--- title: "Wood's Shop — Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/decks-patios-and-outdoor-enclosures/wood-s-shop-pfvwus-pf~1007785069 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1007785069.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Wood's Shop" category: ["Decks", "Patios & Outdoor Enclosures"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c1b3cb580441498e_6488-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Spring Valley, California 91977, United States" latitude: 32.724 longitude: -116.9976 phone: "(619) 384-9663" website: https://woodsshop.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 18 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 36 last_updated: 2026-09-02 --- # Wood's Shop Original Houzz profile: [Wood's Shop](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/decks-patios-and-outdoor-enclosures/wood-s-shop-pfvwus-pf~1007785069) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Decks - **Location:** Spring Valley, CA - **Serves:** San Diego, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, La Jolla, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, Imperial Beach, Rancho San Diego, Winter Gardens, Coronado, Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, Bostonia, Solana Beach, Bonita, Jamul, Granite Hills, Harbison Canyon, Rancho Santa Fe, Crest, Lakeside, Cardif-By-The-Sea, Hill Crest San Diego, Lincoln Acres, Logan Heights San Diego, Mission Hills San Diego, Mission Valley San Diego, Tierrasanta San Diego - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (18 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2018–2020), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Beautiful Garden, Patio and Landscape Structures, many inspired by Japanese Asian architecture. We install in our local San Diego Southern California area and even further, and many of the structures seen on our website can also be ordered as high quality Kits and detailed Plans. I am a 4th Generation Builder and have been in the building and woodworking Trades all my life, working with my Father from an early age. I went self employed in 1978 as a 28 YO and have bean a licensed California General Contractor since 1985. Early on I focused on doing fine custom outdoor living projects where I could be creative and use fine natural materials :-) \- Creative Original Design, Fine Materials and Quality Craftsmanship - Woods Shop has the Experience, Creativity and Commitment to help make your Design Project a Reality. ### Services Provided - Patio Construction - Deck Building - Pergola Construction - Porch Design & Construction - Patio Design - Railing Installation - Deck Design - Pool Deck Design & Construction - Gazebo Design & Construction - Balcony Design & Construction - Trellis Construction - Pool House Design & Construction - Arbor Design and Construction - Greenhouse Design & Construction ### Areas Served - San Diego - Chula Vista - El Cajon - Encinitas - La Mesa - Santee - National City - La Jolla - Spring Valley - Lemon Grove - Imperial Beach - Rancho San Diego - Winter Gardens - Coronado - Casa de Oro-Mount Helix - Bostonia - Solana Beach - Bonita - Jamul - Granite Hills - Harbison Canyon - Rancho Santa Fe - Crest - Lakeside - Cardif-By-The-Sea - Hill Crest San Diego - Lincoln Acres - Logan Heights San Diego - Mission Hills San Diego - Mission Valley San Diego - Tierrasanta San Diego ### Typical Job Cost $2,000 - 50,000 Most all our local jobs are custom and unique so prices do vary depending on materials used and level of Detail. Our Plans and Kits have prices on their respective pages. https://woodsshop.com/kits/ https://woodsshop.com/product-category/plans/ ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Wood's Shop | | Address | Spring Valley, California 91977, United States | | Phone | (619) 384-9663 | | Website | https://woodsshop.com | | License Number | B 523278 | | Followers on Houzz | 36 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Woods-Shop-312527412043/ - Blog — https://woodsshop.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Wood's Shop](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/decks-patios-and-outdoor-enclosures/wood-s-shop-pfvwus-pf~1007785069) - **Website:** https://woodsshop.com - **Phone:** (619) 384-9663 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Calif. General Contractor License \# 523278 - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2018–2020), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 18 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — David Caudle, March 2020** > Joe built a 10 x 10 Azumaya in my backyard that turned out fantastic. He also added outside window framing and post sheathing to match in tight knot cedar. His quality and attention to detail is outstanding. **★★★★★ — Kurt Quadri, July 2019** > I bought plans from Joe (very reasonable) for a 12 x 12 draped Azumaya that I built in western Colorado. I cut out all the parts in my shop last fall, cut all rafters with a jig saw using the full size templates I got printed from Joe's files and handcut all beams and misc. parts. I used \#1 doug fir FOHC for all framing parts which I thouroughly dried before cutting. I know Joe recommends western red cedar, and rightly so, because it is a very stable wood, but it is also quite a bit more expensive, especially here in western Colorado. I didn't have any issues with the fir, but I had it stacked on stickers in my shop for 2 months with a fan on it to circulate air and used a moisture meter to be sure it was dry. After cutting out the parts I oiled all surfaces and stacked everything inside until spring. Assembly was a breeze, everything fit together perfectly with no issues. I couldn't be happier with Joe's plans. Although I am a builder by trade, I feel like there is enough information included with the plans that even someone with much more limited experience could build from them. FYI, I had 280 hours in the project and my grandson and another helper had 115 hrs. **★★★★★ — HU-247803831, May 2019** > I ordered a 10’x10’ azumaya straight roof kit from Joe for a teahouse built on Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas In our garden. Everything was perfect, including the packaging of the cedar material, so it survived shipping by truck across the US, then by ship to Marsh Harbour, then by freight boat to our island. Absolutely no damage! I had a local builder assemble and build the structure, and each piece fit perfectly. The builder, and others, said he had never seen such beautiful, clear “tight” cedar! Joe was available at all times for advice and consultation, both by email and by phone. I even flew out to San Diego to visit Joe and his shop! He is truly an artist with this Japanese design, and is a perfectionist in his work, and is a really nice person! **Comment from Wood's Shop:** > Thanks much Tom, that was a fun one and I wished I would have gone down there to help with the install! I'm waiting on some nice 'finished' photos when you go back down to complete the walls. **★★★★★ — John Charlton, May 2019** > Joe is the consummate artist and designer. Our Azumaya tea house is one of the more spectacular sights in our town on Cape Cod. We are very proud of our Tea House. We had a contractor assemble the kit on and in our mahogany deck but the entire tea house was built by Joe in his shop and shipped to us from the West Coast to Cape Cod. The cost to ship was insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Joe has pictures to share **Comment from Wood's Shop:** > Yeah that turned out real nice John, and what a nice site, all the greenery around looks so nice to a San Diego person :-) > This is my 12' x 12' (outside corners of the posts) draped roof azumaya > https://woodsshop.com/Gazebo\_Kits/Gazebo\_Kit.htm **★★★★★ — zane morris, Dec. 2018** > I purchased in 2010 an Azumaya kit from Joe. I assembled and constructed it myself as my home is in San Francisco, Ca. and too far from Joe in San Diego. Joe's patience and phone support was great. And the quality of materials was high and everything fit together like a glove. After construction I published my story in the Japanese Journal of Gardening, and small exclusive magazine for Sukiya living and hard core Japanese gardeners. **Comment from Wood's Shop:** > It was the perfect spot too Zane, in a Japanese garden next to a koi pond. **★★★★★ — Modern Zen Garden, March 2018** > I think Joe was Japanese in a past life, he has such an eye for the subtle scale, balance and harmony in Japanese design and cares deeply for his work. He’s been building beautiful wood structures for my Zen Gardens for a long time now. He’s full of ideas for exactly what I need and designs it all in 3d CAD, sending me images of his ideas daily so I can properly visualize it. He carefully listens to my feedback making him very easy to work with. He understands Japanese construction and joinery but brings his own creative slant to it. > Then I am blown away by what he builds for me, with such beautiful and appropriate materials and careful, fine workmanship. Thank you Joe I am so glad our paths crossed! **Comment from Wood's Shop:** > Thanks Kohei, I've done some of my nicest work in Japanese gardens and I love working on your projects :-) This last curved roof entry gate was a lot of fun :-) **★★★★★ — Takendo Design, Feb. 2018** > I have known Joe Wood for over 20 years. I had the opportunity to collaborate with him on many of my garden projects in San Diego. He did all the woodwork for the Japanese style gates, fences, decks that I designed. His woodwork is truly exceptional and he is highly skilled. I recommend Joe Wood to anyone looking to have any kind of