Houston Pergolas
- Thousands of satisfied customers
- Local and family owned
- +15 years in business
- Licensed and insured
- Always FREE Quotes
Licensed & Insured Custom Pergola Construction in Houston, TX
Your outdoor space should work year-round in Houston’s heat, sun, and storms. We design and build custom cedar and aluminum pergolas that add shade, beauty, and value - engineered for local wind, clay soils, and HOA requirements. From outdoor kitchens to poolside shade, we handle the details so you don’t have to.
With 15+ years in Greater Houston, OSHA-trained crews, and NADRA and BBB credentials, we bring the tools, permits, and precision your project demands. We provide 3D design, engineered plans, and clean, fast installation. Searching for Custom Pergola Construction Houston TX? You’re in the right place. Contact us today for a free on-site consultation.
Why Our Custom Pergola Construction Delivers Shade, Style, and Worry-Free Enjoyment
You want shade that actually cools, materials that stand up to Gulf Coast weather, and a team that won’t leave you chasing permits or rework. Professional pergola builders bring design expertise, engineering, and code-compliant installation that DIY can’t match. With our custom pergola construction, you’ll get the look you love, the performance you need, and long-term peace of mind.
Safety & Risk Elimination
We protect your family, guests, and property by engineering every structure to local conditions. That means proper footing depth for expansive clay soils, Simpson Strong-Tie hardware with hurricane ties, and through-bolted connections set with wedge/THD anchors as required. We also call Texas811 before digging and follow the 2021 Houston Construction Code.
Attaching to your home? We flash to the 2023 NEC and IRC standards, integrate UL-listed wet-location fixtures, and use TDLR-licensed electricians for lighting and fans. You avoid the liability of unpermitted work and the risk of wind uplift failures during storm season.
Professional Results & Quality
Our crews use laser levels, miter saws, and engineered layout to keep lines straight, gaps tight, and shade slat orientation optimized for Houston’s sun paths. We craft western red cedar with precise notching and bracing for a traditional look, or install powder-coated aluminum/Alumawood for low-maintenance durability.
We specify Simpson Strong-Tie ZMAX/powder-coated hardware, steel post bases with standoff, and concrete piers mixed on site for consistent strength. The result: a pergola that looks great on day one and performs for years.
Time & Stress Savings
Permits, HOA packets, inspections - we handle it. Our team prepares HOA-ready plan sets, photo simulations, and stamped engineering when required. While we manage approvals, you preview your pergola in a 3D design and finalize finishes without delays.
On install day, we arrive with materials staged, utilities located, and a clear schedule. Most cedar or aluminum projects finish in 2–4 days; motorized louvered systems typically 3–6 days. We protect landscaping, keep a tidy site, and perform a clean handoff.
Cost-Effective Solution
Done right the first time saves money. We prevent costly mistakes like undersized posts, shallow footings, or improper house flashing that can lead to water damage. Our engineered approach avoids rework and future repairs.
We offer options that meet your budget - from cedar to aluminum to louvered systems - and help you understand total cost of ownership, including staining schedules, maintenance, and manufacturer warranties. Financing options are available on approved credit.
Peace of Mind & Warranty
We’re a bonded and insured contractor, BBB Accredited, and a NADRA member. You’ll receive written warranties on materials and workmanship along with clear care guidelines. Aluminum finishes often carry multi-year manufacturer coverage; cedar projects include defined stain and seal maintenance plans.
If an issue comes up, we stand behind our work with responsive service. Your pergola is built to handle Houston’s weather, and we back that with real accountability.
How Our Custom Pergola Construction Process Works
We make it easy, transparent, and code-compliant from the first visit to the final walkthrough. Here’s what to expect.
1) On‑Site Consultation
We assess your space, measure, check utilities, and discuss goals, budget, and materials. We advise on shade percentage and ideal placement.
2) 3D Design & Fixed Quote
Review 3D/virtual designs with finish options, lighting, and add-ons. We provide a detailed, itemized proposal with a firm price.
3) Permits & HOA Approvals
We prepare engineered plan sets as needed, submit to City of Houston HPW and your HOA, and coordinate inspections and approvals.
