Pergolas, Patio Covers & Outdoor Structures

Extend Your Outdoor Living Space

Your deck is great, but what if you could use it even during the hot afternoon sun or a light rain? Pergolas, patio covers, and other outdoor structures transform your deck from a nice feature into true outdoor living space you can enjoy all day long. At Build Wise Fairfield Decks, we design and build custom structures that add shade, style, and functionality to your outdoor areas.

Whether you want a classic pergola with climbing plants, a solid roof patio cover for year-round use, or a combination of features, we create structures that complement your home's architecture and meet your specific needs. We have built hundreds of outdoor structures throughout Fairfield, CA, and we know how to design them to handle our local weather while looking beautiful.

Types of Outdoor Structures We Build

The right structure depends on how you want to use your space, how much coverage you need, and your budget. Each type has its own benefits and aesthetic appeal. During your consultation, we discuss all your options and help you choose what works best for your lifestyle and property.

Popular options include:

• Traditional pergolas: Open-roof structures with crossbeams that provide partial shade and support for plants
• Louvered pergolas: Adjustable slats let you control how much sun or shade you want throughout the day
• Solid roof patio covers: Complete weather protection from sun and rain, extends your season
• Lattice patio covers: Semi-open design provides filtered light and better airflow than solid roofs
• Attached structures: Connect to your house for seamless indoor-outdoor flow
• Freestanding structures: Placed anywhere in your yard to create distinct outdoor rooms

We also build custom combinations. For example, you might want a pergola with a retractable canopy that gives you sun or shade on demand. Or a solid-roof section for dining with an open pergola area for lounging. We work with you to design exactly what you envision.

Materials That Last

Just like decks, outdoor structures can be built from various materials. The right choice depends on your budget, desired look, and maintenance preferences. We work with all the popular options and explain the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.

Material options include:

• Pressure-treated wood: Affordable and traditional, requires regular staining and maintenance
• Cedar or redwood: Beautiful natural wood with better rot resistance and pleasant aroma
• Composite materials: Low-maintenance option that never needs staining, available in many colors
• Aluminum: Extremely durable and maintenance-free, great for solid roof structures
• Vinyl: Never needs painting, resists rot and insects, good for traditional pergola styles

Most Fairfield homeowners choose either wood for its traditional appearance or low-maintenance materials like composite or aluminum. Wood looks classic and can be stained to match your deck perfectly. Low-maintenance options cost more upfront but save time and money over the years. If you are building this structure over an existing deck, we can help coordinate materials. Check out our custom deck design services if you are planning both a new deck and structure together.

Design Features That Make a Difference

Beyond the basic structure, there are many features that enhance functionality and appearance. We help you think through how you will actually use your space and what additions make sense. These details turn a simple structure into a true outdoor room you will love spending time in.

Consider adding features like integrated LED lighting for evening use, ceiling fans to keep air moving on warm days, or electrical outlets for music and electronics. Privacy screens or lattice walls create intimate spaces and block views from neighbors. Built-in planters or trellises support climbing vines that add natural beauty and extra shade over time.

We also think about practical details like proper drainage for covered areas, adequate height for ceiling fans or hanging plants, and positioning that takes advantage of prevailing breezes while blocking harsh afternoon sun. These considerations make the difference between a structure that looks nice and one that truly enhances how you live. If you need help with the overall design, we can work with you on railings and safety features that tie everything together.

Professional Installation

Building a pergola or patio cover is more complex than it looks. These structures need proper foundations, engineered framing to handle roof loads and wind, correct attachment to your house if applicable, and waterproofing where they meet your home. Doing it wrong can lead to structural failure, water damage, or safety hazards.

We handle every aspect professionally. We start with proper footings sized for your structure and our local soil conditions. Framing is engineered to meet code requirements for roof loads, wind resistance, and seismic safety. If attaching to your house, we use proper flashing and waterproofing techniques to prevent any water intrusion. All electrical work is done by licensed professionals to code.

We also handle all required permits and inspections. Patio covers and larger structures typically need building permits in Fairfield, and we take care of the entire process for you. Our work is inspected and approved by the city, giving you confidence that everything is built safely and correctly. When we finish, you have a beautiful structure backed by our workmanship warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions