Builders- Designers- GardenStructure Experts!
30 years of outdoor building expertise focused on structures that last. We design using Japanese temple building techniques, building science innovation, and photorealistic 3D planning. From DIY plans shipped across North America to full design-build in Southern Ontario, we help homeowners and builders create outdoor spaces that add lasting value.
Spectacular Outdoor Structures
When you want something spectacular like a pergola, composite decks with all the features, or the ultimate cabana, call us first
Exterior Design & Quality Outdoor Building
Garden Structure has been designing outdoor structures for 3 decades. We have become famous for our plans and designs among landscape architects, designers, and builders.
Pergolas & Shade Structures
Our pergola designs and shade structures have been featured in Canadian House and Home, Southern Living, and Canadian Gardening magazines. We specialize in structures that last longer and look better.
Cabana & Pool House Design
Everyone dreams of a beautiful cabana beyond the pool. Our experienced builders and designers work with your budget to create the perfect pool house for your property.
DIY Plans & 3D Renderings
We built our reputation on DIY pergola plans, now converting to 3D format for easier visualization. Pro versions include working drawings with scalable templates and step-by-step instructions.
Permit Drawings & Code Compliance
Professional inspections and permit assistance for non-compliant structures. We help bring decks and outdoor structures up to current building code standards with proper documentation.
Architectural Details That Last
Our architectural details don’t come from books. As carpenters who demolished failed projects, we developed better methods to make outdoor woodwork withstand moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and wind.
Our Story
Our founder Lawrence Winterburn studied woodwork and Japanese temple building techniques, combined with insights from Taunton’s Fine Homebuilding. This unique foundation gave him distinctive design sensibilities.
At 25, he was building custom homes with glass roofs and integral solariums, restaurants, and cabinetry, managing commercial projects up to 50,000 square feet. Growing impatient waiting for architects to design interesting projects, he began working with landscape designers who offered more unique structures.
Within a few years, GardenStructure.com was supplying shade structure details and pergola designs to architects, engineers, and dozens of builders across North America.
Recognition & Partnerships:
- Featured in Canadian House and Home magazine
- Published in Southern and Coastal Living magazines
- Featured in Canadian Gardening magazine
- Plans used by Western Red Cedar Lumber Association for 10+ years
- Plans distributed by Lee Valley Tools for over a decade
- Trusted by architects and engineers across North America
Featured Products
Worldwide by download
PDF format – prints as 11 x 17 Plan Set
All designs developed over 30 years
Free support while you build
Secure payments through PayPal
Service Areas
Professional outdoor structure installation across Southern Ontario
Get Professional Design Plans & Support
If you need plans, designs, or instructional materials, please get in touch
Design Plans & Questions
plans@gardenstructure.comWe Aim to Please
Call us anytime! 416 951 9998
Core Value Proposition
1. **Long-Term Investment**: Details engineered to last 30+ years vs. industry standard 10-15
2. **Design Once, Build Once**: Get it right the first time with 3D visualization before construction
3. **Property Value Enhancement**: Magazine-featured designs that increase home worth
4. **Accurate Pricing**: Real builders pricing plans, not architects estimating costs
5. **North American Expertise**: 80% US clientele proves cross-border value
Premium Outdoor Structures Built to Last Generations
30 Years of Japanese Temple Building Techniques Applied to Canadian Climate
• Pergolas & Cabanas Featured in 10+ Magazines
• DIY Plans Shipped Across North America Since 1994
• Full Design-Build: Toronto to Muskoka
• Structures Engineered for 30+ Year Lifespans
Why Gardenstructure?
Quality that endures. We’ve designed outdoor structures for four decades using
building science that makes things last longer, not just look better.
Our architectural details don’t come from books—they come from:
• Studying failed projects and understanding why they failed
• Japanese temple joinery adapted for freeze-thaw cycles
• 40 years observing which methods survive Canadian weather
• Partnerships with Western Red Cedar Association (10+ years)
What Makes Us Different?
✓ Magazine-Featured Designs (Canadian House & Home, Southern Living)
✓ Plans Used by Architects & Engineers Across North America
✓ Photorealistic 3D Renderings (See It Before You Build It)
✓ 30-Year Lifespan Engineering vs. Industry Standard 10-15 Years
✓ Proven Excellence: 80% of 2024 clients were American builders & homeowners
Service Areas:
DESIGN SERVICES: Worldwide via Download
BUILD SERVICES: Southern Ontario (Toronto • Mississauga • Oakville • Barrie • Muskoka)
DIY PLANS: North America-Wide Shipping
Key Statistics of Trust
– 30+ years in business
– Featured in 12+ major publications
– Plans distributed by Lee Valley Tools (10+ years)
– 1000+ projects completed
– 80% US client base (2024)