Find the right shade for your deck
Pergolas, louvered roofs, gable roofs, and full pavilions, side by side. See how each one handles sun, rain, and upkeep, then pick what fits the way you use your backyard.
Six ways to add shade and cover
Tell us what matters most and we will highlight the best fits.
Built by DreamDecksCustom Built Pergola
A pergola framed by our crew and sized exactly to your deck. Posts and beams can be wrapped to match your railing or trim, and it can hold lights, a fan, or shade cloth.
- Built to any size or shape
- Wrap to match your deck
- Great value for open shade
- Partial shade, not rain cover
DuraLuxVinyl Pergola
Classic pergola looks in lifetime warranty vinyl, so there is no sanding, staining, or painting. Nine styles from traditional to modern in white, tan, or adobe.
- No staining or painting, ever
- 9 styles, 3 colors
- Clean, classic look
- Partial shade, not rain cover
- Set sizes and styles
StruXureLouvered Roof
Motorized aluminum louvers you open for sun or close tight when it rains, right from your phone. Water runs into a hidden gutter so the space stays dry.
- Sun or full cover, your call
- Rain sensor and app control
- Lights, heat, and screens available
- The highest investment of the group
Built by DreamDecksGable or Cathedral Roof
A real roof that ties into your house with shingles and gutters to match. A vaulted cathedral ceiling feels big and open, with room for fans, lights, and speakers.
- Full rain and sun cover
- Matches the house
- Fans, lights, and TVs
- Blocks the sky
- Usually needs a permit and engineering
Built by DreamDecksShed Style Roof
A single slope roof that tucks under your existing roofline. Great when headroom or windows are tight, and it can carry a flat finished ceiling with lights and a fan.
- Full cover in a simpler shape
- Works under low rooflines
- Clean flat ceiling
- Blocks the sky
- Usually needs a permit
Built by DreamDecksPavilion or Outdoor Room
A freestanding or attached pavilion for a kitchen, bar, or fireplace. We manage the design, structure, electrical, plumbing, and stone so it all comes together.
- A true outdoor room
- Kitchens, bars, fireplaces
- One team for every trade
- The biggest project of the group
How they compare
A quick look at the differences that matter most. Cost is relative, from $$ to $$$$.
| Custom Built PergolaBuilt by DreamDecks | Vinyl PergolaDuraLux | Louvered RoofStruXure | Gable or Cathedral RoofBuilt by DreamDecks | Shed Style RoofBuilt by DreamDecks | Pavilion or Outdoor RoomBuilt by DreamDecks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain protection | Partial | Partial | Full when closed | Full | Full | Full |
| Sun and sky | Filtered sun | Filtered sun | Adjustable | Shade only | Shade only | Shade only |
| Upkeep | Low with wrapped posts | None | Very low | Low | Low | Low |
| Lights and fans | Lights, small fans | Lights | Lights, heat, fans | Lights, fans, TVs | Lights, fans, TVs | Everything |
| Ties into the house | Optional | Optional | Optional | Yes | Yes | Optional |
| Relative cost | $$ | $$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Best for | Open shade on a budget | Classic look, zero upkeep | Sun and rain on demand | Big covered living space | Covered space under a low roof | Kitchens, bars, fireplaces |
Nine styles
From traditional to modern, in white, tan, or adobe vinyl.
Louvers, canopies, and panels
Rotate the louvers for sun or shade, and add glass or privacy panels to close it in.
Shade and cover we have built
Roofs, pavilions, and pergolas on real Northeast Ohio projects.
Pergola and roof questions
Pergola or roof, which is right for me?
If you want filtered sun and to keep the sky open, a pergola is great. If you want to sit outside in the rain, you need a roof or a louvered roof that closes.
Can you add a roof to my existing deck?
Often, yes. We check the framing and footings and engineer the roof around what is there, adding support where needed.
Do I need a permit?
Most roofs and pavilions need a permit, and some pergolas do too. We handle the permit and the drawings for you.
Can I add lights, fans, or heat?
Yes. We plan the electrical with the structure so outlets, fans, lights, and heaters are ready when it is finished.
Can you match my house?
Gable and shed roofs can match your shingles, gutters, and trim, and post wraps can match your railing.
Not sure which one fits?
Send us a few photos of your deck or patio. We will design the shade that fits how you live out there and show it to you in 3D.