Hi, I’m Mike Hartwell. I’m a licensed general contractor (California B-1 license #912345) with 15 years of experience building decks, pergolas, patios, outdoor kitchens, and other outdoor living spaces. I founded this site to give homeowners straight, numbers-based answers before they hire anyone — or start a big DIY weekend.
What This Site Is
Every guide on this site answers one question: what does this really cost, what lasts, and what do I actually need to know before I start? You’ll find real 2026 price data, material comparisons, and honest pros-and-cons — written by someone who has installed the things he writes about, not a content farm.
My Background
I’ve personally built or quoted more than 200 outdoor-living projects since 2011: composite and wood decks, aluminum and wood pergolas, patio covers, outdoor kitchens, paver patios, and pool decks. I hold a California B-1 General Building license, and I’ve worked in climates ranging from the California Central Valley (115°F summers) to the Pacific Northwest (months of rain) — so the advice here reflects real-world conditions, not showroom marketing.
How We Test and Research
- Field experience: products, materials, and methods are evaluated against jobs our crew actually completed.
- Current pricing: cost figures are cross-checked against 2026 supplier pricing, industry reports, and national cost data.
- Independent sources: where claims matter (lifespan, safety, ROI), we cite industry organizations and official manufacturer specifications.
- Corrections: if we get something wrong, email us and we’ll fix it and note the correction.
Editorial Independence
We are not paid by any manufacturer to feature their products, and we never accept payment for favorable coverage. We do link to retailers where you can buy the products we recommend — that’s how an independent site like this stays free to read.
Contact
Questions, corrections, or project photos to share? Reach us at [email protected].
Last updated: August 22, 2026
