A well-built pergola or attached shade structure changes the way you use your backyard. When the sun gets too intense, you can step under a structure that keeps you comfortable. When the fall chill rolls in, an attached covered porch blocks the wind and holds in the warmth from your outdoor heater.
You get defined spaces for dining, lounging, and entertaining, plus a look that adds real architectural detail to your property. That is why Des Moines and central Iowa home owners keep coming back to us to create shade and comfort for all 4-seasons of intense Iowa weather.
We have been designing and building pergolas and shade structures across Des Moines, Iowa for over 40 years, helping families extend their time outside from spring through fall. We design every project to fit your home and lifestyle. Nothing is off the table for our creative design team: full outdoor shade structures with retractable screens, louvered roofs, classic cedar beam designs, and everything in between.
If you like to spend a lot of time outside through the heat and the rain then a pergola or covered porch might be the right choice for you. Adding a covered porch attached to your home or a pergola over your patio space can make the time you spend outside much more enjoyable.
Iowa weather does not wait for your plans. Rain rolls in. Snow piles up. A covered patio solution from Ted Lare means you stop canceling cookouts and start enjoying your patio year-round. Host a dinner in October without worrying about a cold front. Even better, relax outside in July without baking in direct sun.
Whether you want an attached structure off your back door or a freestanding cover near the pool, we build custom covered patios for Central Iowa homeowners that they are proud to show off. Every design blends into the existing architecture, so nothing looks like an afterthought. And if you are looking for patio shade structures in Des Moines that actually add to your home’s resale value, that is exactly what we deliver.
Fire pits, outdoor kitchens, seating walls, and water features are all great additions to a backyard, but they can feel disconnected without a central structure holding the space together. A well designed pergola can serve as a focal point for any backyard that needs a hub for entertaining or a chill spot to hangout with your family.
Add recessed lighting, ceiling fans, or retractable canopies to your outdoor living pergolas, and your yard becomes a space you actually use after dark and through the colder seasons with built in heaters.. Don’t forget a built-in sound system or outdoor TV if you want a setup that rivals any indoor living room.
We handle full pergola installations in Des Moines from start to finish. Our material options include western red cedar for a classic look, low-maintenance aluminum systems, and even shade sail systems to provide shade with less structure. Browse our outdoor living gallery to see what we have built for homeowners across the area.
Iowa weather does not wait for your plans. Rain rolls in. Snow piles up. A covered patio solution from Ted Lare means you stop canceling cookouts and start enjoying your patio year-round. Host a dinner in October without worrying about a cold front. Even better, relax outside in July without baking in direct sun.
Whether you want an attached structure off your back door or a freestanding cover near the pool, we build custom covered patios for Central Iowa homeowners that they are proud to show off. Every design blends into the existing architecture, so nothing looks like an afterthought. And if you are looking for patio shade structures in Des Moines that actually add to your home’s resale value, that is exactly what we deliver.
Working with Ted Lare is simple. You get one point of contact from start to finish, so you always know who to call with questions.
Our process starts with a site evaluation where we assess your space, drainage, sun exposure, and structural options. From there, we move into custom design tailored to your home’s architecture and how you plan to use the space. Professional installation is handled by our own trained crews, not subcontractors you have never met. Once everything is built, we walk the project with you during a final walkthrough to confirm every detail meets your expectations.
We also work with commercial properties across Central Iowa. Whether the project is residential or commercial, our full-service design-build approach keeps things on time and on budget.
A pergola has an open-beam roof that gives partial shade. A covered patio has a solid roof for full protection from sun, rain, and snow.
Yes. Every pergola we build is engineered for Iowa snow loads and wind, using commercial-grade fasteners and framing that meet local building codes. We design for the worst-case scenario so your structure holds up season after season.
Most projects take one to four weeks, depending on size and complexity. We keep you updated at every stage so there are no surprises.
Most likely. We regularly attach pergolas to existing patios and decks, designing connections that are structurally sound and visually seamless.
We do. Every shade structure is designed from scratch to match your property, your style, and your goals. No cookie-cutter kits. That way, you experience premium craftsmanship from a team with decades of hands-on experience in Central Iowa.
Ready to add a custom pergola or covered patio to your backyard? Homeowners across Des Moines and Central Iowa trust Ted Lare to bring their vision to life. Schedule your landscaping consultation today.
Have a quick question? Contact our team, and we will get back to you right away.
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