What's the difference between a pergola and a patio cover?

A pergola has open or slatted top — partial shade, decorative columns, lets some sun through. A patio cover has solid roof — full rain protection, full shade, more like an extension of the house. In Houston we often build hybrid: solid roof over part of the structure (for furniture) with open pergola section (for plants or decorative). Choice depends on how you'll use the space.

Can pergolas withstand Houston hurricanes?

Yes — when built properly. We design for at least 110 mph wind loads (current Texas building code requirement for our zone). This means: concrete-set posts (not just bolted to deck), structural-rated lumber (sized for span), hurricane ties at all post-to-beam connections, and through-bolts not screws for primary connections. Cheaper installations using deck screws and undersized lumber fail in 60-70 mph winds — we've replaced several after storm damage.

Do I need a permit for a pergola in The Woodlands?

In Montgomery County (which includes The Woodlands), permits are typically required for any structure attached to the house OR any freestanding structure over 200 sq ft. HOA approval is almost always required regardless of size. We can pull permits as part of the project scope, and we know the typical Woodlands village requirements. Always your responsibility to file HOA application; we provide drawings and documentation.

What materials do you use?

For premium pergolas: Western Red Cedar for posts, beams, and slats — naturally rot-resistant and beautiful. For more affordable: pressure-treated yellow pine with cedar-stain finish. For ultra-low-maintenance: aluminum frame (powder-coated) — though most clients prefer real wood for aesthetic. We use galvanized hurricane ties, stainless or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners, and concrete post footings. Roofing for solid covers: metal panels, polycarbonate, or shingles to match house.

How long does pergola construction take?

Standard 12x14 ft cedar pergola: 3-5 days . Larger pergolas with attached cover sections: 5-7 days. Outdoor kitchens with framing for grill, sink, electrical: 7-10 days (plus electrician sub if not done already). HOA approval timing is often the longest part — typically 2-4 weeks before we can start. We give you firm dates after design approval and HOA sign-off.

Cedar Pergolas & Patio Covers | Fixup Experts

Custom backyard pergola in The Woodlands, TX

Cedar pergola · The Woodlands

About this service

Shade that makes summer livable.

Houston has 6 months of usable outdoor weather and 6 months of brutal sun and humidity. A well-built pergola or patio cover is what makes the second 6 months livable — proper shade over a patio, somewhere your furniture doesn't bake in the sun, an outdoor space that actually gets used in July and August.

This service covers cedar pergolas (open or slatted top — decorative shade), attached patio covers (solid roof off the back of the house — full rain and sun protection), freestanding gazebos in the yard, and structural framing for outdoor kitchens (post-and-beam structure that fits your grill, sink, and prep area).

Every structure is built to current Texas building code for our wind zone — concrete-set posts, structural-rated lumber sized for span, galvanized hurricane ties at every connection, through-bolts (not screws) for primary structural fasteners. Most pergola failures we see in the area are from cheap installs using deck screws and undersized lumber that fail in 70 mph winds. Ours don't.

Get a free estimate

What's included

Every pergola or patio cover includes

Included in your quote

Standard scope

Site visit and design consultation — measure space, discuss style options, suggest size, identify any constraints (HOA, utilities, drainage)
Sketch and dimensioned drawing for HOA submission and your approval before any work begins
Concrete post footings — minimum 2'x2'x36" deep, structural-rated
Western Red Cedar posts and beams — sized for your span and wind load (or pressure-treated pine option for budget builds)
Galvanized hurricane ties at every post-to-beam and beam-to-rafter connection
Through-bolts for primary structural connections (not screws — bolts hold under cyclical wind loading)
Stained or sealed finish — choose color, semi-transparent or solid stain, applied after wood acclimates
Roofing if patio cover (vs open pergola) — metal panels, polycarbonate, or shingles to match house
Cleanup — debris haul-away, post hole tailings removed, site swept

Available as add-on (extra cost)

Beyond the basics

Integrated electrical (lighting, fans, outlets) — done by a professional electrician sub
Outdoor kitchen framing for grill, sink, refrigerator, prep counter
Decorative features: corbels, post bases, scroll-cut rafter tails
Built-in benches or bar tops integrated into structure
Privacy screens, lattice walls, or partial side walls
Concrete pad pour or pavers under the pergola (if not building over existing slab)
Polycarbonate sheeting for partial rain protection on open pergolas
Permit pulling and engineered drawings if required by your municipality

All add-ons priced transparently in your written estimate before any work begins.

