Outdoor Living Structures
Custom outdoor living structures add functional space and architectural character to backyards across Chicago’s Western Suburbs. At Bruss Landscaping, we design and build custom outdoor living structures that extend your home’s living area into the landscape. You can count on us for purpose-built features tailored to how you use your outdoor space.
What Makes Outdoor Living Structures Valuable?
Custom backyard structures offer several benefits, such as:
- Extend usable seasons: Covered structures provide shade during summer heat and shelter from light rain, allowing you to use outdoor spaces from spring through fall.
- Create dedicated entertaining zones: Purpose-built areas for cooking, dining, and gathering give you defined spaces for hosting.
- Add architectural interest: Custom outdoor gazebos or pavilions provide an architectural element that can enhance the design of the house.
- Increase home value: Professionally built outdoor living structures represent improvements that appeal to future buyers.
Custom Structures We Build
Bruss Landscaping constructs customized outdoor living structures that match your vision and site conditions. Our design team works with you to select materials and features. We specialize in these structures:
Pergolas
Roofed structures provide shade and seating space on patios or walkways. Material options include cedar, composite, and aluminum.
Pavilions
Fully roofed structures offer shade and shelter for outdoor dining and lounging spaces.
Gazebos
Freestanding structures provide shaded retreats in gardens or yard corners, often featuring built-in seating.
Outdoor Kitchens
Cooking areas with grills and countertops help make your patio a place for entertainment.
Fire Features
Fireplaces and fire pits anchor gathering spaces and extend outdoor use into the cooler months.
Design and Material Options
Your custom outdoor living structure should reflect your style and withstand regional weather. We guide you through these selections to make that possible:
- Material choices: We use a variety of premium materials. Western red cedar offers natural beauty, while powder-coated aluminum provides low-maintenance durability. Stone columns and hardscape integration connect structures to surrounding features.
- Attached or freestanding: Structures can attach to your home or stand independently in the yard.
- Integrated features: These include lighting, ceiling fans, retractable screens, and built-in planters that can add function to the framework.
- Coordinated design: We match structures to your home’s architectural style and coordinate with landscape lighting.
Featured Case Study
Modern Pool Design
We designed for maximum function and sophisticated visual interest — horizontally with subtle changes in paver patterns and vertically with a pergola and stone walls. Attaching the pergola to the house frees up patio space, while incorporating one of the pergola’s columns in the buffet/grill gives an opportunity for additional lighting and conversation for the cook.
Our Work
Why Partner With Bruss Landscaping?
Homeowners choose us for outdoor structure projects for these reasons:
- Design-build expertise: Our integrated approach means your designer and builder collaborate from concept through completion.
- Award-winning craftsmanship: Our work has earned recognition through Landscape Illinois Excellence in Landscape Awards, Unilock Awards of Excellence, and Hardscape North America.
- Extensive experience: Our nearly 75 years of experience help us recommend solutions suited to your property, goals, and outdoor living needs.
- Quality materials: We source commercial-grade components selected for durability and lasting performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about custom outdoor structures.
How long does it take to build a custom outdoor structure?
The timeline depends on the structural complexity and site preparation. Most pergolas and pavilions can be completed within several weeks from design approval. Outdoor kitchens with utility connections may require additional time.
Can you add a structure to an existing patio?
Yes. We design structures that integrate with current hardscape layouts, whether attaching to existing surfaces or creating new zones. Our team assesses your property to recommend the ideal approach.
What kind of maintenance do outdoor structures require?
Maintenance varies by material. Cedar requires periodic sealing to maintain color and weather resistance. Aluminum structures need minimal care beyond occasional cleaning. We provide care instructions for your installation.
Create Your Custom Outdoor Structure
Trust Bruss Landscaping for custom outdoor living structure design and installation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
PHONE
Phone: 630.665.1600
Fax: 630.665.1699