Suburban Fencing Services is an Outdoor Build Company that is Licensed, Insured and Registered with the City of Plano installing custom Arbors - Pergolas – Trellis – Patio Covers – Wood Structures – Decks - Backyard Recreational Equipment.
Outdoor Structure Definitions with Explanations:
There are several types of structures you can have built to compliment your home. The purpose and use of your outdoor structure will typically define the name type of your backyard dream creation. There are many styles and types of wood structures and are limitless in design, but are typically defined by being a named structure such as a wood arbor – pergola - patio covers or trellis, which Suburban designs and installs as our specialty.
Our information and design guide below provides you with lots of information about Structures and includes Arbors – Gazebos – Trellises - Patio Covers – Pergolas - Designs and Installations inTexas. Your dream structure ideas and our experience will allow us to help you design and a style or theme which best reflects the architectural look of your home and personal style. Our objective is building a quality structure while achieving your goal to meet your functionality, aesthetics and budget requirements.
If you need additional information regarding your next Plano Home Backyard and Outdoor home improvement, simply contact us. Suburban offers complimentary concepts, designs and opinions about your home’s outdoor environment. An appointment with our outdoor structure specialist can be made upon your request.
Patio Covers:
A patio (from the Spanish: patio meaning 'back garden' or 'backyard') is an outdoor space generally used for creating a leisure environment for weather protection, dining, recreation, pathway or a leisure outdoor area and often adjoins to a residence or restaurant. In Plano a patio is typically paved with concrete or flagstone and often connects the backyard. Connecting the backdoor patio area to your rear driveway is very popular. A Plano Patio covers a concrete pad or flagstone patio. The definition of a Patio Cover can be quite vague, ranging from an inexpensive patio cover to an elaborate outdoor and roofed structure. Patios are generally designed and built with Western Red Cedar are designed and built in proportion to your home and surrounding while accomplishing it intended purpose. A patio cover provides Shelter and is typically built over an improved ground patio surface typically made of concrete, flagstone or patio pavers.
Arbor - An open shade arbor is an open beamed structure set in a garden that is designed to provide shade, supports plants or vines and to create an outdoor environment. Arbors can be small or large, covered or uncovered. Suburban refers to arbors as either an open shade Arbor or Covered Arbor. Covered Arbors and its roof and ceiling can be built to different style and designs, such as Gabled Roofs Slant Roof, Trimmed Ceiling and many trim features.
Gazebo - A Gazebo is usually a wood structure designed as a seating or gathering place that will be used for both shelter for shade and to view the surrounding backyard, garden, lake or environment. Plano Gazebos are very common and are located at various Plano Parks – Plano Gardens – Plano Lakes – Outdoor Entertainment Areas – Plano Golf Courses – Plano Pool Areas and our Plano Backyard Areas. Gazebos are often designed with lattice work to allow plants and vines to grown and climb.
Pergola - A Pergola is traditionally a covered walkway, but also refers to an open beamed structure used for dining and entertaining.
Pavilions - A Pavilion is a covered and roofed outdoor structure with open sides. A Pavilion can be small, but is generally a large structure designed to accommodate a large group of people for parties, gatherings, meeting or entertaining. A Plano Pavilion is generally a separate structure but may be connected by an adjoining Pergola. Plano Pavilions are common in our various parks and recreation areas.
Structure Designs and Styles that are influenced from countries across the world in centuries past to current time:
Modern Mediterranean Style – Plano - Arbors – Pergolas – Trellis – Patio Covers- Decks. This design is very similar to the Spanish Mission Style which is simple an absent of Old World cuts and designs suggesting simplicity in style and design.
Traditional Open Shade – Plano - Pergola – Trellis - Arbors. A Plano favorite sharing simplicity but with traditional decorative wave cuts on the beams and joists with trim around the upper and bottom posts. Angle braces from the post to the beams are also a traditional compliment cut in either a straight angle design or a curved bone effect creating a hint of the Southwestern style. A very popular and favorite design here in Plano, Texas.
