Houston Pergolas

Thousands of satisfied customers
Local and family owned
+15 years in business
Licensed and insured
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Licensed & Insured Cedar Pergola Construction in Houston, TX

Looking to add real shade, style, and comfort to your backyard? Our cedar pergolas tame Houston sun and humidity while elevating your outdoor living space. We design and build durable, wind‑ready structures that stand up to Gulf Coast weather and daily use.

With 15+ years of experience, we use western red cedar, Simpson Strong‑Tie hardware, and code‑compliant footings. We handle HOA submissions, City of Houston permits (as applicable), and optional electrical for fans and lighting by a TDLR‑licensed electrician. Built for your property, your lifestyle, and our climate. Contact us for a free on‑site estimate and 3D design preview in Houston, TX.

Why Our Cedar Pergolas Deliver Shade, Beauty, and Lasting Value

You want shade that actually cools your patio, a structure that looks incredible, and a build you never have to worry about. Professional installation is the smart way to get it right the first time. We specialize in Cedar Pergola Construction Houston TX to solve heat, privacy, and space‑use headaches. Expect engineered footings, proper joins, and a finish that holds up in our humidity - without the hassles of DIY.

Safety & Risk Elimination

Your family and property come first. We size posts and beams correctly, anchor to concrete with Simpson Strong‑Tie structural bases, and through‑bolt critical connections. Where required, we include hurricane ties and lateral bracing to mitigate wind uplift per ASCE 7 considerations. The result is a pergola that feels solid in summer storms.

Attaching to your home? We add proper flashing and waterproofing tapes to protect your envelope. Adding a fan or lights? We follow NEC 2023 requirements with wet‑location boxes, GFCI protection, and a licensed electrician. You get a beautiful space without code worries or liability risks.

Professional Results & Quality

Great pergolas are built, not cobbled together. We use accurate layout and squaring, clean notching and lap‑joint joinery, pre‑drilling, and concealed fasteners where appropriate for a refined look. Western red cedar timbers are selected for straightness and grain so your shade lines stay crisp.

We apply UV‑resistant penetrating stains and sealers proven for Houston’s climate, such as Ready Seal or TWP 1500. Rafter spacing and purlin layout are tuned for the shade density you want - whether over an outdoor kitchen, poolside seating, or a sunny patio. The finish looks rich on day one and ages gracefully.

Time & Stress Savings

We streamline every step. Our team manages site assessment, 3D design, HOA drawings, and permitting assistance with the City of Houston. Most 12'×16' cedar pergolas install in 2–4 days once materials are on site, with minimal disruption to your routine.

No learning curve, no rework, no chasing subs. We bring the right crew, tools, and materials at once - miter saws, routers, laser levels, and PPE - to deliver a clean, predictable experience and a spotless jobsite at the end of each day.

Cost‑Effective Solution

Cut corners and you’ll pay later - lean posts, shallow footings, or the wrong fasteners can cause sagging, rot, or movement. We prevent those mistakes with concrete footings sized to soil conditions, hot‑dip galvanized or stainless hardware, and proper post‑to‑slab anchoring.

We also help you choose additions that matter - privacy screens, shade cloth, or a retractable canopy - so every dollar improves comfort and resale appeal. Our builds protect surfaces, avoid water traps, and make maintenance simpler and cheaper over time.

Peace of Mind & Warranty

We’re fully insured, safety‑trained (OSHA 10/30), and active members of GHBA and NADRA. That means professional accountability and best practices on your project. You get a clear scope, daily updates, and respectful crews.

We back our workmanship with a written warranty and provide maintenance guidance for re‑staining schedules in Houston humidity. If a punch‑list item pops up after completion, we’re there - fast. That’s how we’ve earned the trust of thousands of homeowners across Greater Houston.

How Our Design‑Build Process Works

We make it simple, transparent, and fast. From first call to final walkthrough, our process is built around clear communication, clean worksites, and standout craftsmanship.

1) Consultation & Site Check

We visit your property, measure, assess sun and wind, review utilities, and discuss style, budget, and HOA/permit needs.

2) 3D Design & Fixed Price

See your cedar pergola in 3D with exact sizes, posts, and shade layout. Approve a fixed, itemized proposal with timeline.

3) HOA & Permit Assistance

We prepare drawings, HOA packets, and permit documentation as applicable to Houston guidelines - then coordinate inspections.

