Pergolas, Patio Covers & Outdoor Structures
Create shaded outdoor living space with custom-built pergolas and patio covers designed for Texas sun.
Why Pergolas and Patio Covers Make Sense in Pharr
Texas sun is no joke. Standing in your backyard at 2 PM in July is brutal. Your patio furniture gets too hot to sit on. You can't enjoy your outdoor space during the day because there's nowhere to escape the sun. This is exactly why pergolas and patio covers are so popular with Pharr homeowners.
A well-designed shade structure transforms your patio from unusable to comfortable. You get protection from direct sun, which drops the temperature in the shaded area significantly. You can have morning coffee outside without squinting. You can grill in the afternoon without baking in the heat. Your outdoor furniture lasts longer because it's not constantly exposed to UV rays.
These structures also add architectural interest to your backyard. A basic concrete patio is functional but boring. Add a custom pergola with climbing plants or a solid patio cover with matching trim, and suddenly your outdoor space looks intentional and finished. Many customers tell us their pergola or patio cover became the focal point of their backyard and the place they spend most of their outdoor time.
Pergolas vs. Patio Covers: What's the Difference?
People often use these terms interchangeably, but they're actually different structures with different purposes. Here's what you need to know to decide which one fits your needs.
Pergolas
A pergola is an open structure with vertical posts supporting cross beams and an open lattice roof. The roof isn't solid, so you get filtered light instead of complete shade. Pergolas work great if you want some sun protection without making the space feel enclosed. Many homeowners grow climbing vines over pergolas for additional shade and a natural look. You can also add retractable fabric shades between the beams for more sun protection when you need it.
Pergolas are typically freestanding or attached to your house on one side. They're less expensive than solid patio covers because you're using less material and they're simpler to build. They also don't require as much engineering because the open roof doesn't carry the same load as a solid roof. This makes permits and approvals easier in most cases.
Solid Patio Covers
A solid patio cover has a complete roof that blocks all sun and rain. This creates genuinely shaded outdoor space that's protected from weather. You can use your patio during light rain. Your furniture stays dry. The temperature under a solid cover is noticeably cooler than under a pergola because no direct sun gets through.
Solid covers are built like small roof structures with proper drainage and often match your house's roofing material. They cost more than pergolas because of the additional materials and engineering required, but they provide maximum protection and usability. If you're planning to add furniture, outdoor kitchens, or TV equipment, a solid cover makes more sense than an open pergola.
What We Build
- •Custom wood pergolas: Cedar or pressure-treated lumber stained or painted to your preference. Classic look that ages beautifully.
- •Aluminum pergolas: Low-maintenance metal construction that won't rot, warp, or need regular staining. Great for modern designs.
- •Solid roof patio covers: Insulated roof panels that match your home. Full weather protection with gutters and proper drainage.
- •Louvered roof systems: Adjustable slats that let you control how much sun comes through. Open them for sunlight, close them for shade or rain protection.
- •Combination structures: Pergola style with partial solid roofing for areas that need more protection, like over outdoor kitchens or seating areas.
Designing Your Outdoor Structure
Every backyard is different, and every homeowner has different ideas about how they want to use their outdoor space. We design pergolas and patio covers that fit your specific situation. Here's what we consider during the design process.
Size and Layout
How much space do you want to cover? Are you shading a small seating area or your entire patio? Do you want the structure attached to your house or freestanding in the yard? We measure your existing patio and discuss how you plan to use the space. This determines the footprint and configuration that works best.
Sun Direction
Which direction does your patio face? Afternoon sun from the west is most intense. We orient shade structures to block sun during the hottest parts of the day. Sometimes this means building deeper overhangs on certain sides or angling the structure to maximize shade when you need it most.
Matching Your Home
We design structures that complement your home's architecture and finish materials. If your house has a specific style, we incorporate that into the pergola or cover design. Color choices match your existing trim and roofing. The goal is making the structure look like it was always part of your home rather than an obvious addition.
Additional Features
Many customers add ceiling fans, outdoor lighting, or speakers to their shade structures. We can wire electrical during construction so everything is clean and built-in rather than added later. Some homeowners want privacy screens on certain sides or integration with outdoor kitchens. We plan for all of this during the design phase so the finished structure does everything you need.
If you're thinking about eventually enclosing your patio, we can design the pergola or cover structure to accommodate future enclosure or conversion to a full sunroom. This costs a bit more upfront because we're building a stronger structure, but it gives you flexibility to expand your outdoor living investment later without starting from scratch.