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How Much Does It Cost To Build Your Own Pergola

If Youre Building Your Own Pergola Consider These Factors:

DIY Pergola Build Start To Finish – Total Cost of $200

Size How big do you want it? A small one will take less time to construct than a large one. If money is an issue, start small and add on later if you want more space for entertaining or relaxing outdoors.

Materials Use pressure-treated lumber for the frame, which costs more than regular lumber but lasts longer outdoors and wont rot as quickly in wet conditions like rain and snow. You can buy cedar boards for the roofing material at home improvement stores or lumberyards these will last longer than vinyl siding or aluminum panels but cost more than either of those options as well. The total cost of supplies will depend on how much material you need and what type of wood

Pergolas are an excellent way to add shade and elegance to your home. You can build your own pergola by following these easy steps.

Step 1: Measure


Measure the area in which you want to install the pergola. Make sure that you have a space large enough for the structure. If you want to install a large pergola, then it is better if you have a large space to accommodate it.

Step 2: Build the Frame

Build the frame of your pergola according to your measurements. You can use wood or steel as long as they are strong enough to hold up the weight of the roof and other materials that will be placed on them later on. Make sure that all corners are square so that they do not fall apart during construction or later use.

Step 3: Install Posts

How Much Does Diy Pergola Cost To Build

If you love the look of a beautiful backyard pergola, but dont love the premium price tag, looking into a DIY pergola project is a great solution. DIY projects allow you to pay only for the materials and tools used, without the burden of design and labor costs. Of course, some DIY projects are more affordable than others, and some outdoor projects are simply impossible to complete without a little professional help.


What Is The Best Roof For A Pergola

Roofs made of aluminum and steel are also viable solutions. An aluminum pergola is the superior choice to choose if you are looking for a roof that is not only lightweight but also resistant to rust. However, if you dont mind having a cover that is heavier, a steel roof is the best option for enduring high winds, heavy rain, and regions that have weather that is more severe.

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How Much Does It Cost To Have A Pergola Built

The starting cost of having a high-end pergola built is around $3,500 as well. However, you do need to factor in options, the painting, which could cost you an upcharge of almost 7%. You also need to factor in delivery and installation. Delivery and installation vary depending on how far the crew needs to drive to deliver and the time taken to put the pergola in place.

How Much Does A Metal Pergola Cost

Make Your Own DIY Pergola At Any Budget

Metal pergolas usually come in kit form. This type of pergola will have a flat roof and may be available in a choice of powder-coated colours.

These kits may be installed DIY to save money, as long as you have the necessary skills. A larger or more complex metal pergola should be professionally installed. In most cases, the installer can provide the kit or will custom make the pergola for you.


The total cost of installing a metal pergola might be:

  • $185 per m2 for a flat roof pergola
  • $550 per m2 for a gabled pergola
  • $565 per m2 for a curved roof pergola
  • $700+ per m2 for a complex design that requires custom work

These prices are approximate and depend on the area you live, the type of pergola you choose and installer’s costs. To find out how much a pergola will cost to install:

  • Measure the area

Timber pergolas also come in kit form or can be custom made for you. As a rough guide, a 5×3 metre timber pergola kit might cost:

  • $2300 for a treated pine pergola with no roof
  • $2900 for a hardwood pergola with no roof
  • $2600 for a treated pine pergola with a Colorbond roof
  • $3800 for a hardwood flat roof pergola with an insulated Colorbond roof

These prices are also approximate and are for the kit alone, not including installation. In some states, a licensed builder will need to install a timber pergola.

A custom made pergola will cost more than a timber kit pergola. The cost will depend on the:


  • Complexity of the design
  • Size of the pergola
  • Type of timber used

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Cost Of A Diy Pergola

A DIY pergola is always the most cost-effective method, as hiring a contractor and labor costs are not a factor.

There are many different ways to construct a DIY pergola the most straightforward route would be to purchase a kit from a reputable manufacturer however, this is often more expensive than building from scratch.

If you are handy, you could always get the tools needed and start from scratch. In this section, Ill go over a few different ways to take the DIY approach to build a pergola.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A 2020 Pergola

The cost to build a 20×20 size of rectangular shaped pergola will be around $12,000, which includes materials and installation cost. On average, Pergola will cost around $30 per square foot. A 20×20 size of pergola is 200 square foot, so, cost to build a 20×20 size of pergola = 400× $30 = $12,000.


The cost to build a pergola will be $30 per square foot, or $4,000 on average. A 10×12 pergola will cost around $3,600. A 10×10 pergola will cost around $3,000. A 12×12 pergola will cost around $4,350.

