Discover Your Dream Houston Pergola Style

Are you ready to make your Houston pergola dream a reality? Perhaps you’re looking for guidance on material selection and custom design features. Or maybe you’re just after a bit of inspiration as you start your outdoor living journey.

We’re Allied Outdoor Solutions, and we’ve transformed over 25,000 Texas backyards into hand-crafted outdoor living spaces for decades. Our business put its roots down in Houston, and our “home base” is still on Sam Houston Parkway. Making outdoor dreams come true for Houstonians will always be our first love.

We crafted this local guide to modern pergola solutions with insights from our Houston design-build teams. You’ll discover high-performing material options, enduring design features, and stylish examples from our pergola project gallery.

A History of Houston Outdoor Living Success

From The Woodlands to Pearland, Fulshear to Friendswood, we’ve elevated the outdoor spaces of thousands of Houston homeowners. 

We’re proud to hold an A+ rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Our 4.6 star rating across 2,500+ reviews displays our commitment to quality craftsmanship, transparent business ethics and clear communication.

Here’s what our valued clients say about Allied Outdoor Solutions pergola projects:

"Allied built me a wonderful covered patio, outdoor space, a pergola, and a fire pit. The structure is solid and the work is done right. We had some weather delays but they communicated clearly with changes and scheduling. The quality of work is impeccable! I would use them again for my next outdoor extension project." – Dominique Z.

"This is the second time we have used Allied for work in our backyard. They provide high quality work and built our pergola very quickly. If you want the work done right save yourself time and money and just call Allied!" – Natalyn N.

Pergola Design Inspiration: Stylish Solutions for Houston Homes

Not every pergola design is built to last in Houston. Strong roof structures are required to shield against rain and moisture damage. Fortified concrete foundations and overlays help stabilize our black clay soil.

We thoughtfully selected 3 pergola designs that reflect the challenges, design preferences and project specifications that create beautiful, durable outdoor spaces in our city.

Browse our design gallery — which solutions and features are most inspiring to you?

The Party Starter: Roofed Pergola and Outdoor Kitchen

From outdoor grill and bar island to custom fire feature and smart lighting, this Houston pergola has your party covered. And the roof structure covers you and your guests as well.

Key Considerations

• Outdoor kitchen space. The homeowners wanted a pergola to function as a party and dining space. From bar island seating to multiple grill stations, we gave them the works.
• Adequate ventilation. Multiple cooking appliances means a ton of generated heat. Smart overhead solutions were needed to facilitate airflow and cross-ventilation.

Wish List

• Custom fire table.  An outdated, rusty fire pit wasn’t going to cut it. This elevated space deserved a handcrafted fire feature with materials that matched the pergola design.
• A hosting paradise. Stainless steel grill? Check. Big Green Egg? Check. Extended bar island, extra seating, and plenty of hangout space? Triple check.

Rustic Relaxation: Stylish Attached Pergola

We blended rustic charm with modern, durable features in this striking pergola space. Lightweight aluminum and modified concrete add stability and strength.

Key Considerations

• Smart lighting. The existing outdoor space got dark in a hurry in the evening. LED string lights and app-controlled landscape lighting solved the issue.
• Stabilized soil. Our design team mitigated a soggy backyard space with a fortified concrete foundation. Carvestone flooring amplified the pergola’s stability.

Wish List

• Outdoor dining.  The homeowners wanted a space to meet and eat under their stylish new pergola. A cozy outdoor dining table and chairs were added.
• Updated style. The unique shape and arrangement of the aluminum pergola added visual intrigue, while retaining the existing rustic charm of the space.

Covered in Comfort: Aluminum Pergola and Patio

This modern, neutral-toned pergola and patio offer a breathtaking view of the rolling hills in the distance. Relax on plush patio furniture with multiple fans for airy ventilation.

Key Considerations

• Patio integration. A pergola roof was added to the renovated patio space. We secured the attached pergola to the existing home structure.
• Secure construction. We ensured long-term structural integrity with concrete footings below the patio surface to support the pergola posts. 

Wish List

• Louvered roof.  The homeowners wanted complete control over their access to sun and shade. A louvered pergola provides the ability to open and shut slats as needed.
• Usable space. We created more usable space by separating the pergola area and a raised covered patio. This distinct zoning added form, function and versatility.

Building in Bayou City: Local Pergola Considerations

From killer humidity to shifting clay soil, outdoor projects face a unique blend of local challenges in Houston. Your contractor must offer informed solutions based on years of experience working in this region’s climate and terrain.

Protection from the Elements: Pergola Roof Structures

A shade structure offers more than shade in Houston. It protects your building materials and outdoor kitchen appliances from salty rainwater, humid moisture and direct ultraviolet radiation.

The Houston Solution: Solid pergola roofs offer maximum protection from the elements. If you want slatted roofing, choose a louvered pergola. You’ll retain the control necessary to close the roof when it’s necessary.

Black Clay Soil Requires Strong Foundations

Houston’s bed of black clay soil retains and loses moisture faster than other types of soil. Your yard’s too soggy after it rains, and cracks easily in dry spells. Strong, fortified foundations are necessary to prevent cracking and structural damage.

The Houston Solution: We frequently pour concrete foundations a bit deeper to mitigate erosion and shifting soil. Concrete overlay products like Carvestone offer greater stability and pressure resistance for your pergola flooring.

Concrete Curing Expertise in High Humidity

Concrete cures differently in high humidity. While moist air helps create stronger concrete slabs, it also takes them longer to properly cure.

The Houston Solution: Our outdoor contractors live and work in Houston — you won’t risk out-of-town builders who don’t understand how to pour concrete that lasts here.

Choosing the Right Materials and Features

Selecting the right materials and design features elevates your pergola into a structurally sound outdoor living space with plenty of curb appeal. 

Material Selection: Balancing Beauty and Durability

Pressure-treated wood offers high aesthetic value and natural beauty. Be sure your lumber is sealed and pressure treated to minimize moisture damage. Consider using wood underneath metal pergola roofing to further protect its integrity.

Aluminum is lightweight, easy to use and looks sleek in pergola roofing and support columns. Be sure the aluminum you’re using is coated to protect against corrosion and rust.

Modified concrete flooring is the optimal choice for Houston pergola spaces. Products like Carvestone resist the shifts and swelling of black clay soil, and provide pressure resistance up to 6,000 PSI.

Pergola Design Features for Enhanced Outdoor Living

Outdoor kitchen integration transforms your pergola into an outdoor gathering space for drinks, dining and barbecue. Stainless steel grills and ranges are best for local humidity and moisture concerns. Add refrigeration and a dishwasher for a fully functional kitchen space.

Smart lighting fixtures let you control overhead and recessed light from an app on your smartphone. Install recessed lighting under your solid pergola cover, uplighting near your columns, or festive LED string lights for a backyard party vibe.

Ventilation and overhead fans keep your pergola cool during hot, humid days. They also provide extra airflow when using your grill, smoker or barbecue. 

Outdoor rated TVs and sound systems create an outdoor entertainment space. Watch the game, host a block party or unwind with relaxing music in the evening.

Get Your Houston Pergola Party Started!

Whether you desire a rustic pergola with natural stone and lumber, or a sleek modern design with an aluminum louvered roof structure, trust Allied Outdoor Solutions to achieve the pergola style you crave.

Collaborate with your dedicated Project Manager and outdoor living designer on your wish list of design features and materials. Walk through your space pre-construction with 3D renderings. Then, trust our experienced contractors to exceed your expectations.

Talk to us. We can’t wait to elevate your outdoor lifestyle for decades to come.