Steve and Marty owned a stunning, newly constructed home in the Winding Hill community of Mechanicsburg. While they loved their backyard’s stamped concrete patio, the space was nearly unusable during the day due to the constant, direct sunlight. They reached out to us to design a shade solution that would match the high-end aesthetic of their new home.

Sourcing Premium Materials

Steve had discovered TOJA GRID bracketry online and wanted a structure that captured that modern, industrial-meets-natural look. To ensure the highest quality, we bypassed standard pressure-treated lumber:

• Custom Milled Douglas Fir: We sourced 6×6 Douglas Fir timbers from Riehl’s Construction in New Holland, PA. Douglas Fir is prized for its superior strength and beautiful grain, making it the ideal choice for a permanent outdoor architectural statement.

• Precision Fitting: We personally drove to the mill with the hardware in hand to ensure every custom-milled timber would fit the brackets with total precision.

The Craftsmanship Process

Back in Mechanicsburg, we began the meticulous preparation required for a custom build:

• Sanding & Staining: Every timber was hand-sanded and treated with a rich, dark stain selected by the homeowners to perfectly complement their home’s exterior trim.

• Overcoming Site Challenges: During the layout phase, we discovered the existing patio was several inches out of square. Since the TOJA brackets require a perfect ninety degree angle, we utilized expert “cheating” techniques—placing the structure square while subtly adjusting its orientation to make the patio’s imperfections invisible to the naked eye.

Heavy-Duty Assembly & Custom Shade

The assembly of the massive 6×6 beams required the full strength of our crew. Once the structural “skeleton” was anchored and secure, Steve added the final functional touch:

• Marine-Grade Fabric: Using marine-grade fabric and tension rods between the beams, the couple added a flexible shade system that blocks the sun while allowing for airflow.

The Result

This Winding Hill backyard has been transformed from a “heat trap” into a comfortable, stylish outdoor lounge. We are thrilled to have helped Steve and Marty bring this unique vision to life with materials and craftsmanship that will stand the test of time.