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Other Considerations And Costs

  • Many property owners will opt to stain or seal their pergola, even if an exotic and/or impervious type of wood is selected as this prevents warping from ruining the project.
  • Some homeowners will invest in a kit and hire a carpenter or handyman to do all of the assembly, which will come at a cost of $60 to $70 per hour.
  • The costs of any permits needed are not included in the calculations.
  • Before beginning any project, it is important to consider if the style of the pergola selected coordinates with the style of the home. Pergolas can be attached or unattached and they can be a sharp contrast to the exterior of the property. Before beginning, be sure that styles and materials are not clashing.
  • Be aware of underground utilities when planning to build a pergola. Pouring footings necessitates diffing deep holes and when they are abutting a home or structure there is an increased risk of encountering electrical or water lines.
  • Check out our guide if you need a loan for your home improvement project.
  • If you are a builder and need insurance check out our Builders Risk Insurance Guide.

Cost To Build A Pergola

How To Build A DIY Pergola | Build Or Buy – Is It Worth It?

The cost to build a pergola usually ranges between $2,200 and $5,900, or $4,000 on average. You could spend as little as $1,300 on a basic build while you may pay as much as $10,000 for a custom design.

Its important to understand the distinction between a pergola, an arbor and a trellis because the terms are often used interchangeably and the difference reflects not only in the structure, but also in its price tag.

An arbor, which is basically a smaller version of a pergola, can be found for as little as $125 on major seller websites. Adding a trellis, which is simply a vertical structure meant for trailing plants, typically costs between $30 and $200.


A pergola is the largest of the three freestanding structures for your yard. And if youre willing to build a pergola yourself, you can save a great deal of money. An attractive cedar pergola with simple DIY instructions can be purchased from big-box stores for around $1,300. But if you want a professionally installed pergola made of premium materials like ipe or tigerwood, it can easily cost upwards of $10,000.

Average Cost of a Pergola
Average Cost
$1,300

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Typical Price Range Of Pergolas

The cost of constructing a pergola can range anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000, or $10 to $60 per square foot, depending on the size, materials selected, and whether you hire a pro or DIY, says Bailey Carson, home care expert at Angi.

“For a simple pergola, hiring a pro will typically cost about $500 to $1,000 more than DIY, to account for labor,” says Carson. “Costs can go up depending on size, complexity, or level of customization.”

The home services website Thumbtack, meanwhile, estimates that the cost of materials and labor to install a 10×10-foot pergola is around $3,600. But Thumbtack adds that prices can range from as little as $1,000 for a small prefab vinyl or PVC kit to $9,000 for the design and installation of sprawling custom patio covers and structures made from high-end materials such as teak wood. The final overall cost, however, depends highly on the finish of your pergola structure, its size, and its function.


Unit Costs: How Pros Price

Unlike other websites that publish pricing from unrelated jobs in the past, Homewyse creates up-to-date estimates from current Unit Costs. The Unit Cost method delivers high accuracy by using location, details and options for the unique requirements of each job. Contracting, trade, design and maintenance businesses rely on the Unit Cost method for transparency, accuracy and fair profits.

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Pergola Price By Type

Pergolas are available in many styles and types. The classic pergola style has a top made of slats. When these slats extend past the front of the pergola, the style is considered traditional. Pergolas with slats the same width as the top rails have a more modern look.

Beyond this, you can have pergolas made in different styles and designs. This includes those with a full roof, making them closer to pavilions than pergolas. The more you add to the pergola, the higher your total costs. Adding a roof dramatically increases the costs for your pergola.

Not all pergolas are available in custom and prefab designs. The more material involved, the more likely the design is to be custom. However, many prefab styles are available, which can enhance several areas of the property.

Below are the average costs of many types and styles of pergola. These include prefab and custom where available. Costs are for the pergola fully installed.

Type
$8,000 – $30,000

Cost Of Building A Pergola

How to Build a Pergola

There is no disputing that pergolas are beautiful and practical additions to outdoor space. If you are planning on building one you need to know the various materials that you can use and the costs involved. The cost of building will depend on non materials used, the size of the pergola and if DIY or hire a professional.

The average cost of building a custom pergola through DIY comes to about $3000. If you choose to hire a professional to do it, the cost can go up to $3500 for a pergola of about 10 foot x10 foot

Here is the breakdown of materials that can be used to build a pergola, their cost and cost of labor where a professional contractor is involved. Please note that the price estimates are based on a pergola size of the 10x 1l0 foot.

Materials

You can choose to enhance you pergola further by either painting or staining.

