What shapes the investment
- Pergola, gazebo, or fence and gate scope
- Wood species and finish
- Size and roofline complexity
- Footing and structural requirements
- Integration with existing patio or hardscape
Carpentry
Carpentry Services Built to Fit Your Home
A pergola, gazebo, or fence is a freestanding structure that shapes how a yard is used. The right design depends on the available space in the yard and the architecture of the house, so we talk through what fits before building anything.
- 25+years of experience
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What you're looking for
The right approach follows how you want to use the space. Pick what you're actually after below, and the materials and layout mostly follow from it. Every project shown was built here in Southern California, so the choices are suited to this climate.
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01 Shade without a solid roof An open roof keeps the space cooler than a solid cover by letting air pass through, while still cutting the sun. See patio covers -
02 A structure that fits an empty corner A small pergola can serve as an accent to an otherwise empty corner, sized to the available space. See accent structures -
03 A perimeter that suits the home Wood fences come in an array of styles, popular in both modern and traditional design, not just the stereotypical picket fence. See fence styles -
04 A freestanding retreat A gazebo reads as a destination in the yard, not just a shade structure over an existing patio. See gazebos
Service options
Pergolas and Patio Covers
Best for Anyone who wants to cover a patio or walkway and provide shade without closing the space in.
- Open roof keeps the space cooler by letting air pass through
- Cloth shades can be added to control how much sun comes through
- Can integrate with a fire feature or other hardscape
- Works as a smooth transition from one outdoor amenity to another
On your property Design depends on the available space in the yard. Can be a small accent or attach to the roofline of the house.
- Patios
- Fire features
- Outdoor kitchens
Custom Gazebos
Best for Anyone who wants a freestanding structure as a destination in the yard rather than a cover over an existing patio.
- Freestanding structure works anywhere in the yard
- Classic roofline suits traditional and cottage-style homes
- Can be finished to match existing woodwork
- Reads as a destination, not just a shade structure
On your property Needs more open ground than a pergola, since it stands fully apart from the house.
- Garden pathways
- Fire features
- Seating areas
Wood Gates and Fences
Best for Anyone who wants a wood fence in something other than the stereotypical white picket style.
- Comes in an array of styles for modern and traditional design
- Varnished wood adds a natural look to a predominantly hardscaped yard
- Gates can be matched to the fence style
- Works as a privacy screen or a decorative border
On your property Wood needs periodic refinishing to hold up outdoors, more than aluminum or vinyl alternatives.
- Privacy hedges
- Masonry walls
- Entry walkways
How we work
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Before Site assessment
We look at the available space in the yard and the architecture of the house before recommending a structure.
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Design Design and material selection
Pergola, gazebo, or fence style is chosen to fit your home structure, along with the wood species and finish.
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Base plan Footing and framing
Posts are set on proper footings and the frame is built square and level before any finish work begins.
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Finish work Finish carpentry
Roofing, lattice, gates, or fence panels are installed and finished or stained to match the home.
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Finished Integration and planting
Surrounding planting and hardscape complete the structure and tie it into the rest of the yard.
Key decisions
Things worth knowing before a first consultation.
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Pergola versus gazebo
A pergola covers an existing patio or walkway. A gazebo is a freestanding destination that stands apart from the house.
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Attached versus freestanding
A small pergola can accent an empty corner, or attach to the roofline of the house, depending on the space available.
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Open roof versus shade cloth
An open roof keeps the space cooler by letting air pass through. Cloth shades add control over how much sun comes in.
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Fence style
Wood fences come in an array of styles suited to modern or traditional homes, not just the stereotypical picket fence.
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Wood finish and maintenance
Varnished wood adds a natural look but needs periodic refinishing to hold up outdoors.
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Integration with other hardscape
Pergolas and gazebos can be integrated with a fire feature or used as a transition between parts of the yard.
Investment and timeline
No quote written off a photograph can account for what your property is like.
What shapes the schedule
- Design and material selection
- Lumber lead times
- Footing and framing work
- Finish carpentry and staining
Why custom gazebo was drawn together with the rest of the property
Decking, drainage, utilities, planting, shade and lighting all bear on where a feature goes and how it gets built. Settling them on one set of drawings is what keeps conduit out of the wrong trench and stops paving being cut to fit afterward.
- Structure placement Sized and positioned to fit the available space in the yard.
- Material and finish Wood species and stain matched to the architecture of the house.
- Hardscape connection Footing ties into the patio or ground beneath, not added as an afterthought.
- Privacy and screening Fences, gates, and lattice walls add privacy where the yard needs it.
- Planting integration Surrounding planting softens the structure over time.
Access, engineering, permits, finishes and scope vary a lot from one property to the next, so the investment and the schedule for your project are set once we have seen the site and the design is settled.
Tell us about the property and what you want the space to do. We will walk through the design, site and permitting factors likely to shape it.
What customers say
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Everyone involved from the demolition to repairs to installation was outstanding, professional, and moved with real urgency.
Dan Jessee Google review · 2 years ago Carpentry and hardscape project -
I've done several projects with Pacific Outdoor Living and they are always so easy to work with. Their project managers are knowledgeable and in constant communication throughout the project.
Chris Sosa Google review · 1 year ago Carpentry and hardscape project
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a pergola and a gazebo?
A pergola is a freestanding structure with an open roof that covers a patio or walkway and can attach to the house. A gazebo is fully freestanding and reads as its own destination in the yard.
Does an open-roof structure actually provide shade?
Yes. An open roof allows air to pass through, keeping the space cooler than a fully solid cover, while still cutting the harshest sun. Cloth shades can be added for more control.
What fence styles are available besides a picket fence?
Wood fences come in an array of styles for both modern and traditional design. A designer can match the style and finish to your home.
Do I have to get my own permits for a fence or structure?
You can, but we typically pull all permits needed for your job through our own in-house permitting department.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a consultation with one of our designers to discuss your project goals and explore what's possible on your property.
What happens next: we set up a visit, measure the property and talk through what you want the space to do. Then you get a design to look at before you commit to anything.