Pergolas, Patio Covers & Outdoor Structures

Enhance Your Outdoor Living Experience

Your deck or patio is great, but what if you could make it even better? Pergolas, patio covers, and other outdoor structures add shade from the hot Virginia sun, define different areas of your outdoor space, and create visual interest that makes your backyard feel like a resort.

At UrbanLab Centreville Decks, we design and build custom outdoor structures that complement your home and extend the usability of your outdoor space. Whether you want a classic pergola over your deck, a covered patio for dining, or a freestanding structure in your garden, we can bring your vision to life.

These structures are more than just practical additions. They're architectural features that add character and value to your property. A well-designed pergola or patio cover can transform an ordinary backyard into an extraordinary outdoor living room.

Popular Outdoor Structures We Build

There are many types of outdoor structures, each with its own benefits and aesthetic appeal. Here are the most popular options we install for Centreville homeowners:

Pergolas

Pergolas are open structures with vertical posts supporting cross beams and an open lattice roof. They provide partial shade while maintaining an airy, open feel. Pergolas are perfect for defining outdoor dining or seating areas on a deck or patio. You can grow climbing plants over them for more shade and natural beauty, or add fabric panels for adjustable coverage. Pergolas work well as standalone garden features or attached to your home.

Solid Roof Patio Covers

These structures have solid roofs that provide complete protection from sun and rain. They're ideal if you want a true outdoor room that's usable in most weather conditions. Solid roof covers can match your home's roofing materials for a seamless look, or use metal or polycarbonate panels for a more modern aesthetic. They're great for covering grills, outdoor kitchens, or dining areas where you want guaranteed shade and rain protection.

Pavilions

Pavilions are freestanding structures with solid roofs and open sides. They're larger than pergolas and provide substantial covered space for entertaining, outdoor dining, or relaxing. Pavilions work well away from the house, such as near a pool, in a garden, or overlooking a pond or wooded area. They create a distinct outdoor room that feels separate from the main house.

Arbors and Garden Structures

Arbors are smaller structures that typically frame pathways or entrances. They add vertical interest to your landscape and provide support for climbing plants. Garden arbors can mark transitions between different areas of your yard, frame views, or create intimate seating nooks. We build both simple arched designs and more elaborate structures with built-in benches.

Shade Sails and Modern Canopies

For a contemporary look, shade sails and tensioned fabric canopies provide sun protection with dramatic visual impact. These structures use stretched fabric between anchor points to create shade. They work well in modern landscapes and can cover irregular or awkward spaces that traditional structures can't. Fabric canopies come in various colors and can be permanent or removable seasonal installations.

Designing Your Perfect Outdoor Structure

Creating the right outdoor structure involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your needs and complements your property:

• •Purpose: Will you use it for dining, lounging, cooking, or simply as a focal point in your garden?
• •Location: Attached to your house, over an existing deck, or freestanding in your yard?
• •Size: Large enough for your furniture and activities but proportional to your home and yard
• •Style: Traditional, modern, rustic, or something unique that reflects your taste
• •Materials: Wood for warmth and tradition, vinyl for low maintenance, or metal for modern durability
• •Shade Level: Full coverage, partial shade, or just architectural interest with minimal shade
• •Additional Features: Lighting, fans, privacy screens, or support for plants
• •Budget: Simple structures are affordable while elaborate designs with premium materials cost more

We work with you to design a structure that checks all your boxes. Our experience helps you avoid common mistakes and create something that you'll love for years to come. If you're also considering deck work, our custom deck design services can incorporate these structures into a comprehensive outdoor living plan.

Materials and Construction Methods

The materials you choose affect both the look and maintenance requirements of your outdoor structure. We work with all the major options and can help you decide what's right for your project.

Wood Construction

Wood is the traditional choice for pergolas and outdoor structures. It offers warmth, versatility, and the ability to stain or paint in any color. We typically use pressure-treated lumber for posts and structural elements, with cedar or composite materials for visible components. Wood structures require periodic maintenance like staining or sealing, but many homeowners feel the natural beauty is worth it.

Vinyl Structures

Vinyl pergolas and structures never need painting or staining. They resist rot, insects, and weathering without maintenance. Available primarily in white and tan, vinyl works well for traditional designs. The material is lightweight but strong, and it maintains its appearance for decades with just occasional cleaning.

Aluminum and Metal

Aluminum structures offer a sleek, modern look with excellent durability. Powder-coated finishes come in many colors and resist rust and fading. Metal structures can support heavier roofing materials and often incorporate features like adjustable louvers for variable shade. They're more expensive than wood or vinyl but virtually maintenance-free.

Hybrid Designs

Many of our custom projects combine materials for the best of both worlds. For example, we might use vinyl posts with wood beams, or aluminum frames with wood accents. Hybrid designs let you balance aesthetics, performance, and budget to create exactly what you want.

Features to Enhance Your Outdoor Structure

Basic structures provide shade and visual appeal, but adding features can make them even more functional and enjoyable. Here are popular upgrades we incorporate into many projects.

Lighting transforms your structure into an evening gathering spot. We can install post lights, string lights, recessed lighting, or chandeliers depending on your style. LED options are energy-efficient and long-lasting.

Ceiling fans make hot summer days more comfortable. We can wire and install outdoor-rated fans that circulate air and provide additional lighting. Fans are especially useful under solid roof covers where air circulation might otherwise be limited.

Retractable canopies or curtains add flexibility. Open them for full sun or close them for shade and privacy. These work great on pergolas where you want variable coverage throughout the day.

Privacy screens can be incorporated into the design to block views from neighbors or create more intimate spaces. Lattice panels, vertical slats, or fabric screens all provide privacy while maintaining airflow.

Integrated planters or trellises support climbing plants that add natural beauty and additional shade over time. We can build planter boxes into posts or add wire systems for vines. For additional features on your deck or patio, these structures create cohesive outdoor designs.

Permits, Codes, and Planning

Most outdoor structures require building permits in Centreville and Fairfax County. The permit process ensures your structure is built safely and meets setback requirements from property lines. Attached structures need proper connections to your home and appropriate flashing to prevent water intrusion.

We handle all the paperwork and inspections as part of our service. We'll create drawings that show the design, materials, and construction methods. We submit these to the county, address any questions, and schedule required inspections. This protects you and ensures the work is done correctly.

If you live in a community with a homeowners association, you'll likely need approval before building. HOAs often have guidelines about size, location, materials, and colors. We're experienced at working within these requirements and can help design something that meets HOA standards while still giving you what you want.

Before starting any project, we also call Miss Utility to mark underground lines. Safety is our top priority, and we take all necessary precautions to protect your property and our workers.

Frequently Asked Questions