Outdoor living projects go beyond a basic deck. This category covers pergolas, covered porches, screened-in structures, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and the decking, lighting, and drainage work that ties them together. In a city like Charlotte, where humid summers and heavy spring storms are part of the deal, these projects also have to hold up to weather while still looking like an extension of the house rather than an add-on.
We've identified 20 businesses in the Charlotte area that build these kinds of spaces, ranging from small design-build crews to larger outfits that handle everything from permitting to landscaping around the finished structure.
What to look for before you hire
Materials matter more here than on a simple deck job. Ask whether a pergola is cedar, pressure-treated pine, or aluminum, since each has a different maintenance schedule and lifespan in North Carolina's climate. Check that the builder pulls permits when required (most jurisdictions around Charlotte require one for attached structures and anything with electrical or gas lines). Get a clear scope of work in writing, including footings, fasteners, and how they handle grading and drainage under the structure. And ask to see photos of projects that are a few years old, not just freshly finished ones, since that tells you how the materials and joinery actually age.
How we score builders
Our rankings weigh factors like licensing, insurance, project photos, customer feedback, and responsiveness. You can see the full breakdown on our methodology page, and the ranked guide to Charlotte's best deck builders lists how each business compares.