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Cost To Build A Pergola Over A Deck

The cost to build a pergola over a deck averages $1,900 to $6,500. Building a pergola over a deck has the same basic concerns as building one on a lawn or patio. You do not need footers installed in the deck because the pergola can be fastened directly to the deck in most cases. You may use a free-standing pergola or an attached pergola on the deck. Some pergolas may extend their posts from the deck to make it appear like part of the deck. This is not necessary, depending on the pergola placement. For large decks, the pergola may be installed on one side for shade, but it could cover the entire structure for smaller decks.

Are Pergolas A Good Investment

Pergolas are generally good investments because they effectively provide more living space outdoors. While it wont give you as much ROI as other hardscape additions, such as a patio or outdoor kitchen, a pergola can add value to your property.

The biggest cost will be the price of the materials for the pergola structure, with labour costs added to that. Average labour costs are around £150-£250 per day, and it usually takes 1-2 days to build a pergola from scratch .

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Pergola Vs Arbor Vs Trellis Cost Comparison

Adding a trellis to a pergola runs from $400 to $2,350 on average. You can find a prefabricated kit at local home improvements stores or find a pro to build a custom trellis. Custom builds will be more expensive but they allow you to design the perfect structure to build your space.

Arbors cost from $100 to $15,000 or more. High-end options like custom wood arbors with a gable or other decorative accessories can cost as much as $15,000. A simple prefabricated metal arbor kit costs far less, ranging from $100 to $500 on average.

What Is Better Than A Pergola

How to Build a DIY Pergola

For example, a gazebo provides more shade and protection from the elements than a pergola, making it ideal for outdoor entertaining or relaxing. Additionally, a deck or patio might be a better choice for some people, as they can be designed to better suit the specific needs and wants of the homeowner.

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How Much Does It Cost To Build A Pergola

The cost to build a pergola usually sits between $2,200 and $5,900, or $4,000 on average. You could spend as little as $1,300 on a basic build while you may pay as much as $10,000 for a custom design.

How much does it cost to build a pergola per square Metre?

How much does a pergola cost? A pergola can cost up to $2,700 per square metre depending on the site and the required materials. According to Richard, a cheap pergola will cost around $20,000 while a mid-range pergola will cost around $35,000.

What is the difference between a pergola and a Pergoda?

The pergola and pergoda are very similar concepts. Both are structures designed to provide shading in outdoor areas. The main difference is that pergodas feature a solid roof made up of slats, whereas pergolas feature a sliding or louvred roof for greater versatility.

Pergola Installation Cost By Size

Your pergolas size impacts your total cost. This is true of prefab and custom installations. Larger pergolas require more material and labor to construct. For this reason, each size increase results in a higher cost for the pergola.

Most pergolas start at around 10×10 in size, with 10×12 being one of the most common sizes. However, you can have much larger or smaller pergolas. The costs below are the averages for prefab and custom pergolas of varying sizes. These costs are for true pergolas without a solid roof. Adding a roof significantly increases the costs.

Size
$5,000 – $15,000

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How To Build A Pergola

A pergola is an arbor or glorified awning thats intended to provide shade and cover. This structure can be built by yourself, but it will take some time and effort. Before you purchase any materials, make sure that you have all of the tools necessary for the job.

Step 1 Choose your location

The first thing you need to do is decide where you want your pergola to go. The best place for one is in an area that gets full sunlight most of the day so it can provide shade during the hot summer months. The next step is to choose a place that wont be in the way of traffic or people walking by so they have room to walk safely around it without having to step over anything or trip on anything that might be sticking up from under the ground.

Step 2 Set up stakes and string lines

Youll want to start off by driving stakes into the ground using a mallet or hammer until theyre close enough together so theres no more than 3 inches between each one of them .

What Are The Different Types Of Pergolas

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Some common pergola styles include:

  • Open Pergola: Open-top pergolas do not have a roof and are usually used to improve the appearance of an outdoor space or provide structure to decorative features such as lights.
  • Gable Pergola: Gable pergolas have a peaked roof, forming the shape of a triangle. They allow for plenty of airflow and for water to run off the roof, so they are a great option for locations with high levels of rainfall.
  • Flat Pergola: As the name suggests, flat roof pergolas are not as pitched as a gable pergola but are still slightly angled to encourage enough drainage so they dont cause issues when it rains.
  • Sail Pergola: Sail pergolas are used to create shade in the yard by stretching out fabric sails between the posts. Theyre perfect for a more casual design style.

As well as deciding on the roof design of your pergola, you will also need to decide if you want your pergola attached to your house or freestanding, depending on your budget and how much space you have to work with.

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