Get a Quote

FAQ

Rooted in Craftsmanship. Driven by Creativity. Focused on You.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tilson Outdoors | Clemmons, NC

Thinking about transforming your outdoor space? Here are answers to the most common questions we get from homeowners.

What does Tilson Outdoors do?

We design and build custom outdoor living spaces that are both functional and beautiful. Our work includes:

  • Paver patios and walkways
  • Outdoor kitchens and fire features
  • Retaining walls and seating walls
  • Landscape lighting and planting designs
  • Gazebos, pergolas, and pavilions
  • Drainage solutions and grading

We handle your project from start to finish using our in-house team. We do not subcontract except when licensed electricians, plumbers, or specialized concrete services are required. That means you’ll see Caleb and Richard Tilson on-site, along with our carefully trained team—no handoffs, no guesswork.

We’re a small, family-run business focused on personalized service and high-quality craftsmanship. By keeping our team intentionally small, we can provide consistent, hands-on service and develop meaningful relationships with each client.

We provide detailed proposals, not just estimates. Here’s how it works:

  1. Once you decide we’re a good fit, we schedule an on-site consultation.

  2. We assess the space, talk through your ideas, and take measurements.

  3. Then, we create a custom proposal with an exact scope and fixed pricing.

  4. We spend 2–5 hours developing each proposal, depending on the project’s size and complexity.

  • Smaller Projects: Start at $10,000
  • Mid-Range Outdoor Living Spaces: Typically range from $30,000–$60,000
  • Larger Custom Builds: Start at $80,000+ and often include multiple zones, custom structures, lighting, and detailed landscaping

We’re happy to work in phases for larger properties or long-term plans.

Knowing your budget helps us:

  • Design something you can afford (and love)
  • Recommend the right materials and features
  • Avoid wasting time on concepts that aren’t realistic

Think of it like working with an architect—you’ll get better, smarter options if we know what range we’re designing for.

Our 2D landscape designs typically range from $500 to $1,000, while 3D designs usually fall between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on complexity and property size. We’ll provide a detailed design quote during your consultation, so you’ll know exactly what to expect, with no surprises.

Yes. Our standard payment schedule is as follows:

  • 10% due upon approval of your project
  • 50% due on the project start date
  • 30% due at the milestone outlined in your contract
  • 10% due upon project completion

All terms will be detailed in your proposal and contract.

Typically, we book 2–4 months in advance, though spring and early summer (March–June) often fill quickly. Weather may also impact scheduling.

We don’t just build patios—we create spaces for living, gathering, and making memories. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Owner involvement from start to finish—Caleb and Richard are on-site every step of the way
  • No shortcuts—we follow the highest installation and safety standards (even using wet-cut saws to minimize harmful dust)
  • One job at a time—your project gets our full attention
  • Custom designs tailored to your home and lifestyle
  • Lifelong relationships—many of our clients have become friends, inviting us to barbecues, shrimp boils, and even farm visits.

We’re meticulous, passionate, and committed to doing the job right, no matter how big or small.

Let’s talk! You can fill out our consultation form or give us a call at (336) 757-0371. We’ll schedule a quick intro call and go from there.