4) Professional Construction

Our crew installs footings, sets posts, frames beams/rafters, and finishes with stain and options like fans or lighting.

5) Cleanup & Walkthrough

We clean daily, haul away debris, verify every detail, and walk you through care and maintenance before we leave.

Why Choose Houston Pergolas for Cedar Pergola Construction in Houston

At Houston Pergolas, we combine seasoned craftsmanship with Houston‑specific engineering so your structure looks great and lasts. Our team has delivered thousands of outdoor projects across Greater Houston, and we stand behind every build. When you want dependable Cedar Pergola Construction Houston TX, count on local experts who know the codes, the climate, and the neighborhoods.

Proven Qualifications & Craftsmanship

We’re members of the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA). Our crews hold OSHA 10/30 safety training, and we maintain EPA Lead‑Safe RRP practices when tying into pre‑1978 surfaces. That translates into professional oversight and a clean, safe jobsite.

Our carpenters are detail‑driven - precise notching, lap‑joint joinery, and clean rafter tail profiles. We build with western red cedar timbers, concealed or through‑bolted connections as appropriate, and hardware you’d specify in a professional set of drawings.

Licensed, Insured, and Code‑Aligned

We carry full liability and workers’ compensation insurance and follow International Residential Code (2021 Houston amendments) as applicable. If your project includes electrical scope, we use a TDLR‑licensed electrician and comply with NEC 2023 for outdoor circuits, GFCI, and wet‑location boxes.

We assist with City of Houston permits and coordinate inspections. For coastal wind considerations, we design with hurricane ties, bracing, and anchoring details aligned with ASCE 7 wind design guidance.

Right Tools, Better Results

The right equipment speeds the job and improves accuracy. We use laser levels and string lines for layout, miter and circular saws for clean cuts, routers and chisels for joinery, and impact drivers with stainless or hot‑dip galvanized fasteners.

Footings are mixed on site with concrete mixers and sized to soil conditions. We use Simpson Strong‑Tie post bases, brackets, joist hangers, and uplift hardware for predictable performance.

Local Knowledge That Matters

Houston clay, drainage, and sun angles are unique. We tailor footing depth, post spacing, and purlin layout to our microclimate and your yard’s exposure. From Houston Heights and West University Place to Katy, Cypress, and Sugar Land, we navigate HOA expectations and site constraints every week.

In flood‑prone or conveyance areas, we guide you through the required documentation so your project stays compliant and on schedule.

Clear Communication & Solid Guarantees

You’ll know the plan before we start: schedule, materials, and milestones. We provide daily progress updates and protect landscaping and hardscapes throughout construction.

Every project includes a written workmanship warranty and optional maintenance plan for staining and sealing. If something needs attention after completion, we make it right - quickly.

Professional Cedar Pergolas Backed by Years of Local Experience

We design and build custom cedar pergolas across the Greater Houston area, from River Oaks and Montrose to The Woodlands and Pearland. Our portfolio includes freestanding and attached structures, outdoor kitchen frameworks, and poolside shade. Whether you need a modern minimalist look or a classic patio pergola, our team delivers Cedar Pergola Construction Houston TX with precision and care.

Types of Projects We Handle

Residential: patio pergolas over concrete slabs, deck‑mounted pergolas, privacy pergolas with screens, and retractable canopy pergolas. We regularly integrate fans, dimmable lighting, and outlets for convenience.

Specialty: outdoor kitchen pergolas with venting clearances, poolside shade pergolas, two‑post cantilevered designs, and hybrid cedar pavilions with polycarbonate roof panels for rain protection.

Our Proven Methods & Materials

We set posts on cast‑in concrete footings sized for soil and load, then anchor with Simpson Strong‑Tie structural bases. Beams and rafters are through‑bolted, and key connections get hurricane ties for wind uplift resistance.

We finish with UV‑resistant penetrating stains and sealers and offer shade cloth or polycarbonate panels when you want extra cover. Electrical add‑ons use exterior‑grade boxes, GFCI outlets, and proper conduit with drip loops.

Complex Situations We’ve Mastered

HOA/Permitting: We prepare plan sets, elevations, and color samples for quick approvals and handle City of Houston submittals when required. Floodplain or conveyance zone? We coordinate with survey data and drainage requirements.

