This Allied Gardens project came together in two weeks. A custom attached Alumawood pergola and a composite deck — each one chosen with a specific purpose, and together making the front of this San Diego home genuinely usable outdoor space.
By Danielle Moher
Botanically Crafted Landscapes
San Diego
August 4, 2026
The Allied Gardens home had a solid foundation to work with. Good foundation, a well-positioned entry, and the kind of Southern California setting that should make outdoor living easy. What it was missing was structure — a defined outdoor space that felt intentional rather than just the area between the front door and the street.
The solution was an attached pergola paired with a composite deck. Two elements working together to create something neither could achieve on its own..
The pergola we installed is attached directly to the home — meaning it connects to the existing structure rather than standing independently in the yard. This is an important distinction because an attached pergola becomes an extension of the home itself, not just an accessory in the yard.
For the material, we chose Alumawood. If you are not familiar with Alumawood, it is worth understanding before you start comparing pergola options. Alumawood is an aluminum product that is engineered to look exactly like real wood — the grain, the texture, the warmth — but without any of the maintenance wood requires. It does not rot, warp, or require painting. In San Diego’s climate, where UV exposure and occasional coastal air can accelerate wear on natural materials, that durability matters.
The composite deck creates the living surface beneath the pergola — the floor of what is now a defined outdoor room at the front of the home.
Composite decking has improved significantly over the past decade. Modern composite materials have a consistent, clean finish that complements the Alumawood pergola without competing with it. The color and texture hold steady year after year without the sanding, staining, or sealing that a wood deck would require on a regular schedule.
For a project where the homeowner wanted a finished space that looked polished and stayed that way, composite was the right call. It also means the maintenance conversation after the project handoff is straightforward — there is very little to do beyond keeping it clean.
The finished project adds both function and lasting value to the property. The pergola provides architectural character and shade. The deck creates a level, clean surface for furniture, entertaining, or simply spending time outside. Together they turn what was an underused front exterior into a space the homeowner can actually enjoy.
The whole project was completed in two weeks.
Thinking About a Pergola or Deck for Your Own Property?
If you are thinking about a pergola or deck for your own property, we would love to walk your space with you and talk through what is possible.
See the full Allied Gardens project: Allied Gardens Pergola & Composite Deck →
Every project starts with a conversation at your property. We talk through your vision, your goals, and what your space can become.
If you are thinking about a backyard remodel of your own, we would love to walk your space with you and talk through what is possible.
