How Much Does A Pergola Cost?

Pergolas are incredible additions to outdoor furniture in any housing property. They promise excellent practicality, whether they guard the outdoor kitchen, provide a laidback lounging area, or provide a private gardening section. Homeowners worldwide opt for pergolas to add value to their outdoor living areas and backyards.

They are typically found over and around decks, patios, and swimming pools, adding functionality to the surrounding areas. Custom features such as trellises, built-in seating, outdoor lighting, and retractable roofs elevate the desired space's overall comfort and convenience quotient.

How much does a pergola cost? If this is your first time learning about a pergola, you must know the pricing before investing. Custom pergola installation expenses primarily depend upon certain factors, such as customization options, size, material, installation mediums, etc.

Custom pergolas can improve the aesthetic value of your space—whether it is enhancing a backyard, garden, or patio. They provide the opportunity to bring nature into your indoor living spaces or enjoy isolated privacy with inviting separate spaces. In simple words, custom pergolas help you reflect your personality on your backyard furniture.

We have developed this guide to help you integrate a pergola design properly. Additionally, we will assist you in maximizing the structure to build aesthetically pleasing and functional outdoor living areas for commercial and residential occasions.

There's a lot to learn regarding shading structures like pergolas. Allow us to explain the required cost to build apergola with roof.

Cost of a Custom Pergola Installation

The estimated cost of building a pergola ranges between $2,400 and $8,960. There’s always an option for a cost-effective investment, such as DIY pergola installations that cost as little as $1,000. Alternatively, you could go as big as $16,000 or more to get a large custom pergola made with exotic wood.

The labor charges for installing pergolas make up roughly 20% of the average pergola expenses. We recommend hiring professional deck designers, as custom pergola installation is laborious. Furthermore, they concentrate on details and bring extensive industry knowledge to help you get a premium-grade pergola instead of a functional one.

However, the possibility of saving big on expenses makes DIY pergola installation projects a massive hit among most homeowners. Plenty of DIY pergola kits are available online that can aid your purpose. You will need one of those kits and a spare day or two to assemble them.

Cost of a Prefabricated Pergola

• You can get a prefabricated pergola at a rough cost range of $1,450 to $5,750 installed or $10 to $40 per square foot.
• Custom pergolas come at a price range of $30 to $65 per square foot installed.
• You can avail of a DIY pergola kit for $700 to $4,000.
• Conversely, the pergola installation labor costs around $50 to $120 per hour.

The overall pergola cost per square foot in your backyard depends on factors like size, material, and design complexity. The expense will increase if you choose a floor, roof, and extra features.

Average Cost by Pergola Size

There’s no denying that pergolas come in varied shapes and sizes, thereby guaranteeing an extensive range for your outdoor architecture design. Although a humble-sized patio or deck can accommodate a 9x9 feet pergola, you can integrate a larger pergola design with enough space.

In addition to the square-shaped pergolas, rectangular pergolas measuring 10×12 feet, 10×14 feet, or 12×16 feet are available. If you want bigger pergolas, you must keep pushing your budget.

Labor Costs

If you outsource the installation job to professionals, you must factor in the labor cost to build a pergola. Their wages typically vary from one contractor to the other. On average, you will pay between $300 and $600 per day.

The installation process is typically quick, taking 1-2 days to complete. However, it depends on several individual factors. The installation period will be extended if you include any significant prep work in the schedule before the installation.

Cost of a Pergola to Build By Material

Selecting the suitable pergola material can influence your overall budgeting, regardless of size. Wood is cheaper than vinyl, making vinyl pergolas a costly option. However, there are specific premium woods that are costlier than vinyl.

We have chalked down a beginner’s guide to comprehend the per-square-meter costs associated with various pergola materials:

• Timber/Hardwood pergola: $5 - $25
• Metal pergola: $20 - $30
• Concrete pergola: $5 - $10
• Stone/Brick pergola: $10 - $15

We have created a generic perspective to assist you in understanding the cost of building a pergola with a roof. However, the quality, source of materials, and current market prices will decide the final expense. Therefore, we recommend you get multiple quotes from the market. This will allow you to get a precise estimate that adheres to your specific project.

It’s noteworthy that these factors don't just influence your initial investment. The long-term maintenance costs associated with each material would be best. Your overall cost of ownership will take a hit here since some materials could demand more upkeep than others.

To determine the cost of a motorized louvered pergola, you must develop a thorough understanding of these financial aspects. These aspects will simplify the installation process, ensuring your new outdoor architectural aesthetics match your style and needs. Additionally, they will cater to your budget constraints.

1. Roof Type

Despite their generic appearance, pergolas offer a variety of roof alternatives. As discussed earlier, selecting them will shift your overall construction cost. If your design calls for lots of slats, you will need extensive materials. A pergola roof with fewer slats makes a frugal choice against one with more.

