Pergolas, Patio Covers & Outdoor Structures

Expand Your Outdoor Living Space

Adding a pergola or patio cover transforms how you use your outdoor space. These structures provide shade during hot summer days, making your deck or patio comfortable when it would otherwise be too sunny. They define outdoor rooms, creating intimate spaces that feel like extensions of your home. They also add significant architectural interest and curb appeal to your property.

Outdoor structures create versatile spaces for various activities. A covered patio becomes an outdoor dining room where you can enjoy meals regardless of weather. A pergola over part of your deck provides a shaded lounge area while leaving other sections open to sunshine. These defined spaces make your outdoor areas more functional and inviting, encouraging you to spend more time outside.

From an investment perspective, outdoor living structures add real value to your home. They're among the most desirable features for home buyers. A well-designed pergola or patio cover can provide substantial return on investment when you sell. More importantly, you get to enjoy the benefits every day while you own your home.

Types of Outdoor Structures

We design and build several types of outdoor structures, each with unique characteristics and benefits:

• •Pergolas: Open-roof structures with cross beams and rafters that provide partial shade. Traditional pergolas allow filtered sunlight through while reducing heat and glare. They're perfect for defining spaces and supporting climbing plants. Pergolas work beautifully over decks, patios, and walkways.
• •Solid Patio Covers: Fully covered structures that provide complete protection from sun and rain. Solid covers extend your usable outdoor season by keeping areas dry during light rain. They're ideal over outdoor kitchens, dining areas, or any space where you want reliable weather protection.
• •Louvered Roof Systems: Adjustable structures with rotating louvers that let you control sun and shade. Close the louvers for complete coverage or open them to allow sunlight and air flow. These high-tech systems offer maximum versatility and typically include built-in gutters for rain protection.
• •Attached vs Freestanding: Structures can attach to your house or stand freely in your yard. Attached structures feel like natural extensions of your home and provide easy access. Freestanding structures work anywhere in your yard and can create separate destinations like garden pavilions or poolside shade.
• •Gazebos and Pavilions: Freestanding structures with full roofs and often built-in seating. These create distinct outdoor rooms perfect for entertainment areas, hot tub enclosures, or peaceful retreats in your garden.

We help you select the right structure type based on your intended use, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Each option offers different benefits, and sometimes combining multiple types creates the perfect outdoor living solution.

Design and Customization

Every outdoor structure we build is custom designed for your specific space and needs. We start by understanding how you want to use the area. Do you need dining space for large gatherings? A quiet reading nook? An outdoor kitchen area? Coverage for a hot tub? Your intended use drives the design decisions about size, placement, and features.

Style is equally important. We design structures that complement your home's architecture rather than looking like afterthoughts. Traditional homes pair well with classic pergola designs with decorative details. Modern homes look great with clean-lined structures in contemporary materials. Craftsman style homes call for substantial posts and beams with thoughtful joinery. We match your home's character while creating something beautiful.

Custom features enhance both function and beauty. Built-in lighting extends usable hours into evening. Ceiling fans provide cooling air movement on hot days. Privacy screens or lattice panels create enclosure without feeling closed in. Electrical outlets support outdoor entertainment systems. We can incorporate these elements during construction far more easily than adding them later.

Material Options

Material selection affects appearance, maintenance, and longevity. Traditional wood pergolas and covers offer natural beauty and can be stained any color. Cedar and redwood provide excellent weather resistance with gorgeous grain patterns. Wood structures require periodic maintenance similar to wood decks, including cleaning and refinishing every few years.

Vinyl and composite materials offer low-maintenance alternatives. These engineered products resist fading, warping, and insect damage while requiring only occasional cleaning. They come in various colors and styles, including options that convincingly mimic wood. While the initial cost is typically higher than wood, you save money over time through reduced maintenance.

Aluminum structures provide exceptional durability with minimal maintenance. Powder-coated aluminum resists rust and corrosion, making it ideal for Santa Maria's coastal environment. Aluminum works well for modern designs and solid patio covers where you need long spans without massive support beams.

We often combine materials for optimal results. Wood posts and beams paired with composite rafters. Metal frames with wood accents. The possibilities are extensive, and we help you choose combinations that balance aesthetics, performance, and budget. There's no single right answer, just the right answer for your specific situation.

Integration with Existing Decks

Many of our outdoor structure projects involve adding pergolas or covers to existing decks. This is an excellent way to upgrade your outdoor space without the expense of complete deck replacement. We carefully assess your existing deck's structure to ensure it can support the additional load. In most cases, decks built to modern codes can accommodate pergolas or light covers without reinforcement.

Design integration is crucial for a cohesive look. We match materials, colors, and architectural details so the new structure looks like it was always part of your deck. The placement of support posts considers traffic flow and furniture arrangement. Careful planning ensures the finished project enhances your deck rather than cluttering it.

Sometimes we recommend covering only part of your deck rather than the entire surface. This creates distinct zones, with shaded dining or seating areas and open sunny sections for lounging. Partial coverage also costs less than covering the whole deck while still providing substantial benefits.

Additional Features

The right accessories transform a basic structure into a fully functional outdoor room. Retractable shade canopies add flexibility, allowing you to adjust coverage based on weather and sun angle. These fabric systems slide along cables or tracks, offering variable shade without the permanence of a solid roof. They're perfect for pergolas where you want both open sky and shade options.

Privacy screening creates intimate spaces without building walls. Lattice panels, planted trellises, or louvered screens provide visual separation from neighbors or block unwanted views. These elements add character while making your outdoor space feel more secluded and comfortable. Climbing plants on screening add natural beauty and additional shade over time.

Integrated outdoor kitchens or bars take outdoor living to the next level. Built-in grills, refrigerators, and prep spaces make outdoor entertaining effortless. We can design covers specifically to accommodate outdoor kitchens, ensuring adequate ventilation while protecting equipment from weather. These premium features create true outdoor living rooms that rival interior spaces.

Local Expertise in Santa Maria

Building outdoor structures in Santa Maria requires understanding our specific climate and building requirements. Our coastal location means structures must handle morning fog and moisture. Wind considerations are important, especially for lighter-weight covers. We design and engineer structures specifically for local conditions, ensuring they perform reliably for decades.

Local building codes govern outdoor structure construction, including setbacks, heights, and attachment methods. We're thoroughly familiar with Santa Maria's requirements and handle all permit applications and inspections. You don't need to navigate bureaucracy or worry about code compliance. We make sure everything is done correctly and legally.

Our experience with custom outdoor projects in the area means we understand what works and what doesn't. We know which materials hold up best in our environment. We've developed relationships with quality suppliers and can source materials efficiently. This local expertise translates to better results and fewer surprises during your project.

Frequently Asked Questions