Pergolas, Patio Covers & Outdoor Structures

Want to make your backyard more usable without fully enclosing it? Pergolas, patio covers, and other outdoor structures give you shade, style, and extended living space while keeping that open-air feel. These additions transform unused yards into comfortable outdoor rooms where you'll actually want to spend time.

At EliteWorks San Tan Valley Sunrooms, we design and build custom outdoor structures that enhance your property and suit your lifestyle. From classic wooden pergolas to modern aluminum patio covers, we create functional shade solutions built to handle Arizona's tough climate. Ready to upgrade your outdoor space? Explore our outdoor living options or call for a free design consultation.

Benefits of Outdoor Shade Structures

Adding pergolas or patio covers delivers immediate improvements to your outdoor living experience. Here's what you gain.

• •Essential shade: Arizona sun makes unshaded patios unusable for much of the day. Overhead structures provide relief from harsh rays so you can enjoy your yard comfortably.
• •Extended outdoor season: With proper shade, your patio becomes usable earlier in the day and for more months of the year. You're not limited to evening hours or winter months.
• •Increased home value: Well-designed outdoor structures appeal to buyers and add to your property's worth. Quality construction pays off at resale time.
• •Defined outdoor rooms: Pergolas and covers create distinct spaces for dining, lounging, or entertaining. Your backyard feels more organized and intentional.
• •Protection for outdoor furniture: Covered spaces shield furniture, grills, and other items from sun damage and weather exposure. Your investments last longer.

These structures work beautifully on their own or as starting points. Many homeowners add screening or walls later to create enclosed spaces as needs change.

Types of Outdoor Structures We Build

We offer several styles of outdoor structures to match your aesthetic preferences and functional needs.

Traditional Pergolas

Classic pergolas feature open roof designs with parallel beams and cross rafters. They provide partial shade while allowing filtered sunlight through. Pergolas work beautifully as standalone features over patios or attached to your home. We build them from cedar, redwood, or composite materials that handle Arizona weather. Traditional pergolas cost less than solid covers and create elegant visual focal points in your yard.

Solid Roof Patio Covers

Patio covers feature solid roofs that block all sun and rain. These function like room extensions, giving you complete weather protection. We build covers with wood framing and shingle roofs that match your house, or aluminum systems with integrated panels. Solid covers let you use your patio comfortably even during light rain. They're perfect when you need reliable shade rather than decorative openness.

Louvered Roof Systems

Modern louvered systems feature adjustable slats that rotate to control sun exposure. Open louvers for ventilation and partial sun. Close them for complete shade or rain protection. These high-tech systems offer maximum flexibility but cost more than fixed structures. Many include motorized controls for easy adjustment. Louvered roofs work great when you want options throughout the day.

Gazebos and Pavilions

Freestanding gazebos and pavilions create distinct outdoor rooms separate from your house. Octagonal gazebos provide classic elegance perfect for focal points in larger yards. Rectangular pavilions offer more usable space and work well for outdoor kitchens or seating areas. These standalone structures require solid foundations and complete roofing but deliver dramatic visual impact.

Want complete bug protection instead? Check out our screen room installations for enclosed outdoor living.

Materials and Construction

Material choice affects appearance, durability, maintenance requirements, and cost. Here are the options we recommend for San Tan Valley.

Wood structures offer natural beauty and traditional appeal. Cedar and redwood resist rot and insects while weathering to attractive gray tones. Wood requires periodic staining or sealing to maintain appearance. Composite lumber combines wood fibers with plastics for low-maintenance alternatives that never need painting. Composites cost more upfront but save on long-term maintenance.

Aluminum patio covers provide durability with zero maintenance. Factory-finished aluminum never needs painting and handles Arizona sun without fading or warping. These systems typically cost less than wood and install faster. They lack wood's warmth but deliver reliable performance for decades. Many homeowners choose aluminum for practical reasons despite preferring wood aesthetically.

Roof materials include asphalt shingles that match your house, metal panels for clean modern looks, or polycarbonate sheets for translucent coverage. Each has benefits depending on your priorities for appearance, light transmission, and budget.

Design Considerations for Arizona

San Tan Valley's climate demands smart design choices. Here's what matters when planning outdoor structures.

Sun direction dramatically affects shade performance. South and west exposures receive intense afternoon heat requiring solid coverage or tight pergola spacing. North and east sides stay cooler and work well with more open designs. We orient structures to maximize shade during hottest hours while allowing winter sun when you want warmth.

Wind loads matter in Arizona. Structures need proper engineering and secure footings to handle monsoon winds safely. We size beams correctly and anchor everything to withstand expected wind forces. Solid roof covers require more substantial construction than open pergolas due to increased wind resistance.

Drainage is crucial with solid covers. We slope roofs properly and add gutters to direct water away from your foundation. This prevents pooling and protects both your structure and home from water damage during monsoons.

Installation Process and Timeline

Building outdoor structures follows a systematic process from design through completion.

We start with site assessment and design consultation. You'll see drawings showing exactly what your structure will look like and how it integrates with your property. Once you approve the design, we submit permit applications to Pinal County. Permits typically process in two to four weeks.

Construction begins with foundation work. We dig footings, pour concrete, and let it cure properly. Then we erect posts and beams, install roofing materials, and add any finishing touches like electrical outlets or ceiling fans. Simple pergolas might complete in three to five days. Solid patio covers take one to two weeks depending on size and complexity.

Looking for something more enclosed? Explore our patio enclosure services for walls and windows.

Frequently Asked Questions