4) Professional Installation
Crews arrive with all materials and PPE. We set engineered footings, install posts, beams, rafters, and accessories to code and manufacturer specs.
5) Final Walkthrough & Warranty
We clean the site, test lighting/fans, review care and maintenance, and provide your warranty and documentation.
Why Choose Houston Pergolas for Custom Pergola Construction in Houston
At Houston Pergolas, we combine design-build expertise with local engineering knowledge to deliver reliable shade structures that look exceptional and pass inspections the first time. With 15+ years of experience and thousands of projects completed, we bring proven systems, premium materials, and a customer-first process to every job. If you’re comparing Houston pergola contractors, here’s how we stand apart.
Certified Design-Build Expertise
Our team includes NADRA-certified pros, OSHA 10/30-trained installers, and ICPI-certified partners for paver bases. We design with shade science in mind, aligning rafters and slats for optimal coverage by season and time of day, and we model layouts in 3D so you can approve before we build.
For motorized solutions, we’re experienced with StruXure and Equinox louvered roof systems, integrating controls, drainage, and electrical per manufacturer specs. You get professional-grade components and installation that protects your warranty.
Licensing, Insurance, and Safety Practices
We’re bonded and insured and follow the 2021 Houston Construction Code with ASCE wind-load considerations. Electrical work is performed by TDLR-licensed electricians; any gas or water lines to outdoor kitchens are handled by TSBPE-licensed plumbers. We use UL-listed wet-location fixtures and GFCI-protected circuits per the 2023 NEC.
Every jobsite includes proper PPE, fall protection where required, and Texas811 utility locates. It’s safer for you, your guests, and your property.
Premium Materials & Proven Hardware
Choose from western red cedar, pressure-treated pine, powder-coated aluminum/Alumawood, or mixed-material designs with composite trim. For rain protection, we offer polycarbonate roof panels or retractable canopies. We specify Simpson Strong-Tie post bases/MPBZ, joist hangers, hurricane ties, and corrosion-resistant fasteners to fight Gulf Coast humidity.
Our footings are engineered for expansive clay soils, and we use laser/transit levels for precise layout. The result is a pergola that stays square, plumb, and solid through Houston’s seasonal shifts.
Local Knowledge, HOA & Permitting
From River Oaks and Memorial to Katy, Cypress, Sugar Land, Pearland, and The Woodlands, we navigate neighborhood styles, setbacks, and HOA expectations every week. We prepare HOA submittals, photo simulations, and stamped plans where required, and we coordinate City of Houston HPW permits and inspections.
You get fewer surprises, faster approvals, and a smooth build - whether it’s a patio pergola over pavers or a house-attached structure needing proper flashing.
Customer-First Warranties & Support
We provide clear, written warranties on workmanship and pass through manufacturer coverage on aluminum finishes and motors. Cedar projects include stain/seal finishing schedules and maintenance tips. If you ever need help - storm damage, adjustments, or add-ons - we’re local and responsive.
Ask about financing options and seasonal scheduling - our team can often accommodate fast pergola installation within the same week when approvals are in place.
Custom Pergola Construction Backed by Years of Local Experience
We’ve planned, engineered, and built custom pergolas across the Greater Houston area - from backyard retreats in Katy and Cypress to poolside shade in Sugar Land and Pearland. Our process and materials are selected for Houston’s heat, humidity, and wind. Whether you need a cedar showpiece or an aluminum louvered system, our custom pergola construction delivers lasting results.
Types of Pergola Projects We Handle
We build freestanding backyard pergolas, house-attached pergolas with proper flashing, and outdoor kitchen pergolas with lighting, fans, and TV provisions. Looking for low maintenance? Aluminum and Alumawood systems provide long-term durability with minimal upkeep.
For specialty needs, we design motorized louvered pergolas, privacy wall/pergola combos, and pergolas over pavers or concrete slabs. We also integrate polycarbonate covers or retractable canopies to add rain protection without sacrificing light.
