Wood Hardscapes in Marin and Sonoma County
Pergolas, fences, decks, gates, and custom wood structures built to last in the Bay Area marine climate. Designed in 3D and sealed for the long haul. Backed by a two-year warranty.
A Recent Novara Wood Hardscape Build in Marin
How Novara Builds Wood Hardscapes in Marin and Sonoma
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Site Survey and 3D Design
We measure your space, study sun exposure and views, and design the structure in 3D so you see proportions and finish details before construction starts.
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Wood Selection and Permits
Bay Area coastal humidity demands the right wood. Naturally rot-resistant heart redwood, western red cedar, or pressure-treated structural lumber depending on the application. We pull every required permit before we cut a board.
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Foundation and Framing
Posts set on concrete piers below the frost line. Hardware rated for marine environments. Beams, joists, and rafters joined with structural fasteners, not just nailed and hoped for.
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Finish and Sealing
Exposed wood sanded smooth. Sealer or stain applied to repel coastal fog and rain. Walkthrough on aftercare, refinish schedule, and structural inspection points. Two-year warranty activated.
All Novara Landscape and Hardscape Services in Marin and Sonoma
Every Novara service is built to work together. Browse our full range and combine what fits your property.
Full Outdoor Builds
Complete property transformations from initial 3D design through final installation.
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Patios
Natural stone, paver, and flagstone patios built on a proper base.
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Retaining Walls
Engineered retaining walls in stone, block, and timber for sloped properties.
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Driveways
Paver, concrete, and stamped driveways with proper drainage and grading.
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Concrete
Concrete walkways, slabs, and foundations finished clean.
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Planting and Softscape
Native and ornamental planting, lawn installation, and full softscape design.
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Wood Hardscapes
Pergolas, fences, decks, and custom wood structures built to last.
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Gardening
Ongoing garden care, seasonal planting, and property maintenance.
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Irrigation and Lighting
Smart irrigation systems and low-voltage landscape lighting design.
Learn More →Real Reviews from Marin and Sonoma County Homeowners
Every Mill Valley project we build comes with a story. Here is what our clients say in their own words.
Why Marin and Sonoma Homeowners Trust Novara for Wood Hardscapes
28+ Years
Building since 1998
Marine-Climate
Built for fog and rain
Licensed C-27
#1134876 California
2-Year Warranty
On every structure
Wood is the most beautiful material we work with and the most punished by the Bay Area marine climate. Coastal fog rolls in for half the year across Marin and Sonoma, winter rain saturates everything, and the dry summer back-and-forth opens grain that lets water in. The difference between a deck or pergola that lasts thirty years and one that fails in eight is not the wood itself. It is the species, the grade, the joinery, the hardware, and the finish schedule. We build with heart-grade redwood, western red cedar, and properly rated structural lumber. Anything less rots in this climate. Posts get set on concrete piers, never buried in soil. Hardware is stainless or galvanized, never plain steel. The result is wood that ages beautifully instead of failing quietly.
Novara Wood Hardscapes FAQ
What wood lasts longest in the Bay Area climate?
Heart redwood is the gold standard for outdoor wood structures across Marin and Sonoma. It is naturally rot-resistant, dimensionally stable, and grown on the West Coast. Western red cedar is a strong second, slightly less rot-resistant but still excellent. Pressure-treated lumber works well for posts and structural framing where the wood will not be visible. We avoid pine and fir for exposed surfaces because the marine climate destroys them within a decade.
Do I need a permit for a deck or pergola?
Permit thresholds vary by city and county across Marin and Sonoma. As a general rule, decks more than thirty inches above grade require permits. Attached decks require permits regardless of height. Pergolas attached to the house and any structure exceeding 120 square feet typically require permits. Free-standing pergolas under that size and ground-level decks often do not. We confirm permit requirements with your local jurisdiction during the consultation and pull every permit needed before construction.
How often does a wood deck need to be sealed?
The Bay Area's wet winters and dry summers cycle wood through expansion and contraction every year. We recommend re-sealing or re-staining every two to three years for redwood and cedar. Pressure-treated decking can stretch to four years. Annual cleaning with a mild deck wash extends the finish dramatically. Properties with heavy redwood canopy need more frequent attention because the constant moisture from sap and dripping accelerates wear.
Can you build a fence on a sloped lot?
Yes. Most properties across Marin and Sonoma have at least some grade change. We build stepped fences for steeper slopes, each panel set level and stepped down with the grade, or sloped fences that follow the contour of the land. Posts get set on concrete piers below the frost line so the fence stays plumb even after years of rain saturation. We often pair sloped fences with retaining walls to handle the grade transition.
How tall can my fence be?
Fence height limits vary by jurisdiction across Marin and Sonoma. Front yard fences are typically limited to four feet. Side and back yard fences are typically limited to six feet. Taller fences usually require a permit and sometimes design review. Many cities have view ordinance areas with additional restrictions to protect view corridors. We confirm height and permit requirements with your local building department before quoting.
Will my deck or pergola survive Bay Area winters?
A properly built wood structure handles Marin and Sonoma winters without issue. Posts on piers above grade. Joists with proper drainage gaps. Hardware that does not rust. Sealed end grain on exposed cuts. Skip any of those and the structure starts failing within a few seasons. Our builds are designed for the climate from the foundation up, not patched together with the cheapest lumber and hoped for.
What kind of warranty comes with Novara wood hardscapes?
Every wood hardscape comes with a two-year warranty on workmanship covering structural integrity, joinery, and hardware connections. Manufacturer warranties on lumber, hardware, and finishes transfer to you separately. Wood naturally weathers, checks, and develops surface cracks over time. That is the nature of the material and not a defect. Structural failures from our build are covered.
How do I get started with a wood hardscape project?
Call us at (707) 494-8197 or request a free consultation here. We schedule a site visit at your property anywhere across Marin and Sonoma County, walk the space together, talk through wood and structural options, and follow up with a 3D design preview and written estimate within two weeks.