What Our Clients Say

Real Stories, Exceptional Results.
5 Over 17 Reviews
Write a Review
google
Terry Holt 3 months ago
Our experience with Tilson Outdoors was excelent from start to finish. We were uncertain on what our options were. On removing our old deck, we discovered a concrete slab. Our thoughts changed from replacing the old deck to that of using the slab that we discovered as a patio. But the slab was not quite as large as we preferred. We needed expert consultation; that is when we reached out to Tilson Outdoors. Caleb inspected the slab and found it to be in very good shape. He also explained how we could use the existing slab as a base for what we wanted to do and that Tilson could increase the size to meet our needs for our patio. All we really needed to do was select our pavers and give Tilson the green light. When work began they were very professional in ensuring that no damage was done to our yard when moving equipment on/off the property. They were very meticulous in ensuring that the work site was clean at the end of the day (the small things matter). When the patio was completed, they ensured that the yard was put back in order (some grading had to be done to accomadate the size of the new patio, grass seed was placed where the grading was done and straw was placed over the seed). Very professsional. Needless to say, we love our new patio. I would give Tilson an A+ on every aspect to this project (assessing our old slab, explaining to us how it could be incorporated in the the new patio, giving us ideas on patterns for the patio, color recommendations for pavers, completing the paver installation in a timely fashion, cleanup of the job site daily and resewing the grass). Truly professional!
...
google
Janice Blackburn 3 months ago
Quality of workmanship was outstanding. We could not have been more pleased upon the completion of our project!
...
google
Rebecca Blackburn 9 months ago
I would highly recommend Tilson Outdoors! They helped us redesign and install a retaining wall/ circle driveway in our front yard. They are excellent at communicating - which was really important to me! Our job turned out wonderful and I would be happy to work with Tilson and Crew in the future!
...
google
Ann Shideler 1 year ago
My husband and I recently had our patio redone by Tilson Outdoors. The results were outstanding! Tilson's professionalism and attention to detail resulted in a finished product that exceeded our expectations. The team was easy to work with, dependable, and went out of their way to make certain that our wishes were met. Thank you, Tilson Outdoors, for a job well done!
...
google
Audrey Williams 1 year ago
We have had persistent drainage issues since we moved in 5 years ago. others came out and said they 'fixed' the issues. Nope. Then I found Tilson Outdoors. Caleb is extremely attentive to detail. We wanted a deck put in over a concrete patio and a stone/paver patio beside it, as well as the drainage issues addressed. I really like that Caleb and his dad work together. Everyone was so polite! Our neighbors commented on how industrious the crew was. They even brought their lunches and camp chairs. The finished product is beautiful. The drainage issues appear to be resolved. Thank you so much, Tilson Outdoors!
...
google
Brian Beane 1 year ago
Tilson Outdoors does some of the finest work in the Landscaping Industry. They have outstanding customer service, and use the best materials available. They are a premium company and you will not be disappointed.
...
google
Geraldine Thompson 2 year ago
Tilson Outdoors did a stellar job of discovering and correcting a large drainage issue on my property. They are very professional, easy to work with, and have a great work ethic. I have used their services several times since then and will continue to do so in the future. I highly recommend this company.
...
google
Mark Shircliffe 2 year ago
They were professional, and the team took extra steps to ensure the project was completed in a timely manner and completed to a high standard. Initial project had to be altered due to unforeseen obstacles and they were great at communicating and deciding alternatives to create what we were looking for. The end result was beautiful and fit our needs perfectly. I would highly recommend working with them and would use them in the future if other landscape needs arise.
...
google
Alison T. 2 year ago
Caleb responds quickly and professionally when you contact him. He is very attentive to details both in design and execution. He explains alternatives and limitations clearly and effectively. His whole team does excellent, high quality work.

When I had to have my entire septic system replaced it meant destroying my whole backyard. I wanted my new landscape to include a pathway incorporating a material that is not currently used locally. I contacted several hardscape specialists, all of whom wanted nothing to do with a material they didn't already know. Caleb was not only willing but eager to try a new material and went to great lengths to understand its properties and how to install it properly. He developed an excellent site plan for the whole area that ended up fixing several major drainage problems that we had been ignoring for years. He worked with me on design, incorporating my ideas and suggestions where appropriate and explaining if they weren't! When problems arose (none of them Caleb's fault) he handled everything professionally, calmly and effectively.

My project was large and took a long time to complete. During the whole process Tilson Outdoors left my landscape tidy and safe: no trash, tools or partially used materials lying around, no unmarked holes or trenches, no garbage chucked behind bushes. Living in a job site is always stressful but having it left clear and clean each day helped a lot!

I am thoroughly pleased with the how the project turned out, and the work Caleb and his team have done.
...

Ready to elevate your outdoor space?

Let’s create a space that reflects your lifestyle and adds real value to your home.
Request a Consultation

Our Services

Quicklinks

(336) 757-0371
Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in Youtube