We build pergolas, solid patio covers, louvered systems and shade sails.
What we build
- Wood and steel pergolas
- Solid and louvered patio covers
- Shade sails and tension structures
- Cabanas and freestanding lounge structures
- Integrated lighting, fans and power
- Footings, engineering and permit coordination
Built by us · Real project
Hillcrest Covered Deck & Gravel Lounge
Hillcrest
Dining and lounge seating occupy distinct spaces connected by a strong timber focal point. The tall hedge forms a green backdrop, and visible step lights accent the changes in level.
See This ProjectSized and oriented for real sun angles
A pergola with the wrong rafter direction shades nothing when you actually sit outside. We check sun path against how you use the space before setting the framing plan.
Built to the same standard as the house
Structures get proper footings, hardware and finishes so they read as architecture rather than a kit dropped on the patio.
Pergolas, patio covers and shade sails
An open-rafter pergola gives dappled shade and a defined outdoor room. A solid patio cover blocks sun and rain outright. Louvered systems adjust through the day. Shade sails are the lightest and least expensive way to cover a seating area.
Materials and attachment
Wood for warmth and cost, steel for longer spans and slimmer profiles, aluminum louvered systems for adjustability. Structures are either attached to the house or freestanding on engineered footings — that choice affects permitting as much as it affects the look.
Shade planning for San Diego sun
West-facing patios take the worst of the afternoon. We check the sun path against the hours you actually use the space, then set rafter direction, spacing and overhang around that instead of centering the structure on the slab.
Our work
Shade structure Projects We've Built
Real Staples Landscaping project pages — same trade, around San Diego County.
Read first
Before you start your shade structure project
Planning and cost guides from our own build experience.
Privacy & Shade
The Best Privacy Trees and Screening Plants for San Diego
Screening that works on real lot sizes, without the roots and maintenance nightmares of the usual suspects.
3 min readHiring & Permits
When Landscaping Requires a Permit in San Diego
The projects that trigger permits locally, and how to plan a timeline around plan check.
3 min readPrivacy & Shade
Pergolas, Ramadas and Shade Sails: Choosing Outdoor Shade
How to choose and budget a pergola or patio cover based on sun angle, material and permitting — not just how it looks in a photo.
3 min readServing San Diego County
We take on shade structure projects in La Jolla, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Poway, Scripps Ranch, Point Loma, Coronado, North Park, Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Escondido, San Marcos, Rancho Santa Fe, Mission Hills, Clairemont, University City and surrounding communities. See all service areas.
Licensed C-27 Landscape Contractor — CSLB License #1159370
Common questions
- Do I need a permit for a pergola?
- Usually yes once it is attached to the house or exceeds the exempt size in your jurisdiction. Electrical or gas in the structure triggers a permit regardless.
- Wood, steel or louvered?
- Wood is warmest and most affordable, steel spans farther with a lighter profile, and louvered systems give you adjustable sun and rain control at the highest cost.
- How much shade does a pergola actually give?
- It depends entirely on rafter direction and spacing relative to your sun angles. We check the sun path against when you actually use the space before locking the framing plan.
- What does a pergola cost in San Diego?
- It varies widely with size, material and whether the structure is attached or freestanding. Wood pergolas are the most affordable, steel spans further, and louvered aluminum systems sit at the top.
- Can a patio cover be attached to my house?
- Often yes, with proper flashing and structural attachment. Attached covers usually require a permit, which we handle as part of the project.
- What is the difference between a pergola and a patio cover?
- A pergola has open rafters and gives filtered shade. A patio cover has a solid roof and blocks sun and rain completely.
- Are you licensed for shade structure work in San Diego?
- Yes. Staples Landscaping holds California contractor license #1159370, carries liability and workers' compensation coverage, and pulls permits on any work that requires them. You can verify the license directly with the CSLB.
- Do you serve my part of San Diego County?
- We work across San Diego County — coastal, central, inland, East County and South Bay. Each area has its own soil, climate and permitting reality, which is why we publish neighborhood-level pages rather than one generic service area list.