2. Custom Vs. Prefabricated

You will benefit from exploring crucial factors when measuring custom pergola costs against prefab pergola installation cost near me. Making a direct comparison between the costs of custom and prefabricated pergolas will assist you in making an informed decision. There’s no denying that custom pergolas are costlier than their prefab counterparts. Moreover, they also encourage design uniqueness.

Alternatively, prefabricated pergolas are relatively cheap and faster to install. Ultimately, the decision will depend upon your budget, timeframe, and design preference since both options promise excellent cases for investment.

3. Reparation

Consider installing your pergola atop a flat surface. You must level the necessary area if you need an adequately sizeable flat space in your yard. Otherwise, you can lay some concrete, further increasing your costs.

4. Customizations

Pergola companies present guidelines that you must concentrate on when combining forces. They may also present plans or designs that complement your project upon necessary customizations and tweaks.

If you are building your pergola on-site, your plans should be ready. Carpenters are available who will help you make custom plans. If you are taking this route, make sure to allocate a budget to pay for their time.

If you are apprehensive about employing additional help to develop your project plan, you must go online to explore and purchase plans. You can work on those plans to make alterations that suit your pergola specifications.

An extensive range of design plans, from modern to traditional, is available for your perusal. Moreover, you can even opt for a freestanding or attached design. These minute decisions will collectively affect your budgeting for the pergola project.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Pergola Yourself?

Building a pergola instead of buying one makes financial sense since you only pay for the materials, not labor. According to the market, the average cost of self-building a 10-foot traditional wooden pergola is around $3,500. However, the figures could vary depending on the project's complexity and location.

Some retailers sell easy-to-build pergola kits, although they lack scale and are cheaper than traditional pergolas. Self-building pergolas is undeniably a frugal proposition. Simply put, anything you build from scratch will be more affordable than buying it from a third party.

However, choosing to outsource the shading structure means you will be paying for building a pergola using high-quality materials.

How Many Hours Does It Take To Build A Pergola?

The manufacturing period for a pergola shade varies due to factors such as design complexity, size, material availability, and the expertise of the builders. Traditional pergolas can take up to a couple of weeks to be completely ready. However, custom designs could call for extended timelines.

You must contact the professionals to get an accurate estimation. The right expert will provide a detailed timeline based on your project’s specifications.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Pergola By Style?

You can browse through an extensive range of pergolas, each promising a distinctive shape and style. It allows you to personalize the architectural appeal of your outdoor space.

We recommend a contemporary pergola style for a poolside environment. Both wood and vinyl in light colors promise contemporary vibes. Moreover, you have the option to go for a rustic pergola look. A rustic pergola featuring pine, cedar, or reclaimed wooden beams elevates the style quotient.

It's necessary to mention that shapes influence the final pergola construction cost more than style. You will be paying a meager price for a classic box shape that boasts simple cuts and a straightforward design. However, an oversized pergola with defined spaces or detailed carvings will command an improved build cost than the average market price.

The surplus cost can be a valuable investment if your backyard area deserves special attention, requiring a pergola to complement it. We recommend you avoid cutting costs by picking a more basic design to fit the scenario. Your backyard will eventually get an awkward appearance and even dismiss any available space for use.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Pergola Installation

Pergolas have an aura that leaves a lasting impression on most homeowners. Despite their sleek and elegant structure, you must concentrate on several crucial factors that can influence the overall expense of your pergola.

1. Material

First of all, you must focus on the material that will be used to build your pergola. You will constantly be pushing the costs if there's wood involved. Furthermore, personalizing the material to accomplish a particular cut or look.

We recommend using pressure-treated wood instead of expensive cedar to reduce the expense. This alternative will assist you in achieving the wooden pergola for a humble cost.

2. Height and Size

Secondly, the height of the shading structure will also impact the manufacturing and installation costs. You must consider the material and labor costs for large beams and rafters. Although using large pillars and posts will benefit your project, the ultimate expense will also take a hit.

3. Area Covered

Many homeowners find scaling down their pergola structure convenient to reduce costs. However, you should avoid going overboard with the shrinking, or it'll fail to cover a large area. You must strike the ideal balance between keeping the costs down and retaining the necessary pergola size to cover the desired location.

4. Roof Type

A solid transparent roof suits your pergola in a relatively hot climate. Moreover, having a solid roof will also benefit you when lounging outside, even if it's raining or snowing. Although they can assist you in enjoying your outdoors irrespective of the weather, they also function as a necessary protection to defend your pergola structure better.

5. Contractor

There’s no denying that reputable contractors quote higher service charges than inexperienced ones. However, you will have the assurance of reliable craftsmanship when you go for the established names. All the leading names provide a warranty on their project and assure free repair post-installation during the warranty period.