woodwork done on his or her property. **Comment from Wood's Shop:** > It was an honor working with you Takendo, you helped me see and understand what Japanese style is, and it was wonderful watching you work creating all those truly wonderful gardens :-) **★★★★★ — Sandy F, Jan. 2018** > I contacted Joe Wood to build a much needed pond cover to shade my koi fish from the sun. As my fish collection started to grow, the need to protect the fish from the hot summer sun became urgent. Joe asked me to take photographs of my pond for his review and then he sent detailed instructions describing what measurements he needed so he could design a pond cover. He came back with a design that I never thought could be possible, following with an estimate and instructions of how many people I need to have on site for the construction. > I was asking Joe to come to El Centro, CA. to take on this project and he figured out a way to do the job with my help. This was like a “do it yourself project”, but with Joe’s oversight and hands on the project. He had every piece of wood numbered, cut to size and stained. It was like following the numbers to erect the pond cover. When Joe and his assistant drove to my house the morning of, he orchestrated the plan to build the pond in one day. It was achieved and I’m loving the new shade for the fish. > It is truly a work of art. I highly recommend Joe Wood to take on your project if you want to have a beautiful design that takes in the surroundings and your vision, it can be done. **Comment from Wood's Shop:** > That was an adventure Sandy, pre- fabbing everything, taking it 110 miles out to El Centro and installing in 110\* heat! But it was fun, the koi pond cover looks great. > I like how I made the wide side cantilevers, way past the pond's edges, and sloped the structure to the South to get Max shade, really happy I could help rescue the poor koi from that hot El Centro sun and give them a nice shady place to hang out. > > I've done some of my nicest work around koi ponds :-) **★★★★★ — npjj74, Jan. 2018** > I was looking for a structure for our yard that was Asian in appearance and would last a long time. I happened to find the Azumaya and Joe Wood’s website and the pictures were beautiful but the structures looked expensive. Then I figured I would surely find someone else or a cheaper version. I kept looking for months. There are other Asian inspired structures but are all from overseas online. How could I verify quality? Then I drove around to all local gazebo places around where I live and got prices for their products. Then I drove around again and asked the price for work if I bought the plans from Joe Wood first. I even called a friend from high school that does wood work. The conclusion I came to was that Joe would build it the best. > But I live in Florida. I called Joe and spoke to him on phone several times before finally deciding to purchase azumaya from him. He sounded like a nice and serious guy on the phone. I purchased the whole structure from him. A 10x10 draped roof. It’s beautiful. The work and the quality of the materials was worth the wait. Joe is a nice guy and I would buy from him again. He is detailed in his work. You are getting a high end item. Not comparable to any local gazebo structure. Once the crate was delivered I felt I could not wait. And put it up with my dad"s help in about 3 days. Then the roof took me a couple of weeks. And after years. Now its been over 4 years. I still get compliments from a lot of people that come into our yard and see it. It’s a pleasure to look at and use. It was worth. Beautiful work. Thank you again. Joe. > Jairo P. **★★★★★ — John Braud, Jan. 2018** > dGet ready for a persona relationship with Joe. If you are assembling yourself he will help with the project from beginning to end. He uses excellent quality materials (grades of cedar not even available in my local area), all precut and fit well. I would use his shop again if I needed another similar project. **Comment from Wood's Shop:** > I think your 10' x 12' Draped Roof Azumaya is my most beautiful azumaya design yet :-) > https://woodsshop.com/Azumaya/10x12\_Draped-Azumaya.htm **★★★★★ — eric finkenstadt, Jan. 2018** > What an amazing experience we had. From start to finish Joe guided us through our dream project of a Tori gate for our evolving Japanese garden. He offered many great ideas and worked with us to get just what we wanted. His craftsmanship is second to none. The quality of his woodworking is superb. This is a man who LOVES what he does and it shows. Plus he made delievery and installation a breeze. Great direction, step by step. Left nothing to the imagination. Made me feel like I could actually do it despite my limited skills. And I am proud to say I did it! Couldn’t be happier. 