Plain-English guides on cost, choosing a builder, the build process, permits, materials, shade, weather, footings and more for Middle Tennessee owners and builders.
8 min readPergola Cost GuideWhat goes into the price of a pergola, why quotes differ and how to compare proposals fairly.Read the guide 
7 min readChoosing a BuilderThe questions that separate careful pergola builders from the rest, from footings and permits to finish and follow-up.Read the guide 
7 min readThe Build ProcessA walk through a typical pergola project from the first call to the final walk-through, so there are no surprises.Read the guide 
7 min readPermits and HOA GuideWhat a pergola permit usually involves, how HOA approvals work and how to avoid delays. Always confirm current rules locally.Read the guide 
8 min readMaterials ComparedCedar, treated pine, aluminum, vinyl and steel compared on look, strength, upkeep and life in Tennessee weather.Read the guide 
8 min readDesign Ideas and StylesTraditional, craftsman, modern and rustic pergola styles, with ideas for beams, rafters, posts and finishing touches.Read the guide 
6 min readSize and PlacementHow to size a pergola for dining, lounging and cooking, with clearances, heights and placement tips.Read the guide 
7 min readWood vs AluminumA direct comparison of wood and aluminum pergolas on look, upkeep, strength, cost and lifespan.Read the guide 
7 min readPergola Shade GuideHow rafter spacing, angle, louvers and fabric canopies change the shade and the heat under a pergola.Read the guide 
7 min readWeather GuideHow Middle Tennessee storms, heat and cold affect a pergola, and what to build and do to keep it standing.Read the guide 
7 min readFootings ExplainedHow footings work, how deep and wide they need to be and which foundation suits your pergola, patio or deck.Read the guide 
6 min readLighting IdeasHow to light a pergola with string lights, downlights, path lights and controls so it looks great and feels safe…Read the guide 
7 min readMaintenance ChecklistA simple seasonal checklist for keeping a wood, aluminum or vinyl pergola clean, tight and protected.Read the guide 
6 min readAttached vs FreestandingThe pros and cons of wall-mounted and freestanding pergolas, with footing, flashing, shade and placement tips.Read the guide 
8 min readOutdoor Living IdeasHow to turn a pergola into a full outdoor room with seating, kitchen, fire, lighting, screens and plants.Read the guide 
6 min readPool Shade IdeasHow to shade a pool deck with pergolas, cabanas and sails, with materials and safety tips for wet areas.Read the guide 
7 min readCommercial Patio GuideHow restaurants, breweries and venues plan shaded patios, with layout, code, heat, light and durability in mind.Read the guide 
Pergola Lumber and Materials CalculatorEnter the size and post count to see posts, beams, rafters and the board feet to plan for.Try it 
Pergola Shade CalculatorPick the rafter spacing and cover to see how much sun gets through and how it changes by hour.Try it 
Pergola Project Budget PlannerPick a project and a size and get a ballpark planning range.Try it 
Pergola Footing and Concrete CalculatorEnter the post count and footing size to see cubic yards, bags of concrete and the depth to plan for.Try it Call us and we will walk the yard and give you a clear plan, drawings and a written scope.
