Pergolas & Patio Covers
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Pergola and Patio Cover Installation
We design and build freestanding pergolas, pergolas attached to the house, solid patio covers that tie into the roof, louvered aluminum covers, and shade structures over outdoor kitchens and spas. Materials include cedar, redwood, steel and aluminum, with options for lighting, fans, heaters and privacy screens.
As a licensed general contractor, we handle the footings, framing, electrical and the roof tie-in, so the cover looks like part of the home and keeps rainwater off the house. It pairs naturally with a new patio or outdoor kitchen.
Patio Work
Every pergola sits on a patio or footings we build. Ask us for pergola photos during your consultation.
Permits and Code for Pergolas
- Attached covers: a pergola or patio cover attached to the house needs a building permit, with footing and connection details.
- Detached structures: under the California Residential Code, some small detached accessory structures can be exempt from a building permit, but cities can require one, and zoning setbacks, height limits and lot coverage still apply. Electrical work always needs a permit.
- Setbacks and height: cities limit how close a structure can be to property lines and how tall it can be. These vary by city and zoning district.
- Wildfire zones: in Wildland-Urban Interface areas such as the Lamorinda hills, Los Gatos and Saratoga, structures near the house may need ignition-resistant materials.
Areas We Serve for Pergolas & Patio Covers
We build pergolas and patio covers throughout the Bay Area, from Lamorinda and the Tri-Valley to San Jose and South County. Every city has its own permit counter and rules, and our city pages explain them:
Orinda · Lafayette · Moraga · Walnut Creek · Alamo · Danville · San Ramon · Dublin · Pleasanton · Livermore · Fremont · Union City · Newark · Milpitas · San Jose · Santa Clara · Sunnyvale · Mountain View · Cupertino · Saratoga · Los Gatos · Palo Alto · Los Altos · Menlo Park · Morgan Hill · San Martin · Gilroy
See all Bay Area service areas.
Outdoor services: Outdoor Living · Pools & Spas · Outdoor Kitchens · Pavers & Hardscape · Artificial Turf & Landscaping · Retaining Walls
Also from Axiom: ADU Builders · Garage Conversions · Home Additions · New Custom Homes · Kitchen Remodeling · Portfolio
Pergolas & Patio Covers FAQ
Do I need a permit for a pergola in California?
An attached pergola or patio cover needs a permit. A small detached pergola may be exempt from a building permit, depending on size and your city, but zoning rules still apply.
What is the best material for a pergola?
Cedar and redwood look warm and need periodic sealing. Aluminum and steel need less upkeep. Louvered aluminum covers let you open or close the roof.
Can a patio cover be attached to my roof?
Yes. We design the connection and flashing so the cover is secure and does not cause leaks.
Can you add lights and heaters to a pergola?
Yes. We run permitted electrical for lights, fans and heaters.