Pergolas, Patio Covers & Outdoor Structures

Enhance Your Outdoor Living Experience

Pergolas and patio covers transform your outdoor space from basic to extraordinary. These structures provide shade during hot Florence-Graham afternoons, define outdoor rooms, and create architectural interest that enhances your home's appeal. Whether attached to your deck or freestanding in your yard, outdoor structures extend the usable hours of your outdoor space.

We design and build custom outdoor structures that complement your home's architecture while meeting your practical needs. From classic pergolas with open-beam roofs to fully covered patio structures, we create spaces that you will use and enjoy throughout the year.

Adding shade structures to your property increases its value while improving livability. Outdoor living spaces are among the top features buyers look for. A well-designed pergola or patio cover makes your property more attractive and functional.

Types of Outdoor Structures We Build

Different structures serve different purposes. Understanding your options helps you choose the right addition for your outdoor space:

• Traditional pergolas feature open-beam roofs that provide filtered shade and visual appeal
• Solid roof patio covers offer complete weather protection for year-round outdoor living
• Louvered roof systems let you adjust shade levels by rotating roof slats
• Gazebos create freestanding covered areas perfect for hot tubs or outdoor dining
• Arbors and trellises provide architectural accents and support for climbing plants
• Attached structures extend from your home to create seamless indoor-outdoor transitions

Pergolas remain the most popular choice for their combination of shade, style, and affordability. The open-beam design allows some sunlight through while reducing heat and glare. You can enhance shade by adding fabric panels, retractable canopies, or training vines to grow over the beams.

Material Selection for Longevity

The materials you choose affect how your outdoor structure looks, how long it lasts, and how much maintenance it requires. We offer various options to match your preferences and budget.

Wood pergolas provide traditional beauty and natural warmth. Cedar and redwood resist rot and insects naturally, making them excellent choices for outdoor structures. These premium woods age gracefully, developing an attractive silver-gray patina over time. Alternatively, you can maintain their original color with regular staining and sealing.

Vinyl and composite materials offer low-maintenance alternatives to wood. These products never need painting or staining and resist warping, cracking, and insect damage. They cost more initially but save time and money over the structure's lifetime. Modern versions look remarkably similar to real wood while eliminating maintenance concerns.

Aluminum pergolas and patio covers deliver exceptional durability with minimal upkeep. Powder-coated finishes resist fading and corrosion while providing clean, modern aesthetics. Metal structures work especially well for contemporary homes or when you want sleek lines and maximum strength.

Custom Design Features

We design outdoor structures that integrate seamlessly with your property. Every project begins with understanding how you plan to use the space. Dining areas, outdoor kitchens, lounge spaces, and hot tub surrounds each require different considerations.

Size and proportion matter significantly. A pergola that is too small feels cramped and fails to provide adequate shade. One that is too large overwhelms your yard and looks out of scale with your home. We carefully plan dimensions that balance function with aesthetics, creating structures that feel just right.

Integrated lighting transforms pergolas and patio covers into evening entertainment spaces. We install fixtures that provide both ambient lighting and task lighting for dining or cooking. LED technology offers energy efficiency and longevity while creating beautiful ambiance.

Built-in features like ceiling fans improve comfort during hot weather. Electrical outlets support outdoor entertainment systems, lighting, and small appliances. Privacy screens attached to pergola posts create intimate spaces without completely enclosing the structure. We discuss these enhancements during planning to incorporate them efficiently.

Integration With Existing Decks and Patios

Adding a pergola or patio cover to an existing deck upgrades the entire outdoor area. The structure defines the space, provides shade, and creates an outdoor room that feels like an extension of your home. We design additions that complement your current deck design and coordinate with your home's architecture.

Proper attachment to existing structures requires careful engineering. We evaluate your deck's ability to support the additional weight and loads. If reinforcement is necessary, we explain what is needed and why. This ensures your pergola or cover is safe and stable.

Freestanding structures work well when you want flexibility or when attaching to your home is not practical. These designs support themselves without relying on your house or deck. You can place them anywhere in your yard to create distinct outdoor zones.

Matching materials and finishes creates visual continuity between your deck and new structure. We coordinate colors, wood species, and architectural details so everything looks intentional and cohesive. This thoughtful approach produces results that appear as though everything was built together.

Frequently Asked Questions