Custom Pergolas & Shade Structures

Pergola Builder in Hickory, NC

Free-standing and attached pergolas that turn a plain patio, deck, or backyard into a real outdoor room — designed and built by a licensed crew across Catawba, Caldwell, and Alexander counties.

Get a Free Estimate Call 828-471-7706

What We Build

Shade, Structure, and a Place to Actually Hang Out

A good pergola does more than look nice. It defines an outdoor space, cuts the afternoon sun, and gives you a framework for lights, fans, climbing plants, or shade fabric. The Foothills Deck Company design each pergola to work with the rest of your yard and home — so it feels like it belongs, not like it was dropped in from a catalog.

We build in cedar, pressure-treated wood, and low-maintenance materials — whatever fits your look and your plan for maintenance. Attached pergolas tie cleanly into your home or existing deck. Free-standing pergolas stand over a patio, pool, fire pit, or open yard.

What's Included In Every Pergola Build

On-site consultation & design
Written itemized estimate
Permit pull where required
Engineered footings & post anchoring
Structural posts & beams
Rafters & optional purlins
Stain or finish application
Optional lighting & fan rough-in
Jobsite cleanup & haul-off
Workmanship warranty

Pergola Styles We Build

Attached Pergolas

Ledger-attached to your home or existing deck for seamless integration and maximum coverage near the house.

Free-Standing Pergolas

Set over a patio, pool deck, or lawn area. Great for defining a dining or lounge space anywhere in the yard.

Cedar & Pressure-Treated Wood

Classic look with natural durability. Cedar weathers beautifully; PT lumber is a budget-friendly option.

Low-Maintenance Materials

Aluminum and composite pergola kits and custom builds — no staining, no sealing, no warping.

Pavilions & Covered Structures

Fully roofed outdoor pavilions with shingle or metal roofing for real weather protection.

Lighting & Shade Upgrades

Integrated deck lights, ceiling fans, retractable shade canopies, and privacy screens.

Financing Available

Pergolas are the kind of project that adds real, daily-use value to a home. We offer financing options to make it easier to start sooner — ask us during your estimate.

Ask About Financing

Why Hickory Homeowners Choose The Foothills Deck Company for Pergolas

Pergola building is part carpentry, part outdoor design. The Foothills Deck Company bring 25 years of combined construction experience to every project — which means properly engineered footings that won't shift, beams sized right for your span, and joinery that looks clean from every angle. We don't just slap a pergola kit onto your patio. We build the structure so it feels like it was always supposed to be there.

We work in Hickory, Conover, Newton, Claremont, Lenoir, Hudson, Granite Falls, Taylorsville, and throughout the surrounding area. Every build is licensed, insured, and permitted where required.

Common Questions About Pergolas

How much does a pergola cost in Hickory NC?

The Foothills Deck Company build pergolas in Hickory NC typically ranging from $4,500 for a simple 10×10 wood pergola to $15,000+ for a large cedar or aluminum pergola with lighting and shade upgrades. Pricing depends on size, materials, and features — we provide a free written estimate after an on-site visit.

Do pergolas actually provide shade?

A standard open-rafter pergola reduces direct sun by roughly 30–50% depending on rafter spacing and sun angle. For real shade, we can add closer-spaced purlins, a retractable canopy, shade sails, or convert the design to a pavilion with full roof coverage. We'll help you pick the right option for how the space actually gets used.

Can you attach a pergola to my existing deck?

Yes, in most cases. The Foothills Deck Company inspect the existing deck's structure first — footings, posts, and framing — to confirm it can carry the additional load. If the existing deck needs reinforcement, we'll let you know up front and include that in the written estimate.

How long does it take to build a pergola?

Most pergola builds by The Foothills Deck Company take 3–7 days on-site, depending on size, materials, and site prep. Permit timing adds a few days before we can start. We give you a firm timeline with your written estimate.

Do I need a permit for a pergola in Catawba County?

Requirements vary by size, attachment to the home, and municipality. Most attached pergolas require a permit; many free-standing pergolas under a certain size don't. The Foothills Deck Company check the requirements for your specific address and pull any permits needed — you don't have to deal with it.

What's the difference between a pergola and a pavilion?

A pergola has an open or partially open roof (rafters only, or rafters with spaced purlins). A pavilion has a fully enclosed roof — shingles, metal, or another solid covering. The Foothills Deck Company build both, and we can help you decide which makes sense based on how you'll use the space and how much weather protection you need.