Patio Covers & Pergolas

Patio covers are the best way to extend the usability of any deck or patio. Colorado’s harsh summer sun often limits how much time we spend outside during daylight, while snow and rain limits usage during the off-season months. 

The first goal with any patio cover is to ensure the cover looks like it was built with the house, thus the starting point is determining the type of cover (shed or gable) looks best. Materials like soffit, fascia, and shingles are typically matched to the existing house.

Finishing touches include things like tongue and groove ceilings, stone or stucco columns, exposed beams, lighting, heaters, ceiling fans, and even outdoor kitchens.   

Patio covers can be complex. They often include the help of a structural engineer, truss engineer, and even architects. That’s why many outdoor companies shy away from them. We work with engineers and architects on a regular basis and have been building patio covers for more than two decades.  Thus, these projects are a comfort for us, especially when combined with other features like decks and outdoor kitchens. 

Pergolas are less expensive than patio covers and can provide some shade, but they must be built in layers to catch sunlight. This adds to the cost and makes maintenance a challenge. Pergolas are better served as an aesthetic feature to highlight an area of a deck or patio. With a simplified structure, shade fabrics can be incorporated to provided protection from the sun, and privacy, when needed.