Who Offers Pergolas Services Near Me In Smyrna?

Pergolas services near me in Smyrna means a local builder who designs the pergola for your yard, sets the footings properly and handles the permit. JB's Enclosures builds custom pergolas for Smyrna homeowners from our base in Murfreesboro, with a free consultation and a staff that calls back right away.

By Jeremy Bolton, Founder and Owner · Last updated October 16, 2026

Who builds pergolas in Smyrna?

We do, along with a few other local outdoor-structure builders and plenty of DIY weekenders, so it pays to ask the right questions. Who builds pergolas in Smyrna, and what should you ask? So start with what you want underneath it. A shady dining spot, a grill corner and a quiet reading nook all call for different sizes and different heights. Our pergola page describes custom builds for outdoor dining, relaxing in the shade and evening entertaining.

Searching for a pergola builder Smyrna homeowners can reach quickly? Here's how we work. You request a free quote, our team contacts you right back, and you find an open day and time on our schedule. We meet you at your home to assess your yard and discuss your needs, and we provide you with a written bid. As you prepare your request, you may want to have photos of the area and an estimate of the size you'd like and the age of any deck you have in mind.

How much shade does a pergola provide?

Less than a good roof, since many pergolas are open at the top. Slats and rafters let in light, making patterned shade, instead of complete coverage. How much is provided depends on the structure’s construction. Closer spacing, angled slats and lower heights are all features that will produce extra shade, particularly at midday and the sun is directly overhead.

Research on health also backs that up claims, as a shade-planning article from the National Institutes of Health points out that shade provides different amounts of UV protection, depending on the material, and that larger structures offer more. An overhang or side protection can reduce the amount of UV penetrating from the sides, and nearby trees and shrubs also help. A pergola is a comfort improvement, not a substitute for sunscreen.

Here's how the common types compare:

Which builder near me installs louvered pergolas?

Ask any builder this first: can you show me the louver system and how it drains? Which builder near me installs louvered pergolas? We build custom pergolas, and louvered and slatted pergola Smyrna homeowners ask about are a common request, so tell us what you're picturing and we'll confirm what we can build before you commit.

Why do people want louvers? They tilt open to filter light and close to shed rain. That adjustability is the appeal. It also means more parts, so ask about the frame material, the drainage and how the louvers are operated. A louvered system that doesn’t drain properly just moves the puddle to another spot. Ask about the wind, too, because a pergola with manually operated louvers needs some way to keep them from blowing open during inclement weather.

Who adds a pergola over an existing deck in Smyrna?

A builder who checks the deck's structure first. Who adds a pergola over an existing deck in Smyrna? We do, and we build decks too, so we know how they're framed. Planning a pergola over a patio or deck Smyrna yards can handle? The posts need a solid path to the ground, and that usually means new footings rather than bolting onto the deck boards.

Here's why it matters, though. A pergola catches wind, and the posts transfer that load into the structure beneath. A deck that was built for people and furniture may not be built for that. So we look at the framing, the footings and the railing before we set a post. If the deck is sound, the pergola can go over it. If not, we'll tell you what has to change first.

What is the difference between a pergola and a patio cover?

A pergola features an open roof of beams and slats while a patio cover has a solid roof that totally blocks out rain. That's the main difference between the two. The pergola allows for filtered shade while a patio cover provides total protection from sun and rain. Our patio covers are constructed to allow you to enjoy your outdoor living area while being protected from sun, rain and prevailing winds. Our patio cover page shows what that looks like.

Neither is better in general, so choose a pergola for style and shade, and a patio cover when you want to sit outside during a storm.

When do you need a permit to build a pergola?

Almost always. Do you need a permit to build a pergola? In Smyrna, yes. The Town's Zoning Ordinance requires a building permit to construct any building or structure, including accessory structures, and a pergola counts. The Town also says permit fees double if work starts before the permit is issued. A site plan is required too.

The state adds a second layer for bigger jobs. Tennessee's insurance department says a contractor's license is required once a project reaches $25,000, and that contractors can't ask for more than a third of the price up front. So read the contract before you sign.

How much does a pergola cost?

It depends on the size, materials, design and location, so we give you an exact quote after a free consultation. A small simple pergola is much cheaper than a big louvered one over a deck. The addition of extras, such as lights, seating or built in electrics has an impact too. Let us know your budget to help choose the correct size and materials. We give a written price after we see your yard, and we also offer financing for people who'd rather spread the cost.

How long does a pergola last?

A well-constructed pergola will typically last you a lifetime, but the materials and the maintenance that it requires can dictate how long it will stand. Wood often needs to be sealed or stained, which can be a hassle, especially in the damp, rainy climate of Tennessee. On the other hand, metal and other easy-to-maintain materials call for much less upkeep. Just as important as the material, the construction itself will impact the lifespan of your pergola. Things like footings and flashing along the roof can make all the difference in prolonging the life of the structure. Annually checking things like screws and soft spots in the wood can prevent many potential problems.

Where does JB's Enclosures build pergolas around Smyrna?

We build across Smyrna, Murfreesboro, La Vergne, Nolensville and the rest of Rutherford County, and we also reach Franklin, Brentwood and Nashville. Our Smyrna page covers the area, and our decks page shows what we build to go under or beside a pergola. Then, when you're ready, request a free estimate or call (615) 713-7902.

Frequently asked questions

1. Does a pergola keep the rain off?

Not on its own. A standard pergola has an open roof, so rain will trickle through the gaps. However, the closer the slats are, the less water will get through. A louvered system can be closed to prevent the rain coming through and a solid or canopy roof offer the best protection from the weather. If you want to keep your outdoor room completely dry, just let us know and we will show you our options, including a patio cover.

2. What is the difference between a pergola and a patio cover?

A pergola is a garden structure that consists of an open slatted roof and four posts, whereas a patio cover is a solid roof supported by four posts. The main difference between a pergola and a patio cover is that a pergola is used for shading purposes while a patio cover provides weather protection. Most homeowners prefer to install a pergola when they want to enjoy outdoor seating, and install a patio cover when they want to offer protection to their outdoor furniture.

3. How much shade does a pergola actually provide?

It will depend on the design, the amount of open space between the rafters, and the angle at which they are placed. Height and size also play a part, since bigger structures provide more shade. A pergola is a great way to make a cooler area on a hot day, but remember that it will not keep out UV rays, so sunscreen is still a good idea. We can customize the space between the slats to provide different amounts of shade.

4. Can a pergola be built over an existing deck or patio?

Yes, if the structure beneath can support it On a deck, the posts usually require their own footings, and we check the framing. On a patio, we look at the slab and the soil. Either way, we plan the connection so the pergola doesn t rely on thin deck boards or a crack-prone slab.

5. Can a pergola be upgraded to a covered structure later?

Many times, and it's a good thing to plan on ahead of time, if you build your posts, beams, and footings to a larger scale, you can always go back later and add a roof on top. The roof will add weight, wind resistance, and water so you want to be sure those items are taken into consideration. Let us know your time frame and we can design your pergola so that it would be easy to add on to later.

Visit or Contact Us

JB's Enclosures 1349 Marymont Dr. Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Phone: (615) 713-7902 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Veteran-owned, serving Smyrna, Murfreesboro, La Vergne, Nolensville and Middle Tennessee. Financing available.