Spanish – Mission Style – Southwest Style – Trellis – Arbor – Patio Covers - Pergola. A very popular design in Plano and across Texas. This design can include unique and distinctive joists cuts. This design highly compliments the colors of Arizona and Mexico and looks superb over a decorative concrete or flagstone patio.
Hawaiian Style Arbors – Trellises – Arbors – Pergolas - Decks. Hawaiian style arbors are created with whimsical patterns and semi-circles which are indicative of the South Pacific Architecture and style. A Hawaiian structure is generally stained in a natural earth color in dark tones such as olive green or stone gray, but any stain color can be used.
Oriental Style – Plano Water Gardens and Oriental Environments. Oriental style wood structures can be distinctive in design that echoes strong accents that may include detailed wood carvings. Oriental Style outdoor structures usually compliment a water garden and is built with forethought having the oriental water or pond garden built as part of or adjacent to the wood structure.
Medieval Style – Plano Wood Structures - This style starts with large, heavy beams and posts that are assembled by using simple period joinery. Add carved accents, decorative metalwork or candle lanterns and finish accents will compliment the Medieval Style. Stain or paint using a natural dark tones or grayish colors.
Contemporary Style – This design style of Arbor – Patio Covers – Trellises – Pergola or other Plano wood structure are generally design absent of curly cue decorative cuts on the ends of the beams and joists. The style creates a modern looks and style that is bold and edgy without fancy decorative trims and cuts. The design is bold and masculine. The cedar timbers can also be affixed using modern steel angle plates or large bolts for fastening which provides an added compliment to this contemporary design.
Garden Arbor – Plano Lattice Garden Structures - Pergola – Trellis – Lattice. These beautiful Plano Garden Arbors – Trellises are often laced with lattice. Garden Trellises are generally small and can compliment any backyard, garden or pathway. A garden arbor or trellis structure is combined with lattice to promote and to control the climbing of flowering vines and garden vegetation. It also allows the hanging of bird feeders, Plano wind chimes, backyard and Plano garden décor. It is generally placed in an area which provides an entrance to a garden or area and the structure is generally built in proportionate to its environment. If the structure is a walkway arbor which you walk under, consider the width of the entry as this is important regarding the number of people or equipment which may need to pass under and though.
Lattice or Latticework - Defined as "a structure of crossed strips arranged to form a regular pattern of open spaces". Latticework is typically made of an ornamental design of lattice framework consisting of crisscrossed patterns and spaced strips typically constructed of cedar, but can also be built with wrought iron, steel, or any other building material. The design is created by crossing the strips to form a decorative network of spaced “slats”. Latticework can also be used to support a structure but are generally constructed for beauty, promoting and controlling vine growth, blocking direct sun light and providing semi-private areas by blocking open unobstructed visibility.
Considerations regarding the size, design and location for your Arbor - Trellis – Pergola – Wood Structure - Deck:
Purpose - The first step is to determine your primary use and purpose of your structure. You want to ensure that your structure in relative and proportionate to its surrounding, but yet fulfills its intended purpose, such as space to accommodate seating for a table chairs or furniture. Consider all the ways you plan to use the structure. This will help determine the right type, size and style of structure which you design have built. Arbors are typically associated with growing and supporting plants. Pavilions are generally large, roofed, open rooms not attached to a home but adjacent or apart from the home. Pergolas are a blend of the two and which create walkways or covered pathways from one structure or area to another. Whichever structure is appropriate, design issues will include:
Roof support strength (covers or heavier plants require larger beams)
Ceiling patterns (open beam, patterned, lattice or trellis)
Decorative rafter cuts (determined by your style selection )
Number of tiers or modules (multiple levels of overhead beams and rafters)
Built-in Outdoor Kitchens and features (benches–benches-fire pits)
Utilities(electricity Plano night entertaining such as lights - sound speakers-appliances - overhead gas heaters - water faucets)
Size & Shape - The minimum size should be determined by the areas you intend to use while considering any furniture you may plan to have now or in the future that is used under or around the structure. If possible, your structure should be in proportion to your backyards patio area. Suburban Outdoor Solutions can help you design your custom structure compliment the natural features in your backyard or garden while achieving your desired purpose.
