The formation of nanoparticle covered pyramidal structures using femtosecond laser pulses with a fluence near the ablation threshold is reported for the first time. These unique structures form through a combination of preferential ablation of flat regions around the pyramids and redeposition of nanoparticles created during the ablation process. The structures are demonstrated on nickel and stainless steel 316. When produced by rastering Gaussian pulses across the sample, layers of nanoparticles join together by sintering to form unique layered shells. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.