Create the Perfect Balance of Sun and Shade

Transform your outdoor living area with a lattice patio cover that delivers the ideal combination of filtered sunlight and cooling shade. Our aluminum wood-look systems provide approximately 50% shade coverage—enough to make your patio comfortable on hot days while maintaining the bright, open atmosphere that makes outdoor living enjoyable. Attached directly to your home, these structures create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

What Is a Lattice Patio Cover?

Plain Definition: An open-lattice roof of evenly spaced beams and rafters mounted to posts—typically attached to your home—that creates partial, balanced shade while allowing airflow. The structure consists of parallel beams running in one or two directions, creating a grid pattern overhead that filters sunlight into pleasant dappled shade below.

Positioning Note: It’s helpful to understand the terminology: freestanding open-rafter structures are generally considered pergolas, while attached open-rafter structures are commonly called lattice or arbor styles. This distinction matters when discussing your project with contractors, HOAs, or when researching options. The attachment to your home is what primarily defines a lattice patio cover versus a pergola.

Benefits of a Lattice Patio Cover (Why Homeowners Choose It)

Around 50% Shade

Evenly spaced rafters knock down glare and heat while keeping natural light flowing through your space. This balanced coverage means you’re comfortable without feeling closed in—perfect for reading, dining, or entertaining during peak sun hours.

Elegant Look

Clean, architectural lines instantly make your backyard feel finished and intentional. The structured geometry adds visual interest to plain walls and creates a sophisticated frame for your outdoor living area that enhances your home’s overall aesthetic appeal.

Furniture Protection

Reduced direct sun exposure helps extend the life and color of outdoor furniture, cushions, and fabrics. Your investment in quality patio furniture stays looking newer longer when protected from the harshest UV rays, while still allowing enough light for natural ambiance.

Keeps the House Cooler at Entries

Strategic placement cuts harsh sun at patio doors and windows, reducing heat gain inside your home and preventing UV fading of interior flooring and furnishings near glass doors. Many homeowners report noticeable cooling in adjacent rooms.

Plant-Friendly Environment

Creates ideal conditions for potted plants and shade-sensitive species that struggle in full desert sun. The filtered light allows you to grow a wider variety of plants, from ferns to tropical species that would otherwise burn in direct exposure.

Low Maintenance

Aluminum wood-look systems don’t chip, peel, or require painting—ever. Unlike real wood that demands regular staining and sealing, your lattice cover maintains its appearance with just occasional rinsing, saving time and money over its lifetime.

Budget Control

Lattice is typically more economical than a fully roofed (solid) cover while still providing substantial shade and architectural impact. You get professional installation and lasting quality without the higher cost of solid roof systems.

Lattice vs. Pergola vs. Solid — Quick Guide

Freestanding or Attached?

  • Attached + rafters: Lattice/Arbor (this page) – connected to your home’s structure
  • Freestanding + rafters: Pergola – independent structure in your yard
  • Attached/Freestanding + roof: Solid Patio Cover – complete weather protection with full roof

Roof or Rafters?

  • Rafters (open): Shade only—rain passes between slats, maintaining outdoor atmosphere
  • Roof (solid): Full weather protection blocking both rain and UV completely

Size Considerations:

No strict size rules apply. We custom design to fit your specific space and local building codes. Whether you need coverage for a cozy 10×10 breakfast nook or an expansive 20×30 entertainment area, we engineer each structure for optimal performance and aesthetics.

Options & Customization (Tune Shade, Style, and Fit)

Shade Control

Rafter spacing can be adjusted to target your preferred shade percentage. Standard spacing delivers approximately 50% shade, but we can tighten spacing for more coverage or widen it for a lighter, airier feel. Add an optional perpendicular top slat layer for additional coverage without sacrificing the open lattice aesthetic.

Profiles, Columns & End-Cuts

Choose distinctive beam and rafter end-cut styles—beveled for classic elegance, mitered for modern clean lines, or decorative scalloped for ornamental flair. Column options include square profiles, wrapped designs for a more substantial look, or masonry-base treatments that complement stone or brick elements.

Colors & Finishes

Our wood-look aluminum finishes perfectly complement existing trim and hardscape colors. The factory-applied finishes resist fading and maintain their authentic wood grain texture indefinitely. Design tip: Lighter tops reflect more heat for cooler shade below; matching posts to your home’s fascia creates a seamless, built-in appearance.

Lights & Accessories

Lattice structures are perfect for string lights, pendant fixtures, and privacy screens. We’ll help plan outlet and switch locations during design phase, ensuring convenient access without visible wiring. Consider adding retractable shade cloth for occasions when you want more coverage.

Integration with Existing Patio

Typically attached directly to your home’s fascia or wall, we verify existing slab thickness and anchorage requirements during consultation. If your current patio doesn’t meet structural requirements, we add appropriate footings per engineering specifications and local codes.

Why We Use Aluminum (Wood-Look, Structurally Engineered)

Our aluminum systems deliver superior performance in every category:

  • Quality construction with structurally engineered components designed for wind and seismic requirements
  • “Real wood” textures & clean profiles that look authentic from any viewing angle
  • Custom spans sized to your exact layout without compromise
  • Easy maintenance eliminates sanding, staining, and painting forever
  • Termite/insect proof construction with complete resistance to rot and decay
  • Resists warping and cracking through temperature extremes
  • Lightweight yet durable for easier installation with less structural demand
  • Weather-resistant finishes maintain appearance through decades of sun and rain

FAQs (Fast Answers)

Does lattice block rain?

No—lattice provides shade and maintains airflow while rain passes between rafters. For rain protection, consider our solid patio cover options.

About 50% shade coverage with standard spacing. We can adjust rafter spacing tighter for more shade (up to ~70%) or wider for a lighter feel (~30%).

Simply rinse occasionally with a garden hose to remove dust and debris. No painting, staining, or sealing required—ever.

Fans typically require a solid, insulated roof for proper mounting and operation. Lattice covers work beautifully with string lights, pendant lights, or decorative lanterns.

We confirm local requirements during consultation and handle all permitting when needed, including HOA approvals where applicable.

Our Process (Simple & Predictable)

1. Free Consultation & Estimate

We schedule a convenient site visit to take precise measurements, review spacing options and color selections, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed written quote with no obligation.
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2. Design & Approvals

Together we'll finalize your layout, determine optimal rafter spacing, confirm anchorage details, and plan any electrical or accessory additions. We manage all drawings, permits, and HOA submissions to keep your project on track.
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3. Professional Installation

Our licensed team delivers clean, code-compliant construction with meticulous attention to detail. Every project concludes with a complete walkthrough and care guide to ensure your total satisfaction.

Ready for Balanced Shade?

Discover how a lattice patio cover can transform your outdoor living space into a comfortable retreat that you’ll use throughout the year. With 45+ years serving Southern California, we understand exactly how to create the perfect balance of shade and light for your lifestyle.

Proud Member of

American Fence Association, California Association of Community Managers, and Community Associations Institute