View - Determine the garden and house views you desire. Consider any views which you may need to screen using lattice, decorative work or total privacy. Framed openings can be created to enhance viewing of special garden features like ponds, herb gardens, or sundials. These viewing accents can be created to enhance or block particular views in or out of the wood structure. Suburban also builds privacy dressing room - enclosures for privacy and entertaining around your Plano pool area.
Sunlight - The amount of sunlight and heat exposure is generally a consideration in determining the structures orientation of its roof - ceiling design. You may also consider where furniture should be placed where sunlight or shade may be desired where you or company may be sitting.
Protection from Texas Rain Water and our City of Plano Water Supply – Excessive rain – moisture and Plano’s City Water can lead to premature aging – graying – molding – wood rotting – carpenter ant infestations and termite damage can all result if the structure is not designed property to shed rain. Water or the spraying of Plano City Water on the structure by Plano’s water sprinkler or irrigation system is known to cause damage and discoloration due to various chemicals in Plano’s treated water. This chemically treated water can be hard on wood and may cause bleaching – wood whitening – cleaning or the stripping of stain – fading streaking stain marks. If your Plano irrigation sprinkler system or sprinkler heads needs repairs or repairing, our Suburban Irrigators can re-arrange, adjust or repair these items for you and is often included in our estimates. Drainage is very important and must always be considered in every project. Suburban also installs Gutters – French Drains – Underground Drainage – Subsurface Drainage – Landscape Drainage and Hardscape Drainage. Suburban also enjoys creating beautiful and natural Colorado River rock drainage beds that preserve and prevent erosion in to your Plano garden – grass – flower beds – landscaping and anywhere earth deterioration on your Plano home’s property due to improper or inadequate drainage.
Plano Permits and Engineering Department - A permit by the city engineering department should be obtained and final inspection completed by the City of Plano engineering – permit department to ensure that you’re Arbor – Pergola – Patio Covering or Pavilion meets city code to ensure the safety and protection of your investment in your homes improvement project.
Texas Winds – The City of Plano and our surrounding DFW area is very climatic and vulnerable to strong straight line winds, heavy thunderstorms and downward wind gusts. Your patio’s structure and design needs to be built properly and permitted with the City of Plano.
Fundamental Materials Used and Accent Accessories for your custom Arbor – Pergola - Patio Cover –Trellis – Wood Deck or Structure:
The style of your arbor, pergola or patio cover will be created with the fundamentals in design and construction techniques. Most all components and materials we supply are either stocked or are located with our supplier here in Plano or nearby. The selection of unlimited materials, option, accessories and build techniques are limitless. The type of structure and detail will determine the key design elements which will determine your specific style and unique design:
Post size (4 x 4, 6 x 6, 8 X 8, 10 x 10)
Cross beams, joists, rafter size, and shade rails of all various sizes
Joinery techniques (decorative pegs, notched or interlocking beams)
Overhead pattern and complexity (1, 2, 3 + or more tiers or modules)
Finishing touches and decorative trim designs such as joist cuts and trim
Wood texture, stain colors and desired finish
Decorative metalwork for accents or strength
Night time accent lighting and fixture selection
Our wood supply of materials to Plano is virtually unlimited and readily available in stock at our supply warehouse. Materials supplied to build Plano projects include Cedar – Western Red Cedar – Treated Pine – Incense Cedar – Chinese Cedar – Import Cedar – Plano - Treated Pine – Spruce and various Northern Furs. Our Suburban Company will help you with your materials selection based on your structure type, purpose and style you desire.
