We Know Austin Backyards
Austin homeowners know outdoor living isn't a luxury — it's how you actually use your house for nine months of the year. For 40+ years, we've built decks, covered patios, pergolas, and gazebos across every Austin neighborhood from Westlake to East Austin to South Congress. Our Austin builds are engineered for 100°+ summer surface temps, the occasional hard freeze, and the expansive clay soil that destroys poorly built outdoor structures.
"Austin is where we've done more work than any other city — thousands of projects since 1984. What we've learned: the soil varies more than people realize. Tarrytown, Clarksville, and Rosedale are often on limestone or rock; Circle C, Mueller, and the east side tend to be expansive clay. Same deck, different footings. We engineer each project to the lot, not a template."
— Peter Toomey, Founder
Why Pergolas Matter Here
Pergolas define outdoor rooms without enclosing them. They're perfect for creating an outdoor dining area, framing a view, or adding vertical interest to a flat yard. The open design allows climbing plants like wisteria or bougainvillea to create natural beauty.
Architectural Impact
A well-designed pergola elevates your entire landscape. It frames views, creates vertical interest, and adds sophistication that flat patios can't match.
Flexible Shade Options
Start with an open pergola and add shade later - retractable canopies or shade sails. Your needs may change; a pergola adapts.
Perfect for Plants
Climbing vines like wisteria, jasmine, or bougainvillea thrive on pergola structures. Create a natural, living shade canopy that blooms seasonally.
Defines Outdoor Rooms
A pergola creates a "ceiling" for your outdoor space without walls. It signals where the living area is, organizing your backyard naturally.
Austin-Specific Considerations
Expansive Clay Soil
The challenge: Much of Austin — especially east of MoPac and the southeast — sits on highly expansive clay that swells when wet and contracts in drought. Cheap footings fail within 3-5 years.
How we handle it: We assess each lot individually. On clay, we install deeper footings that reach below the active soil zone, plus proper drainage to keep water moving away from the structure. On limestone, we drill directly into rock for rigid support.
Full-Sun Texas Summers
The challenge: Surface temps on unshaded decks exceed 140°F in peak summer. Composite boards can scorch bare feet; wood can check and split.
How we handle it: We select materials engineered for Texas heat — specific composite lines that reflect more light, cedar and ipe that handle sun better than pine. We also design shade into the build with pergolas, covered roofs, or strategic orientation.
Austin Permit + Tree Ordinance
The challenge: Austin has one of the strictest permit processes and protected-tree ordinances in Texas. Unpermitted or poorly documented projects can delay home sales or trigger fines.
How we handle it: We've pulled thousands of Austin permits and know the tree preservation requirements inside out. We coordinate with arborists when needed and ensure every project is fully permitted and inspected.
HOA & Historic District Rules
The challenge: Neighborhoods like Tarrytown, Hyde Park, and parts of East Austin have active neighborhood associations with architectural standards or historic preservation rules.
How we handle it: We've submitted hundreds of designs to Austin HOAs and historic boards. We design for first-time approval and handle the submission paperwork.