Project timeline

Day-by-day, what happens

Most pergolas finish in 3–5 days. Patio covers and outdoor kitchens 5–7 days. HOA approval (2-4 weeks) happens before this clock starts.

Day 1

Layout & footings

Mark exact post locations. Dig footing holes (2'x2'x36" deep). Pour concrete with rebar. Set anchor bolts for posts. Cure overnight.

Day 2

Posts up

Set cedar posts on cured footings. Plumb each post in two directions. Brace temporarily until beams go up.

Day 3

Beams & headers

Cut and install primary support beams. Through-bolt to posts with galvanized hardware. Install hurricane ties at all connections.

Day 4

Rafters & slats

For pergola: install rafters and decorative top slats. For patio cover: install roof framing for chosen roofing material.

Day 5

Roofing or finish

If patio cover: install metal/polycarbonate roof panels. If pergola: install scroll-cut rafter ends or decorative trim. Touch up.

Day 6-7

Stain/seal & cleanup

Apply stain or sealer (after wood has acclimated 1-2 days). Final inspection. Site cleanup. Walk-through with you. Photos for records.

Project scope

What drives the final price

Size, material choice, roofing type, and add-ons determine the final cost. Priced per project — free written estimate within 48 hours.

Standard Cedar Pergola

Pergola scope

10x12 to 12x14 ft, cedar posts and beams, open slatted top, basic stain finish. 3-4 days. Most popular size for The Woodlands patios. Priced per project — free written estimate.

Patio Cover or Large Pergola

Covered patio scope

14x20+ ft, solid roof patio cover with metal or polycarbonate, or larger pergola with decorative features. 5-7 days. Includes roofing. Priced per project — free written estimate.

Outdoor Kitchen / Premium Build

Full custom scope

Outdoor kitchen framing for grill/sink/fridge, integrated lighting and fans, premium materials, decorative details. 7-10 days. Includes electrical sub. Priced per project — free written estimate.

Frequently asked

Common questions about pergolas & patio covers

Still unsure? Call 346 248 74 97.

A pergola has open or slatted top — partial shade, decorative columns, lets some sun through. A patio cover has solid roof — full rain protection, full shade. In Houston we often build hybrid: solid roof over part of the structure (for furniture) with open pergola section (for plants or decorative). The choice depends on how you'll use the space — we'll help you figure out which makes sense during the free estimate visit.

Cost depends on size, material choice (cedar vs pressure-treated pine vs aluminum), roofing type (open slatted vs solid cover), and any add-ons like integrated lighting or outdoor kitchen framing. We provide a free written estimate within 48 hours after visiting your site — the quote covers design, materials, installation, and finish so there are no surprises.

Yes — when built properly. We design for at least 110 mph wind loads. This means: concrete-set posts, structural-rated lumber sized for span, hurricane ties at all connections, and through-bolts not screws for primary fasteners. Cheap installs using deck screws and undersized lumber fail in 60-70 mph winds — we've replaced several after storm damage.

In Montgomery County, permits are typically required for any structure attached to the house OR any freestanding structure over 200 sq ft. HOA approval is almost always required regardless of size. We pull permits as part of project scope and know typical Woodlands village requirements.

For premium: Western Red Cedar for posts, beams, slats — naturally rot-resistant, beautiful. For more affordable: pressure-treated yellow pine with cedar-stain finish. For ultra-low-maintenance: aluminum frame (powder-coated). Galvanized hurricane ties, stainless or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners, concrete post footings throughout.

Standard 12x14 cedar pergola: 3-5 days. Larger pergolas with attached cover: 5-7 days. Outdoor kitchens with framing for grill/sink/electrical: 7-10 days. HOA approval timing (2-4 weeks) is often the longest part — happens before construction starts.

Looking for deck work too?

We also build and repair wooden decks, composite decks, and roof decks. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll be honest about whether we're the right fit.

See deck build & repair Tell us about your project

Service area

Serving The Woodlands & North Houston

The Woodlands Spring Conroe Montgomery Tomball Magnolia Humble

Most of our work is within a 30-minute drive of our Spring, TX HQ.

Ready to start?

Ready to get your pergola or patio cover quote?

Free written quote within 48 hours. HOA approval typically 2-4 weeks before construction starts.

Get your free estimate 346 248 74 97

Pergolas & patio covers in The Woodlands, TX, custom quote.