Acrylic or impact glass? The best patio enclosure depends on your existing structure, your storm-protection goals, and your budget. Acrylic can be a more affordable way to enclose a suitable existing patio. An engineered impact-glass enclosure is the option to explore when hurricane-rated protection is a priority.
For a typical 20′ × 10′ porch, DR Impact Co’s planning ranges are $15,000–$18,000 for an acrylic enclosure and $26,000–$30,000 for an impact-glass enclosure, before adding a roof. Below, expand each price chart to see how a roof changes the picture.
The featured image is acrylic-conversion promotional artwork. Its phrase “impact resistant” describes material durability; it does not establish a hurricane rating for an acrylic enclosure. UV and weather-performance claims depend on the selected product.
Compare the cost of a 20′ × 10′ patio enclosure
These are DR Impact Co budget examples supplied in September 2026, not fixed quotes or a price-per-square-foot formula. The 20′ × 10′ measurement describes the porch footprint; wall height, exposed sides, openings, access, and structural work also affect cost.
YOUR PATIO. TWO BUDGET PATHS.
Tap or click a heading to expand or collapse its chart. Bars share a $46,000 scale and end at the upper planning estimate; the displayed ranges show the full estimate.
Scenario 1 · Enclosure only — suitable roof already in place
Acrylic retrofit · $15,000–$18,000
Impact glass · $26,000–$30,000
Midpoint perspective: $16,500 versus $28,000. Acrylic is $11,500 lower—about 41% less in this example.
Scenario 2 · Add an insulated roof — compare combined budgets
Acrylic + roof · $22,000–$28,000
Enclosure $15,000–$18,000 + roof $7,000–$10,000.
Impact glass + roof · $39,000–$46,000
Enclosure $26,000–$30,000 + roof $13,000–$16,000.
Midpoint perspective: $25,000 versus $42,500. Acrylic is $17,500 lower—about 41% less in this example.
The roof allowances belong to these two project examples. Final roof design, connections, and structural requirements must be evaluated for your property.
Combined ranges add the low estimates together and the high estimates together. Midpoints are illustrations, not promised savings. Confirm permits, engineering, demolition, slab or foundation work, electrical work, finishes, and other inclusions in your written proposal.
Why a large porch can change the decision
A spacious patio is wonderful to enjoy, but more openings and larger spans can make an impact-rated enclosure a substantial investment. A homeowner may value the long-term upgrade and still need a more manageable starting budget.
For a suitable existing patio, acrylic conversion may preserve more of what is already there. That can make the project financially achievable. An existing non-impact enclosure is not automatically suitable for conversion, however: its framing, roof, anchoring, condition, and proposed use need assessment.
Acrylic versus impact glass: what are you choosing?
| Priority | Acrylic enclosure | Impact-glass enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Starting budget | Lower in these example ranges. | Higher investment in these examples. |
| Main reason to consider it | Enclosing a suitable patio while keeping the budget in reach. | A permanent enclosure designed around approved impact protection and project requirements. |
| Storm protection | Do not treat ordinary acrylic conversion as hurricane-rated protection. | Depends on approved products and the complete engineered, permitted installation. |
| Existing structure | Retrofit potential must be checked on site. | May need structural upgrades to support the proposed system. |
| Care | Scratches easily; use gentle acrylic-safe cleaning. | Follow the glass, frame, coating, and hardware care instructions. |
Does acrylic provide hurricane protection?
Material toughness and a hurricane-rated enclosure are different things. Acrylic panels can be durable in everyday use, but that alone does not mean the enclosure is approved to protect against hurricane wind and wind-borne debris.
Likewise, installing impact glass does not automatically make an old patio structure hurricane-rated. The selected windows and doors, their size and design pressures, the supporting structure, roof, and attachment details all need to suit the project. You can check product records through the Florida Product Approval search; final suitability requires project-specific review. No enclosure should be described as hurricane-proof.
Which option fits your priorities?
My priority is a lower upfront budget
Start by asking whether your existing patio can accept an acrylic conversion. Compare the complete scope, understand its storm limitations, and discuss how to prepare the enclosure for severe weather under the manufacturer’s instructions.
My priority is an impact-rated enclosure
Explore an impact-glass project with a site assessment and the required structural design. Budget for the complete assembly and any needed roof or foundation changes, rather than pricing the glass alone.
I need a roof too—or I am not sure
Open Scenario 2 above for the combined planning ranges. DR Impact Co can review what is already in place and explain the roof scope for each option. A 20′ × 10′ footprint alone cannot determine the final quote.
Can financing help make the project fit?
DR Impact Co offers financing options that may help spread the project cost into monthly payments. Ask us to compare options for your preferred enclosure and your budget. Financing is subject to lender approval and terms; rates, repayment periods, and available amounts vary. Compare the total repayment cost as well as the monthly payment.
You do not have to choose based on a headline price alone. Start with the space you want, understand the differences, and then review a written proposal and any available financing.
Questions to ask before you decide
- Can my current framing, roof, and slab support the proposed enclosure?
- What exact products and storm-protection performance are included?
- What permits or association approvals does my project need?
- Does the price include the roof, engineering, demolition, and finishing work?
- Is the space intended as an unconditioned patio or a conditioned room? Enclosing it does not automatically approve it as air-conditioned living area.
For acrylic owners, read our guide to cleaning acrylic patio windows without scratching them.
Make your backyard your oasis
Whether you choose an acrylic retrofit or an impact-glass enclosure, the right project should match your home, your goals, and your budget. DR Impact Co serves Broward County and West Palm Beach and can help you compare both paths.
↑ Compare acrylic versus impact glass prices
Explore acrylic enclosures · Explore impact patio enclosures
Request your personal patio comparison and free estimate → or call 954-508-2616.