Our Proven Process & Methods
We start with site measuring and layout, then engineer footings suited to clay soils. Posts are set in concrete with standoff bases to prevent rot. Beams and rafters are notched and braced for strength and clean lines.
Hardware includes Simpson Strong-Tie hurricane ties and corrosion-resistant fasteners. For house attachments, we install proper flashing, sealants, and ledger connections to meet code and manufacturer requirements.
Complex Situations We’ve Mastered
We handle tight setbacks, tree roots, irrigation lines, and existing patio constraints. For high-wind or open-lot conditions, we upsize posts, add strap connections, and follow ASCE wind guidance to resist uplift.
Need HOA approvals or engineered plan sets? We prepare HOA-ready packets and coordinate stamped drawings and inspections. We also design solar-ready frames that can support PV panels when requested.
Results You Can Expect
Cedar pergolas typically install in 2–4 days; aluminum in 1–3 days; motorized louvered systems in 3–6 days depending on scope. We finish with stain/seal options for wood and provide care instructions to preserve color and performance.
Your finished pergola will deliver targeted shade, sturdy construction, and a cohesive look that complements your home’s architecture - built to perform in Houston’s climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pergola cost in the Houston area?
Typical cedar pergolas start around $5,500–$9,500 for a 12x12, depending on height, beams, and stain. Powder‑coated aluminum often ranges $7,500–$12,000. Motorized louvered systems can be $18,000–$35,000+. Site access, electrical, engineering, and HOA/permit fees affect pricing. We provide a fixed, itemized quote after a free on‑site consultation anywhere in Greater Houston.
What are the benefits of an aluminum pergola vs. cedar?
Aluminum/Alumawood offers low maintenance, excellent longevity, and color‑stable finishes - great for Houston humidity. Cedar provides a warm, natural look and can be customized with decorative rafter tails, but needs periodic staining and sealing. We review total cost of ownership, warranty coverage, and style goals to help you choose the best fit for your home.
Do I need a permit to build a pergola in Houston?
Many pergolas require a City of Houston HPW permit, especially if attached to the home, wired for lights/fans, or exceeding size/height thresholds. We handle permitting and inspections, and we prepare stamped plans when needed. Your HOA may also require approval. We manage both processes to keep your project compliant and on schedule.
What is the average price of a 12x12 pergola in Houston?
As a baseline, a 12x12 cedar pergola often falls between $5,500 and $9,500. A comparable aluminum pergola is typically $7,500–$12,000. Adding polycarbonate covers, privacy screens, or lighting/electrical will increase cost. After measuring your space and discussing options, we provide a precise, written estimate.
How long does pergola installation take?
Most cedar or aluminum builds take 2–4 days once materials and approvals are ready. Louvered pergolas usually take 3–6 days. Lead times depend on HOA/permits, weather, and customization. We share a clear schedule at contract and keep you updated daily during installation.
Can a pergola be attached to my house safely?
Yes - when properly flashed, anchored, and engineered. We use code‑compliant ledger connections, corrosion‑resistant fasteners, and sealants to protect the building envelope. Electrical is installed by a TDLR‑licensed electrician per the 2023 NEC. If attachment isn’t ideal, we’ll design a freestanding structure that delivers the same shade benefits.
Do you handle HOA approvals and city permits?
Absolutely. We create HOA submittals with plan sets, color/finish details, and photo simulations and coordinate City of Houston HPW permits. We also schedule inspections as required. This keeps your project compliant and minimizes delays from paperwork or resubmittals.
Can you design a solar‑ready pergola that supports PV panels?
Yes. We can engineer a solar‑ready frame with load paths, attachment points, and conduit provisions for future PV. We coordinate with your solar provider to meet structural and electrical requirements, including wind load considerations common in Greater Houston.
How do you build pergolas for high wind and expansive clay soils in Houston?
We upsize posts and beams as needed, use Simpson Strong‑Tie hurricane ties and strap connections, and design footings for expansive clay soils. Posts are set in concrete with standoff bases to prevent moisture wicking. Where applicable, we follow ASCE wind guidance and local code to resist uplift and lateral forces.