Level ground, sound soil and good drainage so a pergola, patio or deck sits on a base that will not shift or flood.
Water and soil decide how long a structure lasts. A pergola built on soft, sloped or soggy ground will settle, lean or rot. Site preparation sounds dull, but it is the foundation of the whole project.
We clear, grade and prepare the area, remove roots and debris, correct slopes and plan drainage so water runs away from posts and patios. We compact base material where needed, add drains or swales for wet spots and coordinate with landscapers for final planting and sod. Preparation is where a smooth build begins. We walk the yard after a rain to see where water gathers, flag roots and stumps and plan where soil should go. Simple fixes, such as a gentle slope, a swale or a buried drain line, often solve problems before they start, and a stable, level base lets us set footings, pavers and posts accurately and finish the project with fewer surprises.
We remove vegetation, stumps and debris, then shape the ground with a gentle slope away from the house. A flat, stable surface makes everything else easier.
French drains, catch basins, swales and downspout extensions move water away. We choose the simplest option that solves the problem.
Clay, fill and loose soil all behave differently. We compact and replace unsuitable material where needed.
After construction, lawns, mulch and plants can be restored. We coordinate with landscapers or leave the site ready.
Drag the handle to compare.
BeforeAfterCleared and shaped properly.
Water directed away.
No settling later.
Restoration coordinated.
Safe digging.
Solid base for any structure.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Project situationNew ConstructionThe best time to plan a pergola is before the house is finished. Here is how to design…Learn more 
Project situationBackyard PatiosA patio with no shade is a patio nobody uses in July. Here is how a pergola turns…Learn more 
Project situationHot, Sunny YardsSouthern summers are long and bright. Here is how to cool a hot yard with the right mix…Learn more Enter the post count and footing size to see cubic yards, bags of concrete and the depth to plan for.
You tell us about the yard, the timeline and any concerns, and we set a time to visit that fits your day.
We walk the yard, study the sun and the house, take measurements and draw a plan with sizes and materials.
We write the scope, coordinate permits and HOA approvals, locate utilities and prepare the site.
Footings are poured, posts set plumb and beams and rafters go up in a planned order.
We stain or paint, add lights and features as planned and clean the site thoroughly.
We walk the finished pergola with you, share care tips and leave you to enjoy the shade.
Often a little, to keep the base level and drain water away.
Usually, with drains, grading or swales.
We take care and restore what we can.
We can handle stumps and roots in the build area.
A day or two for small areas, longer for large ones.
Footings and Structural EngineeringConcrete footings and engineered details sized for your soil, your posts and the wind and snow your pergola…Explore 
Patios and Paver InstallationPaver and stone patios laid on a compacted base, sized and shaped to fit a pergola and the…Explore 
Rainproof Roofs and DrainageWaterproof roof panels, gutters and drainage for pergolas that need to stay dry in Tennessee downpours.Explore 
Pool Decks and Poolside StructuresPergolas, shade structures and decks around the pool, planned for water, sun and safety on every surface.Explore Tell us about the project and we will call you back to talk it through.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
