Complete Your Outdoor Living Space
A deck provides the foundation for outdoor living, but adding structures like pergolas and patio covers takes your space to the next level. These additions create defined areas for different activities, provide much-needed shade from the intense Texas sun, and add architectural interest that makes your backyard feel like an outdoor room.
Here in Pharr, where summer temperatures regularly hit the high 90s and beyond, shade isn't just a luxury. It's what makes your outdoor space actually usable during the hottest parts of the day. A well-designed pergola or patio cover can drop the temperature in your outdoor space by 10 to 15 degrees, making it comfortable enough to enjoy even on hot afternoons.
We design and build custom outdoor structures throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Whether you want a simple pergola to define a seating area, a full patio cover to protect your deck from the elements, or something completely custom, we'll create a structure that complements your home and meets your specific needs.
Custom Pergola Design and Construction
Pergolas have become incredibly popular, and it's easy to see why. These open-roof structures with their characteristic cross-beam design provide partial shade while still allowing air circulation. They create a defined outdoor room without feeling closed in or blocking views.
Traditional Wood Pergolas
Wood pergolas offer classic beauty and versatility. We can build them in various styles, from simple and modern to elaborate with decorative brackets and details. Cedar and redwood are popular choices for their natural resistance to decay and insects, though pressure-treated pine is a more economical option that also performs well.
We can customize every aspect of your wood pergola, including the size, height, beam spacing, and decorative elements. Want to add climbing plants for natural shade? We'll design the structure to support vines and include anchor points for plant guides. Planning to hang lights or fans? We'll incorporate electrical runs and mounting points into the design. These structures pair perfectly with our custom deck installations.
Low-Maintenance Vinyl and Aluminum Pergolas
If you want the pergola look without the maintenance, vinyl and aluminum pergolas are excellent alternatives. These manufactured systems come in various styles and colors, and they'll never need painting, staining, or sealing. They won't rot, warp, or split, and they handle our Texas weather beautifully.
Vinyl pergolas typically offer the most traditional appearance with ornate details molded right into the components. Aluminum pergolas tend toward modern, clean-lined designs and can span larger areas without as many support posts. Both options cost more upfront than basic wood but save money over time through eliminated maintenance.
Features We Can Add to Your Pergola
- •Retractable fabric canopies for adjustable shade control
- •Built-in lighting systems for evening ambiance
- •Privacy screens or lattice panels on one or more sides
- •Ceiling fans for additional cooling on hot days
- •Integrated benches or planters for a complete look
- •Electrical outlets for convenience and entertainment options
Solid Patio Covers for Maximum Protection
While pergolas provide filtered shade, solid patio covers offer complete protection from sun and rain. If you want to use your outdoor space regardless of weather, a solid cover is the way to go. You can enjoy your deck during sudden summer storms or on the hottest days when even filtered sun is too much.
Attached vs. Freestanding Covers
Attached patio covers connect directly to your house, extending your roofline over the deck. This creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor space and provides the most weather protection. We ensure proper attachment to your home's structure and include appropriate flashing to prevent water intrusion.
Freestanding patio covers are separate structures that stand on their own posts. These work well when you can't attach to the house or when you want to cover an area away from the main structure. Freestanding covers can also be designed with multiple roof levels or interesting angles that attached covers can't achieve. Whether attached or freestanding, we can integrate them with your existing wood deck.
Roofing Material Options
The roof material you choose affects both appearance and performance. Matching your house roof creates a cohesive look. Metal roofing in various colors and styles offers durability and reflects heat. Polycarbonate panels allow natural light through while blocking UV rays and heat. We'll help you weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your priorities and budget.
Additional Outdoor Structure Options
Beyond pergolas and patio covers, we build a variety of other outdoor structures that enhance your deck and yard. Each serves a specific purpose and can be customized to match your home's style.
Gazebos and Pavilions
Gazebos are freestanding structures with solid roofs and open sides, perfect for creating a focal point in your yard. Pavilions are larger versions that can cover significant areas, great for outdoor kitchens or entertaining spaces. Both provide full overhead protection while maintaining an open, airy feel.
Arbors and Trellises
These smaller structures create beautiful entrances to deck areas or garden spaces. Arbors frame pathways and provide vertical growing space for climbing plants. Trellises can be attached to deck railings or walls to add privacy, shade, and natural beauty as plants grow across them.
Outdoor Kitchens and Bars
We can design and build custom outdoor kitchen structures complete with counters, storage, and overhead protection. Built-in grills, refrigerators, and sinks make outdoor entertaining easy and convenient. We handle all the construction, including gas lines, electrical, and plumbing if needed. These work great alongside our deck building services in Pharr.
Our Design and Build Process
Creating outdoor structures requires careful planning to ensure they're proportional to your house and deck, properly engineered for wind loads and weather, and built to last. We start with a consultation where we discuss your vision, needs, and budget.
Custom Design
We'll measure your space, take photos, and discuss various design options. We can show you examples of structures we've built and help you visualize how different styles would look at your home. We'll create a design that matches your home's architecture, fits your budget, and provides the functionality you need.
For more complex projects, we can provide detailed drawings or 3D renderings so you can see exactly what the finished structure will look like. We'll get your approval on the design before moving forward with construction. If permits are required, we handle all that paperwork.
Professional Construction
Construction begins with proper foundations. Posts must be set deep enough and with adequate footings to handle the structure's weight and resist wind uplift. We build the frame with appropriate lumber sizes and proper connections. The finished structure is solid and safe, meeting or exceeding all building codes.
We pay attention to details like matching materials to your existing deck, proper drainage to direct water away from your house, and clean finish work with no visible defects. The completed structure should look like it was always meant to be there, not like an afterthought added later. Need deck work done first? We handle deck repairs and restoration too.