Outdoor Living & Hardscape | North Fence & Deck Co. |

More Than Construction

The best outdoor spaces on the Peninsula aren't assembled from a catalog — they're designed for the site, the orientation, the climate, and how the yard connects to the house.

The Peninsula outdoor climate runs in two distinct modes — months of dry heat and afternoon sun, followed by months of marine layer, rain, and wind. A structure that works in both needs to be designed for both. A pergola on a south-facing yard in San Bruno performs differently from one on a north-facing lot in Pacifica. A covered porch attached to the house is a different waterproofing challenge from a freestanding shade structure in the garden. We design for your specific site, orientation, and how you actually use the space — not a floor plan pulled from a brochure.

Attachment to the house is where most outdoor structure problems originate. A covered patio or porch roof that connects to the house wall creates a flashing and waterproofing detail that has to perform for the life of the structure. Done correctly, the connection sheds water and protects the wall assembly behind it. Done incorrectly — a ledger bolted through siding without proper flashing, or a roof slope that directs water toward the house — it creates a dry rot path that works inward for years before it becomes visible. We treat the wall connection as the critical detail it is on every attached structure we build, and it goes through inspection.

Most outdoor living projects connect to other elements — a deck at the same level, stairs stepping down to the yard, a retaining wall managing the grade below, a fence defining the perimeter. Our hardscape and retaining wall work often runs alongside a pergola or porch project because the grading and drainage need to be resolved together. We handle the full scope when the project calls for it, and the connections between elements get the same attention as the elements themselves. A porch that transitions to a deck that steps down to a paved patio is one project — not three separate ones bolted together after the fact.

What We Build

Outdoor Structures for Every Use and Every Yard

Pergolas and arbors — freestanding and attached; open lattice and beam roof; redwood, cedar, and steel construction
Porches and covered patios — attached to the house with full weatherproofing and flashing detail at the wall connection
Retaining walls and hardscape — engineered block, natural stone, and concrete systems for hillside stabilization and usable yard creation
Paver patios and walkways — slip-resistant, durable surfaces that integrate with the surrounding grade and drainage
Custom yard design — full-scope project planning combining structure, decking, hardscape, and fencing into a single coordinated build
Structural connections to existing decks — adding overhead structure or hardscape to a deck or yard already in place
Permits pulled and inspections coordinated — attached structures and solid-roof structures almost always require a permit; we handle the process

Why North Fence & Deck Co.

The Attachment Detail Is Where the Project Lives or Fails

We have assessed enough failed patio covers and rotted porch ledgers to know that the wall connection is the detail that separates a structure performing for thirty years from one that creates a water problem inside a decade. The flashing, the slope, the drainage at the connection point — these are not finishing touches. They are the reason the rest of the project holds up. That same structural thinking carries into our retaining wall and hardscape work, where drainage behind the wall is the difference between a wall that holds and one that moves.

At the site visit we assess the wall assembly, the roof slope, the drainage path, the grade, and how the structure connects to everything adjacent. The proposal we provide comes out of that assessment — specific to your house, your yard, and what the project needs to accomplish. We have been doing this work on Peninsula properties since 1995 and know what each city requires before we pull the first permit.

Frequently Asked Questions →

→ What outdoor structures do you build?

We build pergolas, arbors, covered patios, attached and detached patio roofs, screen enclosures, and fully custom outdoor structures. Most projects combine structure with adjacent decking, stairs, or hardscape — we handle the full scope.

→ Does a pergola or patio cover require a permit?

Usually yes, especially if it’s attached to the house or has a solid roof. Freestanding open-lattice pergolas sometimes fall under a size threshold, but this varies by Peninsula city. We confirm what’s required for your project at the estimate.

→ What is the difference between a pergola and a patio cover?

A pergola has an open lattice or beam roof — it provides partial shade and defines the space but doesn’t keep you dry. A patio cover or covered patio has a solid or semi-solid roof that provides real weather protection. We build both, and can help you decide which fits your goals and site.

→ Can you build a covered patio that is attached to the house?

Yes. Attached patio covers are one of our most common projects. The attachment point to the house requires careful flashing and waterproofing — improper attachment is a leading cause of dry rot and water intrusion. We treat this detail as a critical part of every attached structure we build.

→ What materials do you use for outdoor structures?

We build primarily in clear heart redwood and cedar for traditional aesthetics, and in structural steel, aluminum, or pressure-treated lumber where conditions require it. Roofing options include polycarbonate panels, corrugated metal, and built-up roofing depending on the look and weather protection you need.

→ How long does an outdoor structure project take?

A straightforward pergola or patio cover typically takes three to five days of construction once permits are approved. Larger or more complex custom structures take longer — we give you a realistic timeline at the estimate.