep a pool deck or spa area cooler and make lights and a fan easier to add.

Wood Grain or Extruded Frame

Duralum wood grain aluminum for a painted wood look, 4K extruded aluminum for clean modern lines, or both together.

Reviews

What homeowners say

See what homeowners say about working with us on our Google Business Profile.

4.6/5

Based on 39 Google reviews

Read our Google reviews

Recent Google reviewsLive from our Google Business Profile

  • Roxana Strohmeier2 months ago★★★★★

    I recently had a new solid insulated patio cover installed. My experience with Ocean Pacific Patios was amazing from start to finish. Charlie the Design Consultant was friendly and knowledgeable! Most importantly he was not pushy at all! He answered all my questions without hesitation. The Construction Manager, John, was wonderful too! He had great suggestions and expertise knowledge! Mario and his crew did an excellent job in the demolition of my old cover and installed the new one with precise skills! I have already recommended this company to three people. I have zero complaints!

    Posted on Google
  • Jon Ifould8 months ago★★★★★

    We did a large front/backyard remodel and pool. John and his team did the Pergolas. Of the three separate contractors we used I would only recommend John. He and his team were professional and the quality was first rate. I really wish I had discovered John before I signed the contract with the main hardscape contractor. John's experience and excellent problem solving skills really saved the project. I highly recommend Ocean Pacific Patios.

    Posted on Google
  • Jay Saffarzadeh8 months ago★★★★★

    I had a great experience with this company. My sales rep was John. He was extremely good and professional. He knew exactly what I needed. His crew were great. They built a cover patio so beautiful and we are grateful to them. I highly recommend this company.

    Posted on Google
  • Jia Hui Deng8 months ago★★★★★

    Charlie and John were super helpful with our new house patio. They were very detailed yet fast pace. Great price on the market! And super thankful that we have them working for the new house!

    Posted on Google
  • Betty Lynn Senes9 months ago★★★★★

    John and Charlie took on our complicated home patio pavers and drainage project this past fall 2025. It was small, so I was worried it would not be a priority for anyone - but they were prompt, fair, and no-nonsense. Their crews were expedient, knowledgeable and exceeded our expectations. They were patient while we selected just the right paver color, and made suggestions such as some small accent lights that have made a huge difference! Charlie is extremely knowledgeable and helped us to achieve a beautiful result that drains properly. They even helped locate and connect a drain line that was buried under some pavers we had placed years ago, leaving the area looking beautiful! I would highly recommend Ocean Pacific Patios, without reservation. They are the best.

    Posted on Google
  • Elnaz Sadaghiana year ago★★★★★

    John is one the best business man who is always available, on time and very knowledgeable, he helped me about lots of different things for my project that I had no clue how to design it, his team are very helpful, kind and friendly, 1 am super happy and truly thankful for the outstanding work and results. I really recommend Ocean Pacific Patios, especially working with John is very fun also appreciated. Thank you

    Posted on Google
  • John Bozajiana year ago★★★★★

    If you’re looking for a beautiful, high quality patio cover at a fair price, this is the company to use. Construction manager John Haynes handled all our design needs in a very professional manner. Tony and the install crew really know their stuff too.
    You couldn’t go wrong using Ocean Pacific Patios.

    Posted on Google
  • Dave Ramos2 years ago★★★★★

    After several bids and proposals with patio cover companies, we decided to go with Ocean Pacific to replace our old dilapidated patio cover. Charlie was informative and fair in presenting his numbers. John, the construction manager, in addition to his expertise in confirming the design details, was very helpful in referring a wood repair man (who did a great job). Demo day went smoothly. The crew was quick and efficient. Installation of the patio cover was spectacular - Hugo and his helper completed the job in one day! They were professional and answered my questions. They cleaned up the back yard after their completion. We are very happy with the patio cover. It turned out beautiful! Thank you, Ocean Pacific.

    Dave & Rose Ramos - Walnut, CA

    Posted on Google
  • Dan Gehrig2 years ago★★★★★

    It was great working with Ocean Pacific Patios. I updated my pool deck and was extremely pleased with the quality of work that was produced. Looking forward to them for more projects in the future.

    Posted on Google
  • Don Spengler2 years ago★★★★★

    My wife and I selected Ocean Pacific Patios after receiving several different bids. From the beginning, Charlie came to our home and listened to what we wanted. During this process, Charlie suggested a different option that we had not thought of. He presented us a bid for our option and the new option he offered. We finally decided to go with Charlie’s option. Charlie and John came out for the final design meeting, at which time John made a production drawing of our new patio cover, which really helped tell us we made the right design decision. During the installation John’s crew was very professional and they left the work site clean, when finished. We are very happy with the new patio cover and glad Charlie suggested this option. I would highly recommend Ocean Pacific Patios. Thanks Charlie and John.

    Posted on Google
  • Jenn Zerling2 years ago★★★★★

    By far the EASIEST process it was by working with Charlie Twitch who sealed the deal and outbid 6 other contractors and John Haynes whose expertise made this sunroom exactly to vision. This company is truly the sunroom experts of Orange County. Please trust me when I tell you, my yard was a complete disaster before this and not only did they demo the existing leaking cover which came with the house, but they helped me design the rest of the yard alongside others and were amazing coordinating and masterminding the final outcome. They are honest and treated me like family the entire time. Look no further. I already did the research for you!

    Posted on Google
  • Chris Kelley2 years ago★★★★★

    We decided to work with John and his team at Ocean Pacific Patio after our due diligence in gathering a number of quotes and design ideas. We do not have a standard patio layout and so it was very important to have the right people who could understand our vision. After meeting with John and going over the details, it was clear to us that he could take us to the finish line with our outdoor patio cover. The build took two days and our space was kept very clean. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is first class. I would definitely recommend Ocean Pacific Patios to anyone who is looking to build their dream patio. Thank you 🙏🏽

    Posted on Google

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Still deciding? Call us and we will talk it through.

Call (949) 525-1267
What is a freestanding patio cover called?

You will hear it called a detached patio cover, a detached patio roof or a free standing patio cover. All of them mean a cover held up entirely by its own posts and beams, with no connection to the house. A freestanding pergola is a different structure with a more open top.

How is a freestanding patio cover built?

It starts with the layout: where the posts go and how high the roof sits. Concrete footings are poured for each post, then the posts, beams and roof are set and tied together. Because the house carries none of the load, the footings and post spacing matter more than on an attached cover.

Do I need a permit to build a patio cover in California?

Often, yes, but the answer depends on your city. Triggers usually include the roof size, the height and how close the cover sits to a property line or the pool. A detached cover near a pool can raise its own questions, so ask your city's building department early.

What is the cheapest way to cover a patio?

A smaller cover with a lattice roof usually costs less than a large solid or insulated one, and an attached cover can need fewer posts than a freestanding one. Size, roof type, footings and any electrical all move the price. Request a Quote and we will price your exact layout.

Can you add lights or a fan to a detached patio cover?

In many cases, yes. The main question on a detached cover is getting power out to it, since the house is not right there. We plan the power route before the footings and any new floor go in, and the lights, fan and wiring are handled as part of the job.

Get started

Plan your freestanding patio cover

Which part of the yard do you want to shade? Call (949) 525-1267 or Request a Quote to talk through posts, roof and floor.

  1. Step 1Call or send photos
  2. Step 2Measure and design
  3. Step 3Build and walkthrough
Dark aluminum patio cover over a lounge area with a fire pit, built by Ocean Pacific Patios An Ocean Pacific project
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