Shade Structures That Fit Your Yard and Hold Up

Wells Family Construction LLC builds custom pergolas, gazebos, and shade structures for homes in Southern Oregon.

You want a structure that provides shade without blocking airflow and stands up to wind and rain without constant repairs. In Grants Pass, Medford and beyond, our summers are dry and winters bring wet weather, the way a pergola or gazebo is anchored and finished determines whether it lasts a season or decades. Wells Family Construction LLC builds freestanding and attached shade structures using timber, cedar, and hardwood options that are selected for durability and designed to complement your outdoor space.

Each structure is custom-designed based on your yard layout, sun angles, and how you plan to use the area. Pergolas are built with open roofing to allow filtered light and ventilation, while gazebos include full or partial roof coverage for more protection. Decorative beams, post details, and joinery are added to match your home's style without compromising structural integrity. All posts are anchored to concrete footings or existing hardscape to resist movement.

If you're considering a pergola or gazebo in Medford and surrounding areas and want to discuss design, materials, or placement, contact Wells Family Construction LLC to schedule a consultation.

How Posts, Beams, and Roofing Are Assembled

Your project starts with marking post locations and digging footings that extend below the frost line to prevent shifting. In Gold Hill, Medford and beyond, the crew uses galvanized post bases or direct embedment depending on soil type and structure size. Posts are cut to height, plumbed, and temporarily braced while the concrete cures. Cedar and redwood are often chosen for their natural resistance to moisture and insects.

Once the posts are set, beams and rafters are laid out using notched joints or metal hangers for secure connections. You'll notice the structure feels solid when complete because each joint was measured and cut to bear weight evenly. Open-style pergolas use spaced rafters to create shade patterns, while covered gazebos include tongue-and-groove roofing or corrugated panels for weather protection. All exposed wood is sanded and sealed to prevent moisture absorption and UV damage.

The service includes design, material selection, framing, and finishing. It does not include electrical work for lighting or irrigation unless coordinated separately. Structures are built to local building codes and inspected for stability before project completion.

Ask Anything About Design or Installation

Homeowners often ask about wood choices, attachment methods, and how much shade different designs provide before deciding on a pergola or gazebo layout.

What is the difference between a pergola and a gazebo?
A pergola has an open roof with spaced beams or rafters that allow filtered light and airflow. A gazebo includes a solid or partially covered roof for more shade and weather protection.
How deep are the footings for a freestanding structure?
Footings typically extend at least 18 to 24 inches below grade depending on soil type and frost line depth. This prevents the posts from shifting during freeze-thaw cycles or heavy rain.
Can a pergola be attached to my house?
Yes, attached pergolas are bolted to the home's exterior framing using a ledger board and flashing to prevent water intrusion. This method is common for patio coverage and requires coordination with your home's existing structure.
What type of wood lasts longest outdoors?
Cedar and redwood are naturally resistant to rot and insects, making them ideal for outdoor structures. Pressure-treated lumber is more affordable and also performs well when sealed properly.
How much shade does a pergola provide?
Shade coverage depends on rafter spacing and orientation. Closer spacing and east-west alignment provide more consistent shade throughout the day, while wider spacing allows more light through.

Wells Family Construction LLC works with homeowners in Grants Pass, Medford and surrounding areas who want outdoor structures that add function and character without requiring constant upkeep. If you're ready to move forward or need an estimate based on your yard layout, get in touch to start planning.