Pergolas and shade structures
Wood, aluminum and louvered pergolas, standing or attached to the house.
A pergola is an open frame of posts and beams that gives shade and defines an outdoor room. We build pergolas under CA License #1020290 in wood or aluminum, free-standing or attached to the house.
Pergolas are not always exempt from permits. The rules depend on size, roof type, attachment and the office that covers your address. A louvered or solid roof is closer to a patio cover than to an open lattice, and some offices treat it that way. We read the office's handout before we quote.
The job order is site visit, written scope, permit if required, footings, posts and beams, rafters or louvers, finish and inspection.
Published national ranges, not quotes. Angi lists an average of about $4,253 for a 100 square foot pergola; HomeAdvisor lists $2,118 to $6,435 with an average of $4,251 (web-search summaries of the pages, fetched 2026-11-11). Your price is a written quote after a site visit.
Common questions
Do I need a permit for a pergola?
Sometimes. It depends on size, attachment, roof type and the office. We read the office's current handout and tell you in the written scope.
Wood or aluminum?
Wood has a warm look and needs regular sealing. Aluminum needs less upkeep and is common near the coast. We price both so you can compare.
Where we do this work
Pergolas and shade structures in Escondido
Deck, patio cover and pergola work in Escondido, with the city's 30-inch deck rule explained.
Pergolas and shade structures in Del Mar
Deck and patio projects in Del Mar, where design review usually comes before the building permit.
Pergolas and shade structures in Encinitas
Decks, patio covers and pergolas in Encinitas, with the city's 120 square foot patio cover guide.
Pergolas and shade structures in Olivenhain
Deck and outdoor living work in Olivenhain, where the first step is confirming the city line.
Pergolas and shade structures in Carmel Valley
Decks, patio covers and outdoor kitchens in Carmel Valley, permitted by the City of San Diego.
Pergolas and shade structures in Carlsbad
Deck, patio cover and pergola work in Carlsbad, following the Building Division's published handouts.
Pergolas and shade structures in Leucadia
Decks and covered patios in Leucadia, built with salt air in mind.
Pergolas and shade structures in Cardiff
Deck repair, replacement and outdoor rooms in Cardiff, near the coast and the lagoon.
Pergolas and shade structures in Fairbanks Ranch
Decks, pergolas and outdoor kitchens in Fairbanks Ranch, an unincorporated community permitted by the County.
Pergolas and shade structures in Oceanside
Deck, patio cover and pergola work in Oceanside, with the city's standard plans for decks and patio covers.
Pergolas and shade structures in Rancho Bernardo
Decks, patio covers and fire-resistant decking in Rancho Bernardo, permitted by the City of San Diego.
Pergolas and shade structures in Rancho Santa Fe
Decks, pergolas and outdoor kitchens in Rancho Santa Fe, reviewed by the Art Jury and permitted by the County.
Pergolas and shade structures in Solana Beach
Decks, patio covers and pergolas in Solana Beach, where the entire city is in the Coastal Zone.
Pergolas and shade structures in La Costa
Decks, covers and outdoor kitchens in La Costa, a neighborhood of the City of Carlsbad.
Pergolas and shade structures in 4S Ranch
Composite decks, patio covers and pergolas in 4S Ranch, an unincorporated community permitted by the County.
Pergolas and shade structures in Rancho Penasquitos
Decks, patio covers and outdoor kitchens in Rancho Penasquitos, permitted by the City of San Diego.
Pergolas and shade structures in Vista
Decks, patio covers and pergolas in Vista, with city handouts for decks and patio covers.
Pergolas and shade structures in San Marcos
Decks, patio covers and pergolas in San Marcos, with the city's patio cover height and setback notes.
Pergolas and shade structures in Fallbrook
Fire-resistant decking, deck replacement and patio covers in Fallbrook, permitted by the County.
Pergolas and shade structures in San Elijo Hills
Decks, covers and outdoor kitchens in San Elijo Hills, a neighborhood of the City of San Marcos.
Pergolas and shade structures in Bonsall
Deck, patio cover and pergola work in Bonsall, an unincorporated community permitted by the County.
Pergolas and shade structures in North County San Diego
How deck, patio cover and outdoor projects are permitted across North County, and which office answers for each address.