Western Red Cedar – Plano - Treated Wood – Materials for your Backyard Arbor – Pergola – Trellis – Gazebo – Outdoor Wood Structure:
The most common and recommended wood for use in the Southwest Region (specifically Plano, Texas due to our extreme climate) is the building of Western Red Cedar. This beautiful timber is generally harvested from the Pacific Northwest and is world renowned for its beauty, longevity, stability and resistance to rotting, and decay. Western Red Cedar pretty much stops insects such as carpenter ants and termites as will not eat the resins found in Western Red Cedar. For additional protection, Suburban offers pre-staining and is available for your southwest fence or structure and will add additional beauty and added protection from weathering while increasing its longevity. Western Red Cedar is the world’s most resilient timber and the best choice for outdoor structures to its stability.
Western Red Cedar – Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises and Outdoor Structures are generally most commonly built in Texas and the Southwest Region using Western Red Cedar. This beautify timber is generally harvested from the Pacific Northwest and is world renowned for its beauty, longevity, stability and resistance to rotting, decaying, and resistance insects such as carpenter ants and termites… especially when pre-stained. Many homes still today uses cedar shingles to roof homes due its durability and beauty. We strongly recommend cedar for all visible framing, such as arbor posts and cross beams, joists and trim.
Pressure Treated Wood - For hidden framing, this wood is treated with a variety of chemicals to make it resistant to termites and rot. In recent years, major change has been made the treating lumber with preservatives. They are safer for the environment but less effective in roots protection. Pressure and chemical treatment is also usually responsible for warping wood lumber and timber.
Stain Finishes - Extreme heat, Plano City water, extreme sunlight and freezing rain contribute to rapid weathering. An industry best durable stain is very important. Suburban highly recommends that your structure be pre-stained before assembly. By doing so, your structure will be completely pre-soaked properly with an industry best stain such as www.reayseal.com. Pre-staining is available. Your pre-stained timbers will be delivered directly to your project in Plano, Texas directly after being pre-stained. We use an oil based semi-transparent stain formulated to withstand our extreme Plano Texas climates. Texas Fences – Arbors – Trellises – and other structures benefit greatly from the pre-staining processes. We will provide you a color chart to allow you to select a custom color for your arbor – trellis- pergola allowing you to have any color, such as a big red fence, royal brown, light brown, golden, dark brown, royal brown, clear chocolate. We can custom stain your structure in any color you desire including solid based stain – paint.
Decorative Trim and Accents - Post feet can be boxed with decorative base trim. Decorative Beam and Joists cuts will be designed to match the theme or aesthetics of your home and backyard. Suburban has many custom designs such as our Cedar Timberland, Diamond Ace Fence – our custom special reddish blend Big Red Fence – The stately and bold Boss Trim – The Flared Peacock – The Rustic Cedar creek and many more unique designs.
Integrating Built-ins - With creative thought, many items can be incorporate into your Arbor -Outdoor Kitchen – Fireplace – Bench or any other design you may desire to add additional beauty and function.
Metalwork - Decorative Blackened wrought iron - copper - post braces – steel brackets – aesthetic hardware - lanterns and virtually an unlimited selection of Plano metals – accessories accents can added to your Plano outdoor structure for improved style, strength and functionality.
Lighting - The selection and placement and type of lighting such as high voltage or low voltage using a voltage transformer can evoke both a style and a mood. Decorative lanterns or outdoor chandeliers can be hung from ceiling beams, side mounted sconces, and track or spot lighting can create soft, functional and beautiful lighting to accent your structure and provide style and purpose. Soft mood lighting can lightly illuminate walkways and steps to create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere.
Ornamental Iron –Plano - Metal Hardware – Custom made and specialized metal materials can be used for structure strength or ornamental décor. Suburban welding – fabrication can also incorporated into your structure. Suburban is an authorized wholesale purchaser to several of the world’s largest iron and decorative metal supplies in the world. Suburban has virtually unlimited access to iron and metal designs. Plano - Ornamental Iron – Steel – Wrought Iron – Decorative Accents. Often our custom Plano welding and fabrication services may be performed on your property. Suburban fabricating – welding - steel – iron welding - repair services are available.
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Fences - Wood - Cedar - Spruce