18 months later and still looks brand new despite some bad weather in the Northeast. HIGHLY recommend **Comment from Wood's Shop:** > We used clear vertical grain western red cedar for your Torii Eric, it will withstand many more years out there on the Eastern seaboard :-) https://woodsshop.com/kits2/kits2.htm **★★★★ — Steve Sowle, Jan. 2018** > Joe Wood is a craftsman. He really enjoys making beautiful objects out of wood. His designs involve intricate patterns and exotic woods and are all beautiful. I am a woodworker and can say from experience that Joe knows what he is doing! As a business man, Joe excels. He listens and then executes. He stays on the job until finished, too. I recommend Joe Wood for your simple or exotic project. ## Selected projects - [Japanese Style Roofed Entry Gate Kit To England](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-style-roofed-entry-gate-kit-to-england-pj-vj~5845283) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: This is a Roofed Entry Gate Kit we shipped from San Diego to England, built using beautiful hand selected California redwood. - [Japanese Asian Gazebo Pavilions](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-asian-gazebo-pavilions-pj-vj~2896281) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - Description: These are some of my own unique Japanese Azumaya and Pavilion designs, with Straight, Curved, and Draped Roof versions, with a curved, extended ridge beam and wide roof overhangs. We are located in San Diego and install these locally or we can ship as Kits nationwide, even internationally. https://woodsshop.com/Gazebo\_Kits/Gazebo\_Kit.htm Many more of my azumaya designs are available as Plans and any can be ordered as kits https://woodsshop.com/tea\_house\_plans.htm - [See Us Build A Japanese Gazebo / Pavilion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/see-us-build-a-japanese-gazebo-pavilion-pj-vj~2896127) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 40 - Description: This is one of my unique 'Draped' Roof Azumaya Designs, or Japanese Asian Gazebo / Pavilion https://woodsshop.com/Gazebo\_Kits/Gazebo\_Kit.htm We installed this in our local San Diego area but I also offer these as Kits which I've shipped all over the US and even one to France last year. All the pieces are made from clear kiln dried western red cedar, one of the nicest and most stable outdoor use timbers. We use such a High Grade because of it's Beauty, Strength and Stability, Especially Important… - [Roofed Entry Gate in Beautiful Japanese Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roofed-entry-gate-in-beautiful-japanese-garden-pj-vj~2895950) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - Description: I especially enjoy Japanese Asian style and these are my favorite projects, working in a beautiful Japanese Garden next to a Koi Pond :-) This Beautiful Garden sits in secluded area surrounded by mature trees. We did all the Woodwork: Deck, Roofed Entryway, Roofed Fencing and a Curved, stepped Shoji Arbor Trellis. https://woodsshop.com/…/Japanese-Garden-Landscape-Design-Ar… Landscape Design And Installation by the noted Japanese Landscape Architect Takendo Arii https://www.houzz.com/pro/arii60/t… - [Local San Diego Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/local-san-diego-projects-pj-vj~745317) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - Description: I've been in business in the San Diego area since 1978 and a licensed General Contractor since 1985 and early on I focused on doing fine custom outdoor living projects where I could be creative and use fine natural materials: Garden, Patio and Landscape Structures, Many in an Japanese Asian Style Design. Installed in the San Diego area and even further, or shipped nationally as Kits Joe Wood 4th Generation Builder Calif. Gen. Contractor \#523278 Creative Unique Design - Fine Materials - Quality W… - [Seaside Deck In Encinitas California](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seaside-deck-in-encinitas-california-pj-vj~2894576) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: This is a beautiful Seaside Deck we built in 1996, located in Encinitas, Calif., high up the cliff right on the ocean. I designed this coastal bluff deck with a wave theme echoing the swirls and lines you see as the water recedes down the beach. The decking is the original Trex 2x6 plank. The railings segmented top cap, and the curved step facia are clear heart vertical grain redwood, and slim 2x4 Ipe railing posts with stainless steel cable railing. - [Curved Canyon Deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curved-canyon-deck-pj-vj~2895982) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: This Deck is on Mount Helix and overlooks much of coastal San Diego. The site was a steep, completely unused canyon area next to the main house. The decking is Ipe, screwed and plugged. The deck and stair