News & Insights

Outdoor Living News from Hansen Crafted Outdoors

Design guides, Florida-specific advice, and company updates from the team building pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and backyard living spaces across Tampa Bay.

Custom aluminum pergola built by Hansen Crafted Outdoors over a Saint Petersburg, Florida pool deck

Company News · August 28, 2026

St. Pete Pergolas Is Now Hansen Crafted Outdoors

Same team, same craftsmanship, new name. Here is what the change to Hansen Crafted Outdoors means for homeowners across Tampa Bay.

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Close-up of a woodgrain-finish pergola post and beam connection on a Florida outdoor living structure

Design Guides · August 21, 2026

Love the Look of Wooden Pergolas? You Don't Have to Sacrifice Durability

Warm timber character and Florida-proof durability are no longer a trade-off. Here are the finishes and framing choices that get you both.

Shaded patio seating beside a St. Petersburg, Florida home with retractable screens

Saint Petersburg · August 18, 2026

How to Create Shade for Your St. Petersburg Backyard in Late Summer

Late-summer sun angles, daily storms, and coastal breeze all shape the right shade strategy for a Pinellas County yard.

Aluminum pergola with slim beams shading a poolside lounge area at a Tampa Bay, Florida home

Design Guides · August 14, 2026

Wood Pergolas vs. Aluminum Pergolas: Which Is Best for Florida?

A side-by-side comparison of cost, lifespan, maintenance, wind performance, and comfort for Tampa Bay backyards.

Backyard transformation with shade structure, seating, and landscaping at a Tampa Bay Florida home

Comfort & Climate · August 11, 2026

How to Create a Shaded Backyard Retreat for August Heat

A practical, step-by-step approach to turning a hot, unused Florida yard into a shaded retreat you can enjoy all summer.

Covered cabana and firepit seating area built for a Florida backyard by Hansen Crafted Outdoors

Homeowner Advice · August 7, 2026

Are Pergolas Worth It in Florida? Here's What Every Homeowner Should Know

Shade, usable square footage, resale appeal, and the permitting realities behind a Florida pergola investment.

Shaded outdoor dining area beneath a pergola with ceiling fan at a Florida home

Comfort & Climate · August 4, 2026

Pergola Features That Work Well in August Heat

Louvers, fans, screens, orientation, and materials that keep a Florida pergola usable during the hottest month of the year.

Black-frame cabana with a solid roof beside a pool in a Florida backyard

Design Guides · July 31, 2026

Cabana vs. Pergola: Which Outdoor Structure Is Right for Your Florida Backyard?

One gives you adjustable light and open air. The other gives you a solid roof, walls, and shelter. Here is how to decide.

Louvered aluminum roof pergola with adjustable slats installed at a Tampa Bay Florida residence

Company News · July 24, 2026

Hansen Crafted Outdoors Is Now Tampa Bay's Authorized StruXure Dealer

Louvered roof systems, motorized screens, and engineered aluminum structures are now available through our design and build team.

Custom pergola matched to the architecture of a St. Petersburg, Florida home

Saint Petersburg · July 17, 2026

Why Custom Pergolas Are Ideal for St. Petersburg Homes

Narrow lots, coastal wind zones, historic districts, and year-round sun make custom design the right call in Saint Petersburg.

Outdoor living space with shaded lounge and dining zones in a Florida backyard

Outdoor Living · July 10, 2026

Ways to Transform a Backyard Into a Cooler Gathering Place

Shade structures, zones, cooler surfaces, air movement, and outdoor kitchens that make a Florida yard the place everyone gathers.

Custom pergola design over a patio dining and entertaining area at a Florida home

Outdoor Living · July 3, 2026

How a Custom Pergola Can Improve Your Patio Entertaining Space

Definition, weather protection, lighting, and comfort features that turn a plain slab into a space built for hosting.

Design Guides · June 26, 2026

Modern Pergola Systems for Sleek Backyard Shade

Clean lines, hidden hardware, louvered roofs, and integrated technology define the current generation of pergola systems.

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