Your backyard right now probably sits empty most of the year. Too hot in summer. Too exposed when it rains. No real reason to go out there unless you’re mowing.
A pergola changes that. You get functional shade that drops the temperature under it by 10-15 degrees on a brutal July afternoon. You can sit outside without squinting or sweating through your shirt.
It also gives you a defined space. Not just grass and a patio chair, but an actual outdoor room where you can put a table, hang lights, add a ceiling fan, or even install a fireplace. People use these spaces daily once they’re built because they’re finally comfortable enough to enjoy.
And if you’re thinking about selling down the road, outdoor structures like pergolas consistently show up as features that buyers notice. It’s one of the few upgrades that makes your property look better from the street and feel better when you’re standing in it.
Union Landscaping and Hardscape is a family-owned company based in Monroe. We’ve been building custom outdoor structures and handling hardscape installation across this area for years, and we know what works in Bakers.
The weather here isn’t easy on outdoor structures. You’ve got summer heat, afternoon storms, and humidity that can warp cheaper materials in a season. We use quality lumber and hardware that’s built to handle it, and we don’t cut corners on the install.
Every pergola we build is custom. That means it fits your yard, matches your home, and works the way you need it to. We’re not dropping off a kit and wishing you luck. You get a free estimate, a clear timeline, and a structure that’s built right the first time.
It starts with a free estimate. We come out to your property, look at the space, talk about what you want, and give you a realistic price. No pressure, no upselling.
Once you’re ready to move forward, we handle the design. You tell us the size, style, and features you’re thinking about—shade coverage, lighting, fans, built-in seating—and we draw it up. If permits are needed, we take care of that too, though most pergolas in North Carolina don’t require one unless they’re unusually large or attached to the house.
Installation usually takes one to two days depending on size and complexity. We prep the site, set the posts, build the frame, and finish the details. You’re not dealing with weeks of construction or a crew that disappears halfway through.
When it’s done, you’ve got a structure that’s solid, level, and ready to use. We clean up the site, walk you through any maintenance basics, and back the work with a warranty. Most clients are out there the same weekend with furniture and a drink.
Ready to get started?
When we build a pergola in Bakers, NC, you’re getting more than just posts and beams. The design is tailored to your yard—size, placement, orientation—so it actually works with how the sun moves and where you spend time outside.
We use materials that last. That usually means pressure-treated lumber, cedar, or composite depending on your budget and maintenance preference. Cedar looks great and holds up well in our climate. Composite costs more upfront but requires almost no maintenance. We’ll walk you through the options so you know what you’re paying for.
The install includes everything: footings, posts, beams, rafters, and any add-ons like lattice panels, decorative brackets, or integrated lighting. If you want a ceiling fan or outlets run to the structure, we coordinate with electricians to make that happen. Same goes for adding a pergola over an existing patio or next to a pool—we work with what’s already there.
You also get a lifetime workmanship warranty and material warranties that range depending on what’s used. Most of our clients in Bakers are dealing with clay soil and afternoon sun, so we make sure the footings are deep and the structure is anchored properly. A pergola that shifts or sags after a year isn’t built right.
Most custom pergolas we build in Bakers, NC fall between $4,000 and $10,000 depending on size, materials, and features. A basic 10×12 wood pergola with standard posts and beams is on the lower end. If you want a larger structure, upgraded materials like cedar, or add-ons like electrical, lighting, or a built-in seating area, you’re looking at the higher end.
DIY kits you see online might seem cheaper, but they don’t include installation, site prep, or customization. You’re also on your own if something doesn’t fit or the instructions are unclear. With a custom build, you’re paying for a structure that’s designed for your yard and installed by people who do this daily.
We give free estimates, so you’ll know the exact cost before anything starts. No surprises, no hidden fees. And because we’re local, we’re not tacking on travel charges or inflated labor rates like some larger companies do.
Most pergola installations take one to two days from start to finish. Smaller structures—like a 10×10 over a patio—can be done in a day if the site is prepped and the weather cooperates. Larger or more complex builds, especially ones with electrical work or custom features, might stretch into a second day.
The timeline also depends on whether we’re building on an existing surface like a patio or deck, or if we’re starting from scratch in your yard. If we’re setting posts in the ground, we need to dig footings and let concrete cure, which adds a bit of time but ensures the structure won’t shift.
We don’t leave projects half-finished or drag them out over weeks. Once we start, we’re there until it’s done. You’ll have a clear schedule before we begin, and we’ll let you know if anything changes. Most of our clients in Bakers are using their new pergola the same weekend we finish it.
In most cases, no. Pergolas in North Carolina typically don’t require a building permit as long as they’re freestanding, under a certain size, and not attached to your house. That said, local codes can vary, and if your pergola is unusually large or includes electrical work, a permit might be necessary.
We handle that research for you. During the estimate, we’ll let you know if a permit is needed based on your specific project. If one is required, we’ll walk you through the process and handle the paperwork. Permit costs in North Carolina usually run between $50 and $500 depending on the scope of work.
Even if a permit isn’t required, we still build to code. That means proper footings, correct post spacing, and structural integrity that meets or exceeds local standards. You’re not getting a shortcut—you’re getting a pergola that’s built right and safe for long-term use.
Cedar and pressure-treated lumber are the two most common choices for pergolas in Bakers, NC, and both hold up well here. Cedar naturally resists rot and insects, looks great, and weathers to a nice gray if you don’t stain it. It costs more than pressure-treated wood but requires less maintenance over time.
Pressure-treated lumber is the budget-friendly option. It’s treated to resist moisture and decay, which matters in our humid climate. It doesn’t look as refined as cedar out of the gate, but you can stain or paint it. With proper care, it lasts decades.
Composite materials are another option if you want near-zero maintenance. They don’t warp, crack, or need sealing, and they come in a range of colors. The upfront cost is higher, but you’re not resealing or refinishing every few years. We’ll show you samples and talk through what makes sense for your budget and how much upkeep you’re willing to do.
Yes. We build pergolas over existing patios and decks regularly. If your patio is concrete or pavers and in good shape, we can anchor posts directly to it or set them in the ground around it. Same goes for decks—we’ll assess the structure to make sure it can support the added weight if you want the pergola attached.
The advantage of adding a pergola to an existing space is that you’re enhancing something you already use. You get instant shade and a more defined outdoor room without tearing anything out or starting from scratch. It’s also usually faster and less expensive than building a brand-new patio and pergola together.
We’ll look at your current setup during the estimate and tell you what’s possible. If the patio has cracks or drainage issues, or if the deck is old and shaky, we’ll let you know. There’s no point building a beautiful pergola over a surface that’s going to need replacing in a year.
Maintenance depends on the material, but it’s not complicated. If you have a wood pergola, you’ll want to clean it once a year with a mild soap and water to remove dirt and mildew. Every two to three years, reseal or restain it to protect the wood from moisture and UV damage. That’s especially important in North Carolina where humidity and sun can wear down finishes faster.
Cedar requires less frequent sealing than pressure-treated wood, but it still benefits from it. If you skip it, the wood will turn gray and may start to crack or splinter over time. Composite pergolas need almost nothing—just an occasional rinse to keep them looking clean.
Check the structure once a year for loose bolts, cracks, or any shifting. Tighten hardware as needed and trim back any vines or plants that are putting weight on the beams. We build these to last, but a little attention goes a long way. If you ever have questions or notice something that doesn’t look right, call us. We’d rather catch a small issue early than have you deal with a bigger one later.
Local Resources
Useful Links
Other Services we provide in Bakers
