Outdoor contractors build decks, pergolas, fire pits, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and shade structures
An outdoor living contractor who builds patios has the skills to construct most permanent or semi-permanent yard structures. The same crew that pours concrete or lays pavers can frame a deck, install a pergola, build a retaining wall, or set up an outdoor kitchen. The difference is not ability — it is whether the contractor has done that specific work before and carries the right insurance for it.
The structures listed here are the ones most contractors in this field will take on. Some specialize further. A contractor who has built ten decks will finish yours faster and catch problems earlier than one who has built two. Before you hire, ask what percentage of their recent jobs were the type you need.
Key Takeaways
- Decks, pergolas, and shade structures use the same framing and fastening skills as patio work, so most patio contractors can build them.
- Fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and water features require additional knowledge of gas lines, electrical work, or drainage — ask whether the contractor handles these or subcontracts them.
- Retaining walls and grading need understanding of soil, slope, and drainage; a contractor experienced in hardscaping can usually manage them.
- The contractor's insurance should cover the specific structure type you want built, not just patios.
- Asking for photos of completed work in that category tells you more than a general portfolio.
Decks and elevated platforms
A deck is a raised wooden or composite platform, usually attached to the house. The contractor frames it with posts, beams, and joists, then covers the top with boards or composite material. The work is similar to patio framing — measuring, cutting, fastening — but happens above ground instead of on it.
Most patio contractors can build a deck. The main difference is that deck work requires understanding how to set posts below the frost line (the depth at which soil freezes in winter), how to slope the structure for water drainage, and how to tie it safely to the house. If the contractor has built patios on sloped yards or in areas with freeze-thaw cycles, they likely have this knowledge.
Composite decking — plastic-wood blends that don't rot — is more expensive than pressure-treated wood but lasts longer and needs less maintenance. Some contractors specialize in one material or the other. Ask which they recommend for your climate and how much each costs.
Pergolas and shade structures
A pergola is an open-roof frame, usually made of wood or metal, that provides partial shade. It sits on posts anchored to the ground or bolted to a patio. A shade structure is similar but may have a solid or semi-solid roof — a polycarbonate panel, metal roof, or fabric shade cloth.
These are straightforward framing jobs. The contractor digs post holes, sets the posts in concrete, then builds the overhead frame. The main variables are material (wood, vinyl, aluminum, or steel), whether the roof is open or solid, and whether it's attached to the house or freestanding.
A contractor who has built decks or patio covers can build a pergola. The work is less complex than a deck because there's no walking surface to support heavy loads — the frame only needs to hold its own weight and resist wind. Ask whether the contractor can design it to match your house's style and whether they handle the electrical work if you want lights or a ceiling fan inside.
Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces
A fire pit is a contained fire ring, usually circular, made of stone, brick, or metal. An outdoor fireplace is a larger structure with a chimney, often built into a wall or as a freestanding unit. Both need to be set on a non-flammable base and kept away from the house and trees.
A basic fire pit — a ring of stone or brick with a metal grate inside — is something many patio contractors can build. The contractor needs to understand clearance codes (how far it must be from structures and vegetation), how to prepare the ground, and how to stack or mortise the materials so they don't shift.
An outdoor fireplace is more specialized. It requires a proper chimney to draw smoke, a foundation that won't crack from heat, and often a damper to control the fire. Some contractors build these regularly; others subcontract the work to a mason. Ask whether the contractor has built outdoor fireplaces before and whether they handle the chimney or hire it out.
Retaining walls and grading
A retaining wall holds back soil on a slope. It's built at the base of a hill or along a property line where the ground is higher on one side. Retaining walls are made of stone, brick, concrete blocks, or timber, and they need a foundation below the frost line and drainage behind them so water doesn't build up and push the wall over.
Retaining walls are part of hardscaping — the same category as patios and walkways. A contractor experienced in patios and grading can usually build a retaining wall. The main skill is understanding how soil moves, how water drains, and how to build the wall strong enough to hold the pressure. Walls taller than four feet often need an engineer's design and may require a permit.
Grading is the process of reshaping the ground — raising it in some places, lowering it in others — to improve drainage or create level areas. A contractor who has built patios on uneven yards has done grading work. Ask whether they can handle the grading your yard needs before the patio or structure goes in.
Outdoor kitchens and cooking areas
An outdoor kitchen is a permanent or semi-permanent cooking setup, usually built into a patio or deck area. It includes a grill, sink, refrigerator, storage, and countertop space. Some are straightforward — a grill and counter on a patio — and others are elaborate, with gas lines, water lines, electrical outlets, and a roof overhead.
A patio contractor can build the structure — the counter, the frame, the base — but the mechanical work (gas lines, water lines, electrical) usually goes to a licensed plumber or electrician. Ask the contractor whether they handle these trades in-house or bring in subcontractors. If they subcontract, ask whether they coordinate the work and stand behind it if something fails.
The grill itself is usually something you buy separately and the contractor installs. Some contractors have relationships with grill suppliers and can get you a discount. Others will install whatever you choose. Confirm this before you buy.
Water features and drainage structures
A water feature is a pond, fountain, stream, or waterfall built into the yard. A drainage structure is a dry creek bed, rain garden, or underground drain system designed to move water away from the house or patio.
Water features require knowledge of pumps, liners, and how to keep water clean and moving. Drainage structures require understanding of slope, soil type, and how water flows through the yard. Both are specialized skills. Some patio contractors have done this work; many haven't. Ask for examples of water features or drainage systems they've built.
If the contractor hasn't done this work before but you want it done, they can subcontract it to a landscape designer or drainage specialist. Make sure the contractor coordinates the work and that all parties agree on the final design before anyone starts digging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the same contractor who built my patio build a deck?
Usually yes. Decks and patios use similar framing and fastening skills. The main difference is that decks sit above ground and need posts set below the frost line. Ask the contractor whether they've built decks in your area and whether they understand local frost depth and building codes for decks.
What if I want a gas grill in my outdoor kitchen?
The contractor can build the structure and countertop, but a licensed plumber or gas fitter should run the gas line. Ask whether the contractor handles this in-house or brings in a subcontractor. Either way, the work should be permitted and inspected by the local building department.
Do I need a permit for a pergola or shade structure?
It depends on your local code. Some areas require permits for any structure over a certain height or size; others don't. Ask the contractor whether a permit is needed for what you want built. If one is required, the contractor should handle the paperwork and inspection.
What's the difference between a pergola and a shade structure?
A pergola has an open roof — you can see through the slats — so it provides dappled shade. A shade structure has a solid or semi-solid roof (polycarbonate, metal, or fabric), so it blocks more sun and rain. Pergolas are cheaper and easier to build; shade structures cost more but keep you drier.
How do I know if a contractor can build what I want?
Ask for photos of completed work in that category. A contractor who has built five outdoor kitchens can show you five kitchens. If they can't show you examples, ask how many they've built and whether you can call a past customer. The more recent and similar the work, the better.