Covered Outdoor Living Spaces
Enhance your outdoor space with custom-built shade structures and enclosed living areas designed for comfort, functionality, and long-term use. We design and build pergolas, patio covers, and screened-in porches for homeowners in Mokena and surrounding areas, creating covered outdoor living spaces that allow you to enjoy your backyard in more ways throughout more of the year.
Adding covered outdoor living space can completely change how you use your yard. Whether you're looking for partial shade, full coverage, or a protected enclosed area, these features help create a more comfortable and functional environment for relaxing or entertaining.
From open-air pergolas to fully covered patio structures and screened-in porches, we design each project to complement your home and fit your lifestyle. Every build is customized based on your space, preferences, and how you plan to use it.
Recent Projects
See how we’ve helped homeowners throughout the Chicago suburbs create comfortable, functional covered outdoor living spaces with custom pergolas, patio covers, pavilions, roof extensions and screened-in porches.
Start Planning Your Next Project
Have an idea of what you’re looking for? We can help you design a custom pergola, screen room or shade structure that fits your home, your space, and your budget.
Custom Outdoor Structures Designed for Your Space
We take a custom approach to every project. Whether you're enhancing an existing deck or building a new outdoor space from the ground up, we design structures that feel like a natural extension of your home.
We build a variety of outdoor structures, including:
- Pergolas for partial shade and visual structure
- Patio covers for full overhead protection
- Attached or freestanding roof structures
- Screened-in porches for enclosed outdoor living
- Integrated structures built onto decks or patios
- Outdoor spaces designed to pair with kitchens or fire features
Each project is designed with both form and function in mind creating a space that looks great and works for your lifestyle.
Patio Covers vs. Screened-In Porches Vs. Pergolas
Choosing the right structure depends on how you want to use your outdoor space, how much protection you need from the elements, and the overall feel you're trying to create. Each option offers a different balance of openness, coverage, and comfort, so understanding how they compare can help you decide what best fits your home and lifestyle.
Patio Covers / Roof Structures
Patio covers are best suited for homeowners looking for full overhead protection from sun and rain, allowing the space to be used more consistently throughout the day and across different weather conditions. Unlike pergolas, which offer partial shade, patio covers create a more sheltered environment that can make outdoor furniture, grills, or seating areas more practical and protected. While they don’t fully enclose the space like a screened-in porch, they strike a balance between openness and coverage. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who want to extend their living space outdoors without worrying about weather interruptions.
Screened-In Porches
Screened-in porches offer the highest level of comfort and protection while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors. By enclosing the space with screens, they keep out insects, debris, and much of the wind, creating a more controlled environment compared to pergolas or patio covers. This makes them especially appealing for homeowners who want a true outdoor living area they can use regularly without dealing with bugs or unpredictable conditions. While they feel more like an extension of the home, they still provide fresh air and visibility, making them a great option for relaxing, dining, or entertaining in a more private, enclosed setting.
Pergolas
Pergolas are ideal for homeowners who want to create a defined outdoor space while maintaining an open, airy feel. They provide partial shade without fully blocking sunlight, making them a great option for patios or decks where you still want warmth and natural light. Compared to patio covers or screened-in porches, pergolas are more about aesthetics and light structure than full protection from the elements. They’re perfect for creating a relaxed outdoor setting for dining, lounging, or entertaining, especially when paired with features like lighting, climbing plants, or shade canopies.
Outdoor Structures Built for Chicago Weather
Outdoor structures in the Chicago area need to perform through a wide range of conditions from intense summer heat and sun to heavy rain and freezing winter temperatures. We build with materials and construction methods designed to handle these seasonal changes while maintaining long-term durability and stability.
Why Homeowners Choose Design-A-Deck
With over 120 5-star Google reviews, Design-A-Deck has built a reputation for delivering high-quality outdoor spaces while providing a smooth, professional experience from start to finish. We take pride in the craftsmanship of our work and how we communicate, guide, and support our customers throughout the entire process.
- Over 15 years of experience building custom outdoor structures
- High-quality materials from trusted brands
- Custom designs tailored to each home and layout
- Built to withstand Chicago weather conditions
- High-quality materials and construction methods
- Clear communication from design through completion
- Strong reputation backed by 120+ 5-star Google reviews
Is A Shade Structure the Right Fit for Your Home?
Adding a pergola, patio cover, or screened-in porch is a great option for homeowners who want to get more use out of their outdoor space without committing to a fully enclosed addition.
This is a great fit if you’re looking to:
- Add shade or protection from the elements
- Create a defined outdoor living or dining area
- Extend the usability of your deck or patio
- Reduce exposure to sun, rain, or insects
- Enhance the overall look and functionality of your backyard
What to Expect When Working With Us
We focus on making the process straightforward and stress-free from the initial consultation through project completion. Our team works closely with you to understand your space, preferences, and goals, then develops a plan that aligns with your vision and budget.
From design to final build, you can expect clear communication, attention to detail, and a finished product that’s built to last.
Ready To Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space?
Whether you're adding a pergola, building a covered patio, or creating a screened-in porch, we can help you design a space that fits your home and lifestyle.