Skip to Content
chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up chevron-right chevron-left arrow-back star phone quote checkbox-checked search wrench info shield play connection mobile coin-dollar spoon-knife ticket pushpin location gift fire feed bubbles home heart calendar price-tag credit-card clock envelop facebook instagram twitter youtube pinterest yelp google reddit linkedin envelope bbb pinterest homeadvisor angies

I am sitting here writing this on one of our first 100 degree days in 2014. Let’s just hope we don’t have too many 110 degree plus days this summer…ugh!!! If you are an outdoor enthusiast and love spending time by the pool or patio no matter what the temperature, having relief nearby is always welcome. Over the years, I have built dozens of shade structures using a variety of different materials. Before we go into the numerous options, let’s talk about the many names we use to describe them and their associated meanings. Gazebos, Arbors, Ramada’s, Pergolas are the most common names, but what are the differences?

Gazebos offer protection from both the sun and rain because they have a solid tiled roof that matches the home. These are free-standing structures that usually are not attached to the house. The interior finished ceiling is either exposed framework, or the framework is covered using a tongue & groove high-grade plywood. Most people install a light & ceiling fan with a switch on one of the support posts, and others go as far as installing a misting system on the perimeter for additional comfort. The support posts are built with masonry block (CMU), require a solid footing, and can be finished off with stucco & paint, or maybe a stone veneer. A good Gazebo starts at about $12,000 for a 10×10 or 12×12, but I have built others that cost $15,000 to $20,000. It all depends on how you accessorize and the materials you choose. Because Gazebo’s usually finish off at a height of 10 to 12 feet above ground level, just about all require HOA approval and a building permit. They are not hard to get, but that is the correct way to go about it. Gazebos are one of the more expensive shade options but are extremely functional and decorative.

Another shade option is the ramada which is attached to the house coming out the back patio door with an asphalt roof and usually finished with drywall, paint, and a ceiling fan or two. A pergola or arbor offers no protection from the rain but does offer “filtered” sunlight, as well as a very attractive decorative element. These can either be free-standing structures or attached to the house. The support posts can be wood or masonry, and the top can have either one or two layers depending on how much shade you require. Two-layered arbors are usually the norm. I recommend two especially if you are using wood because the cross member building approach helps to keep the wood from twisting. I like using a “rough sawn” fir because it holds up well to Arizona weather and stains or paints beautifully. The two-layered arbor top starts with the first course of main beams with dimensions of 6” x 12”. I like a “beefy” looking structure. I corbel the ends for decoration and the corners are cross-woven into one another. The first course is a 3” x 6” member laid perpendicular to the first, and also has corbeled ends. The final layer is 2” x 2” and is laid perpendicular to the course below. Ends are usually too small to corbel, so I’ll straight cut them or slightly round over the ends. It’s also best that you stain or paint the wood on the ground so you can cover every inch of wood before it is assembled. It also makes staining or painting much easier when you can place them on a sawhorse as opposed to working overhead. Wood still has a tendency to twist, so make sure the wood is as dry as it can be from the lumber yard.

If you don’t want the maintenance of wood, there are companies that offer an aluminum stud wrapped with vinyl and simulates the look of wood. There are several color choices, and when dirty, can be washed off with a hose and never require any painting. Again, most structures like these require HOA approval and possibly a permit. Check with the city to see what they require. The cost for natural wood arbors or ramadas ranges between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the size, the number of layers, and what type of materials you will use to accessorize. The cost for the “aluma wood” structures is about 20 percent less expensive. There is definitely a trade-off between the overall look and beauty of natural wood versus the low maintenance of artificial-looking wood so…pick your poison here. Being a third-generation contractor and an experienced finished carpenter….well, I don’t think I have to tell you which is my personal preference. Pick the right materials, have a good design, get the proper approvals and finally choose a licensed contractor, and you can begin to enjoy this summer with a little added comfort as well as building some nice equity. If you have any questions about this or other landscape products, contact me through OutsideLivingConcepts.com

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation