Pergolas, Patio Covers & Outdoor Structures
Expand your outdoor living space with beautiful pergolas, patio covers, and custom outdoor structures.
(504) 977-0328
Creating Comfortable Outdoor Living Spaces
Louisiana sun can make your deck or patio too hot to enjoy during summer afternoons. A pergola or patio cover creates shade and makes your outdoor space comfortable throughout the day. These structures also add architectural interest to your yard, define outdoor rooms, and can increase your home's value.
Pergolas, patio covers, gazebos, and other outdoor structures transform your backyard from a place you walk through into a place you want to spend time. Whether you want a shaded spot for outdoor dining, a covered area to protect your patio furniture, or a focal point for your landscaping, we can design and build the perfect structure for your needs.
Pergola vs. Patio Cover: What Is the Difference?
People often use these terms interchangeably, but they describe different structures. Understanding the differences helps you choose what is right for your space.
Here is how these structures compare:
- Pergolas have open roofs with spaced rafters or lattice that provide partial shade while letting some sun through
- Patio covers have solid roofs that block rain and sun completely, keeping the area underneath dry
- Pavilions are freestanding structures with solid roofs, often used away from the house
- Gazebos are freestanding structures with solid or open roofs and built-in seating or railings
- Arbors are smaller structures typically used as garden entries or to frame walkways
- Shade sails are fabric structures that provide temporary or seasonal shade
Designing Your Perfect Outdoor Structure
The right design depends on how you plan to use the space. Do you want to create an outdoor dining room? A pergola over your deck works great. Need full protection from rain for outdoor furniture? A solid patio cover makes more sense. Want to add interest to your yard and create a destination space? Consider a freestanding pavilion or gazebo.
We design outdoor structures that complement your home's architecture and fit your yard's layout. We consider factors like sun angle throughout the day, prevailing winds, and views you want to frame or block. We can match materials to your existing deck or choose contrasting materials for visual interest. If you want to add features like ceiling fans, lighting, or retractable shades, we incorporate those into the design.
Materials and Construction
Outdoor structures need to withstand Louisiana weather, including high winds, heavy rain, and intense sun. We use materials and construction techniques that ensure your pergola or patio cover will last for decades. All our structures are engineered to meet local building codes for wind and load requirements.
Wood remains the most popular material for pergolas and outdoor structures. Cedar and redwood offer natural beauty and resistance to decay. Pressure-treated pine provides good value and durability. We also work with composite materials that offer the look of wood without the maintenance, and aluminum structures that never need painting and resist rust.
Adding Features to Your Outdoor Structure
A basic pergola or patio cover is just the starting point. We can add features that make your outdoor space more functional and comfortable. Retractable canopies let you adjust shade throughout the day. Ceiling fans keep air moving on hot days. Integrated lighting extends the usability of your space into the evening. Privacy screens block views from neighbors.
You can also incorporate climbing plants into pergola designs, training vines over the structure for natural shade and beauty. We can add built-in planters, attach hanging baskets, or design the structure to support outdoor curtains. Many homeowners also add heaters or fire features to extend the season. We work with you to create an outdoor space that truly reflects how you want to live.
Common Questions About Pergolas and Patio Covers
Ready to add a pergola or patio cover?
Call (504) 977-0328