railing posts are tight grain old growth western red cedar, while the deck's segmented top cap is yellow balau. The curved stair handrail is laminated red balau. - [Moon Gate Entry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moon-gate-entry-pj-vj~2894489) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: Moon Gate Entry with Japanese Style Wide Board Fencing attached with copper nails. All material used was clear vertical grain western red cedar. Built in La Jolla, California just North of San Diego. - [Pavilion With Curved Roof](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pavilion-with-curved-roof-pj-vj~2895934) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Three versions of of my 10' 7" x 8' 7" draped roof pavilion designs https://woodsshop.com/DESIGNS/Pavilion/Pavilion-Plan.htm - [Patio Cover In Jamul Calif.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/patio-cover-in-jamul-calif-pj-vj~2894509) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: Jamul, Calif. gets very hot and this beautiful timber framed Patio Cover has adjustable powder coated aluminum louvers. Western red cedar timbers. - [Building Moon Gates!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/building-moon-gates-pj-vj~2934519) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 36 - Description: I love building Moon Gates for an almost spiritual reason. We use clear straight grain western red cedar or California redwood. I’ve installed 4 in my local San Diego area and beyond and we’ve shipped at least 8 Kits nationally, and one Moon Gate to France last Summer! https://woodsshop.com/MoonGate/MoonGate\_Kit/Moon\_Gate\_Kit.htm - [Picket Fence Arbor Ocean Swell Design, with Whales!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/picket-fence-arbor-ocean-swell-design-with-whales-pj-vj~2896227) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This is only blocks from San Diego harbor so I did a gentle wave theme for the fencing, and a very nice arbor entry using clear redwood, painted. - [Low Japanese Zen Garden Fence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/low-japanese-zen-garden-fence-pj-vj~2862337) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: My client had a problem with dogs going in his newly created front yard Zen garden so I created this low Japanese style railing / fence to discourage them. The lumber is clear vertical grain western red cedar. Also a two tiered screen made using ipe and bamboo to hide the neighbors driveway. - [Curved Roof Japanese Entry Gate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curved-roof-japanese-entry-gate-pj-vj~2862259) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: All of this roofed entry's main structure, and the shoji fencing to either side is clear California Redwood. The two swinging gates are clear, vertical grained western red cedar. I built this Japanese Entry Gate in San Diego for one of Modern Zen Garden's projects https://www.houzz.com/pro/koheiowatari/modern-zen-garden - [Wood's Shop Houzz Logo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wood-s-shop-houzz-logo-pj-vj~2916401) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Draped Roof Pavilion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/draped-roof-pavilion-pj-vj~5835653) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: Beautiful Garden Structure, many inspired by Japanese Asian designs. Design - Building in San Diego since 1978. We install all over Southern California and beyond and also ship high quality Kits nationally and internationally. Detailed Plans also available for many of the structures seen on my website. Joe Wood 4th Gen. Builder, Calif. General Contractor \#523278 Call me! 619 462-9663 Creative Design - Fine Materials - Quality Workmanship https\\://woodsshop.com/ - [12' x 14' Draped Roof Pavilion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/12-x-14-draped-roof-pavilion-pj-vj~7246732) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - [Moon Gate Vancouver Island](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moon-gate-vancouver-island-pj-vj~6913966) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: A Beautiful Moon Gate we shipped to Vancouver Island, BC. My customer asked for a low fence on either side, to channel traffic, I was really feeling the chi when I came up with these very nice sweeps .. Built from clear California Redwood. - [Moon Gate Kit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moon-gate-kit-pj-vj~6902913) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: A Beautiful Moon Gate we shipped to Vancouver Island, BC. My customer asked for a low fence on either side, to channel traffic, I was really feeling the chi when I came up with these very nice sweeps https://woodsshop.com/kits/moon-gate-kits/ - [Moon Gate