Challenging Sites: Elevated decks, tight side yards, and wind‑exposed lots. We adjust post sizing, spacing, and bracing to meet conditions without compromising aesthetics.

Results You Can Expect

Comfort: Shade purlins tuned for 60–80% sun reduction at peak hours, improving patio temperatures noticeably. Durability: stainless or hot‑dip galvanized fasteners and marine‑grade hardware where exposure demands it.

Timelines: A typical 12'×20' cedar pergola installs in 3–5 days once approvals and materials are ready. Maintenance: plan on a light wash each spring and re‑staining every 24–36 months in Houston humidity for like‑new appeal.

Recent Local Examples

Katy 77494: 12'×20' freestanding western red cedar pergola with privacy lattice and fan - installed in 4 days, HOA approved in 12 business days.

Houston 77002: Attached 10'×16' pergola over a concrete patio in Midtown with dimmable LED downlighting and GFCI outlet; polycarbonate panel bay added for rain cover over the grill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to build a pergola in Houston?

Many cedar pergolas are permit‑exempt, but attached structures, larger spans, floodplain areas, or electrical work can trigger permits. We review your address, scope, and the 2021 IRC Houston amendments, then prepare drawings and handle City of Houston permitting and inspections when required. HOAs typically require an application regardless of permit status, and we include submittal packets to keep approvals smooth.

How much does a cedar pergola cost in Houston, TX?

Most projects we build range from $6,500–$18,000+, depending on size, post/beam dimensions, privacy screens, lighting or fan wiring, and options like shade cloth or polycarbonate panels. A 12'×16' western red cedar pergola with Simpson Strong‑Tie hardware and stain typically lands mid‑range. We provide a fixed, itemized quote after your on‑site visit so you can tailor features to your budget.

What wood is best for a pergola in humid climates?

We recommend western red cedar for Houston’s humidity. It’s naturally rot‑ and insect‑resistant, lighter than many hardwoods, and accepts UV‑resistant stains well. Eastern red cedar can be used for select applications, but western red cedar performs more consistently for posts, beams, and rafters. With proper sealing and maintenance, you’ll get long service life and a rich, stable finish in Greater Houston conditions.

Can you engineer a cedar pergola to meet Houston wind loads?

Yes. We size posts, beams, and connections and include hurricane ties and bracing to meet ASCE 7 wind design considerations typical for Houston neighborhoods. For exposure‑prone sites, we can provide engineered details and enhanced anchoring. Our builds use Simpson Strong‑Tie structural bases and through‑bolting to improve uplift and lateral performance during summer storms.

How long does installation take?

Once approvals and materials are ready, most 10'×14' to 12'×20' cedar pergolas install in 2–5 days. Larger or more complex projects - like deck‑mounted builds, privacy screens, or integrated lighting - may take a few extra days. We give you a clear schedule up front and provide daily updates so you can plan around crews with confidence.

Will my pergola support a ceiling fan or lighting?

Absolutely. We frame for fan weight, add blocking where needed, and use exterior‑grade boxes and wet‑location covers. A TDLR‑licensed electrician handles wiring with GFCI protection and conduit with drip loops per NEC 2023. We can also install dimmable LED lighting and dedicated outlets for heaters or appliances - perfect for outdoor kitchens and entertaining.

What stain and maintenance schedule works for Houston humidity?

Use a quality penetrating, UV‑resistant oil like Ready Seal or TWP 1500. Expect a gentle wash annually and re‑staining every 24–36 months, depending on sun exposure and irrigation overspray. We offer maintenance plans that include wash, light sanding if needed, and re‑coat to keep your cedar looking fresh in neighborhoods from West U to Cypress.

How do permits work in floodplain or conveyance zones?

For properties in mapped floodplain or conveyance areas, Houston may require additional documentation to ensure compliance with drainage and elevation rules. We coordinate with surveys, confirm site grading, and provide footing details that respect local requirements. Our team works with the City to secure approvals without unnecessary delays, then builds to the permitted plan.

Which is better for Houston: a cedar pergola or an aluminum pergola?

Cedar offers warm aesthetics, flexible custom design, and easier integration of privacy screens and lighting. Aluminum resists frequent refinishing but can feel warmer to the touch and less natural. In Houston, western red cedar performs beautifully when properly sealed and maintained. We’ll compare both for your budget, shade goals, and HOA style guidelines to help you decide.