How Much Does a Pergola Cost？

A pergola is the perfect outdoor structure for patios and backyards, creating a peaceful space for gatherings and relaxation. It also offers support for climbing plants, adding natural beauty to your outdoor space. If you're considering adding a pergola, this article explores different types and costs to help you choose the right one.

Factors That Affect Costs:

1. Material:

A pergola can be built from wood, aluminum or steel. The pergola material affects the price.

Wooden Pergolas

Wooden pergolas are the most popular type, loved for their traditional, rustic charm. The most common wood choices include cedar, pine, and redwood. Cedar pergola stands out for its density and stability, making it more durable.

Compared to redwood, cedar pergolas are more affordable while still offering excellent resistance to weather conditions. They are naturally resistant to rot and decay, allowing them to maintain their structural integrity for years, even in outdoor environments.

Aluminum Pergolas

Aluminum pergolas are gaining popularity for their sleek, modern appearance. Unlike natural materials, aluminum offers exceptional weather resistance, making it ideal for humid environments. It is less prone to rust than steel and won't rot or develop mold like wood. However, metal pergolas have limited weight capacity and may not support heavy items like swings or hammocks.

Steel Pergolas

Steel pergolas are well-known for being strong and long-lasting, making them perfect for areas with strong winds or heavy snow. These structures exhibit exceptional load-bearing capacity, withstanding heavy snow loads without deformation. Their high-strength construction ensures decades of reliable performance with no risk of cracking.

However, in humid climates, steel is prone to rust over time, requiring regular maintenance with anti-rust coatings. Additionally, given their substantial mass and structural complexity, these units require professional installation.

2. Size

Pergolas of the same size can vary widely in price, depending on materials, quality, and design.

As expected, a 12×20 pergola costs more than a 10×13 pergola due to increased material requirements. Besides the materials themselves, you'll also need to budget for site preparation and professional installation, which add to the total cost.

3. Custom vs Regular

A custom pergola is perfect for people with special needs. You'll invest more in a custom pergola than a ready-made kit because it's built to your exact choices - from the size and materials to the design details and color finishes. It can perfectly fit your needs, but it takes longer to make.

If you're on a tight budget, opting for a mass-produced pergola kit is a cost-effective and practical choice. These kits are more readily available and quicker to get. Designed for easy DIY installation, these pergolas are ideal for homeowners seeking a quick and budget-friendly solution.

4. Installation

Hiring Professionals: Bringing in a professional team for pergola installation ensures the structure is safe and stable, but it does come with additional costs. Installation prices typically range from $10 to $20 per square foot, depending on the material, size, and complexity of the project. If you require foundation work or electrical wiring, expect to pay extra.

DIY Installation: Installing a pergola yourself requires some experience and effort, but it can significantly reduce costs. If you purchase a pergola kit, have the necessary tools, and feel confident in your skills, opting for DIY installation can save labor fees. However, self-installation can be time-consuming, often taking two days or longer to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the pergola.

5. Cost To Build a Pergola From Scratch

If you have the experience and tools to build a pergola, you can build it yourself from scratch, which is a cost-saving option.

Assuming you want to build a 10×10 wood pergola at deck, the costs are as follows

Costs will rise if requiring new foundation construction or pergola enhancements like weatherproof tarps or decorative curtains.

Tips On Saving Money

·  Simple Pergola Design: Opting for a simple pergola design helps reduce material costs and labor expenses.

·  DIY Pergola Kit: Mass-produced pergola kits are affordable and easy to assemble, making them a budget-friendly option.

·  Self-Installation: Installing a basic pergola kit yourself takes patience and basic skills, but saves significant costs.