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The cheapest material for covering a tennis court is rubber or clay. Rubber needs to be installed over a concrete or asphalt base, however, which can make the project more expensive up-front (but cheaper to resurface over time). Clay courts are among the most affordable, but they aren’t the best to play on and require a lot of maintenance.

It’s best to opt for a lightweight roof, as a heavy roof adds a lot of weight and pressure to the support posts and hardware and destabilizes the structure. Vinyl is a good, lightweight option, as is a nice open trellis, louvered aluminum or vinyl slats, or fabric panels. Clear polycarbonate is another great option that offers seamless shelter and additional UV protection without completely obscuring the sunshine. You can also choose retractable coverings or an awning that you only use in wet weather or when you need additional shade.

The average cost to build a pergola ranges from $2,200 to $6,400, whereas the average cost of an awning ranges from $1,400 to $4,400, meaning that an awning tends to be less expensive to build or install than a pergola. Ultimately, the less expensive option depends on a few factors, including size, quality of materials used, and location.

Aluminum patio roofs can make noise during rainstorms, though how much noise they make depends on how heavy it’s raining and if the roof is insulated or not. Light rain falling on your roof might sound soothing but if you live in an area with serious and consistent rainfall, the novelty of the sound might wear off. In any case, the rain you'll hear shouldn't sound louder than a normal conversation or air conditioner, about 50 dB to 55 dB.