Pergola Installation Options

Before you make any significant investment, you must have a detailed understanding of how pergola structures work. There are two ways to install the shading structure. Your final choice will dictate whether your pergola project necessitates a DIY effort or professional assistance.

1. Freestanding Pergolas

Regarding freestanding pergolas, you get a sturdy open lattice with four vertical posts or pillars to support the crossbeams. It’s an independent structure that relies on no other framework. You can install a freestanding pergola anywhere in your backyard since it stands sturdy and tall without any support.    

2. Attached Pergolas

Alternatively, we have attached pergolas that connect with an existing structure, like a house or outbuilding, to stand tall. They feature two main support posts, contrary to the usual four in freestanding pergolas. Similar to their freestanding counterparts, attached pergolas typically come with a lattice roof. You can use lights to aid your gardening aspirations or for home decoration.

Attached pergolas enjoy industry-wide appreciation for their element of architectural continuity when you integrate them into a building. Moreover, they also make the most of the space- ideal for smaller gardens or patios.

Pros & Cons of Using a Pergola

Most homeowners find it beneficial to spruce up the outdoor architecture or install a new feature to give the backyard a makeover. Here, a pergola adds that glossy, magazine-like feel.

So, how much does a pergola cost? Diving deep into the pros and cons of pergolas is necessary to round off your pricing knowledge. Let’s start with the pros:

Pergolas Are Relatively Budget-Friendly

The pricing of a pergola structure ultimately depends on the size, shape, style, and materials you want used in the project. However, the final cost is typically affordable- roughly over $4,000 to build.

If you are on a conservative budget, pergolas will best suit your needs since they require fewer materials than less open structures. Moreover, you could consider pressure-treated lumber as your pergola building material. We recommend it since it is a cost-effective wood type available everywhere.

If this is your first time with pergolas, you must call the experts immediately to remain stress-free throughout the project. However, taking the DIY route will allow you to save money. Pergola plans and DIY pergola kits are available online or at a hardware store, so you can explore them to get started.

Pergolas Add Value to Your Home

There’s no denying that pergolas bring incredible value to your properties, thereby boosting the collective value of the outdoor space. Additionally, they can elevate the entertainment quotient of your yard. Once installed, you will have an excellent place to relax in the shade.

They promise fantastic functionality to homeowners who use their yards extensively or do a lot of hosting. They provide adequate shading and cool temperatures for lounging. Furthermore, they contribute to prolonging the lifetime of your patio furniture.

Pergolas Are Versatile

Pergolas introduce unbelievable versatility to your outdoor architectural design. You can build them in any size or shape and position them anywhere. You can use them in a small area to help your climbing plants. Plus, they present a fantastic option for hanging outdoor lights to create a cozy fairytale-like feel in the space.

More and more homeowners are opting for pergolas today due to their ability to prolong cozy living spaces. You can use them to cover a patio swimming pool or hot tub. Alternatively, if you build them adjacent to the house, they provide shade to the interiors during the summers.

It’s time to discuss the cons:

Pergolas Provide Little Protection from Weather

Pergolas are incompetent when preventing sunlight, rain, or snow due to their typically open structure along the sides and across the top. It leaves the outdoor furniture exposed to sun damage.

Moreover, its surface will fade and wear down in extreme weather conditions. Stormy weather will restrict your pergola's utility, potentially making it a counterproductive investment since most people choose it for year-round use.

There’s No Protection from Insects

As a shading structure, pergolas are always vulnerable to every kind of wildlife. For instance, mosquitoes, bees, or other flies can interrupt a get-together. Otherwise, they could spoil your lounging experience near the structure.

As a shading structure, pergolas are always vulnerable to every kind of wildlife. For instance, mosquitoes, bees, or other flies can potentially interrupt a get-together. Otherwise, they could spoil your lounging experience near the structure.

Pergolas also attract birds and insects. Birds often find the corners of these structures suitable places to build nests. They can also use the rafters as a launching point to rain down bird droppings. Lastly, don't forget about termites and ants, which have the potential to destroy the entire construction in days.

Get Excellent Relaxation Space outside Your Home with Valley Covers

Pergolas can impressively renovate any outdoor architectural design into a charming lounge. However, the installation phase could be challenging for many first-timers. How much does a pergola cost with a roof?

As mentioned before, the manufacturing and installation depend entirely upon the material and design selection. Fortunately, contemporary options have modernized the game. Any pergola setup project involves a combination of affordability, durability, and easy installation.

Now that you have thoroughly understood the costs of purchasing a pergola, you are ready to invest in one. We have developed an industry-leading reputation at Valley Covers for supplying sophisticated pergola solutions. We offer extensive consultation for those who are looking for expert support. You can explore our extensive roaster of pergolas to find your upcoming outdoor shading structure today.