Kits](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moon-gate-kits-pj-vj~6819978) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: A Beautiful Moon Gate we shipped to Vancouver Island, BC. My customer asked for a low fence on either side, to channel traffic, I was really feeling the chi when I came up with these very nice sweeps Installed in our local San Diego area or high quality kits shipped almost anywhere [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/decks-patios-and-outdoor-enclosures/wood-s-shop-pfvwus-pf~1007785069) ## Community Q&A **Q: very slippery deck and bridge** *(in Landscape Design)* hello! we have had a very wet winter and I'm looking for some advice. we have this small wooden deck and bridge on our property and they are super slippery. any advice on how to make it not so? it's a rental so ripping it out is not an option!! thank you in advance! A: I'd give it a good cleaning using Oxiclean to get rid of the plant growth on it, for starters. **Q: Dark areas on pergola wood?** *(in Landscape Design)* We had a pergola our I. A couple years ago and many of the wood pieces are getting darker (almost black). Does anyone know why and how we can treat it? A: That's mildew Julia, oxiclean will remove it, no way to prevent it as the spores float around in the air. **Q: what does the term ‘bottom screwed’ mean when constructing a deck?** *(in Porches & Decks)* We are building a redwood box step for our patio and I ran across this description on a photo showing the detail we like with no screws showing. How do you do it? Thx A: actually google concealed deck fasteners. **Q: Louvered patio pergola- durability?** *(in Landscape Design)* Hi, we’re redoing out back yard in Southern California and would love some thoughts on creating shade. I love the modern louvered patio pergolas. The wooden versions are great but I’m worry about fires and upkeep of them (and they are pricey). I’m looking at metal ones, most of which have motorised louvred slats and I worry they will stop working after a couple of years. Does anyone have first hand experience of either? This is my first landscaping project and I’d be so grateful for any advice. Thanks!! A: I built this adjustable aluminum louver patio cover in 2013. Last year I asked my customers how it was holding up and they said just fine although all the wood timbers have grayed out. I bought the louver system from Solara https://www.patiocover.us/ More photos of this patio cover here https://woodsshop.com/PROJECTS/jamul-patio-cover.htm **Q: Ideas for sun protection/shade on small balcony?** *(in Metro NY Gardener)* Hi everyone. I have a small balcony which I'd love to be able to sit on during the day, but... I typically can't do so as there is no shade. I looked into getting a 'clip on' sun umbrella...something that can clip onto the balcony rail, and that has an arm that can be adjusted/tilted as needed...and then 'locked' into place...but either they are unattractive...reviews indicate that the clip mechanism fails rather quickly...etc. So then I was thinking about a sun 'sail'... one of those square, or ideally triangular shaped pieces of UV-blocking fabric, but.... most of them are too large for my balcony. Then there's also the issue of how to attach it. (My building landlord probably wouldn't allow for me to have someone insert permanent 'anchors' into the side of the building. So... I'm trying to think of a creative way I could maybe purchase a custom-sized sun sail, and then affix the three corners utilizing 1) a light fixture that is already on the wall of my balcony and 2/3) trellises that I have on my balcony. I'm thinking I could have ties made of fishing line permanently tied up on these three posts if you will, and then whenever I want to put the sail up, I have three hooks at the ready, which connect the grommets/holes in the three corners of the sail, to the three knots of fishing line that I'd have on my light fixture, and in two spots of my balcony trellises. Thoughts? Thanks!! A: It would help us if you posted some photos of the area Lynn. **Q: Cheaper alternatives to glass & cable deck railings?** *(in Building a Home)* Plans are in the works for a new deck. But the cost of glass panels or stainless cable seems high. Our contractor said glass is ~$500/panel!!! And the cost of cable is supposedly more. These pics inspired me to think ‘outside the box’. What are your thoughts? Can we save a few $ and still allow for a view and contain our dogs by choosing something different? We live on the coast, so rust is also a concern. Thank you! A: When I do cable rails I have all the runs made up at a local rigging shop but then I'm in San Diego. If you have boats in your area you might have a rigging shop. The cost is quite a bit less then the pre- made systems offered by cable rail companies. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*