Many people love the idea of having a pergola. Having one in your backyard could be useful in many ways.
If you don’t yet have one, you might be thinking about building one yourself. You have a few options to consider.
You can buy the materials and build one yourself if you have the necessary carpentry skills. It’s also possible to hire someone to build a pergola for you.
Some choose to buy pergolas from home improvement stores. They can be installed by following the included instructions, but it does take a little bit of effort and some tools to get the job done.
How much will it cost to get a pergola? Read on to learn more about this topic so you can decide if putting one on your property is the right choice.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pergola?
The most cost effective way to get a pergola is to build your own. Of course, you’re going to need to have the right skills and the necessary tools to get the job done.
To build a pergola, you’ll need tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, a circular saw, a ladder, a drill, and more. So you need to make sure that you have access to the necessary tools before proceeding.
Some pergolas are easier to build than others. The simplest pergola designs are likely easy enough for a DIY amateur to figure out if they have some carpentry skills.
More complex pergola designs might be a bit much to handle for a novice. So consider your skill level before you commit to this project.
With that out of the way, you’re likely wondering about the cost. The cost to build a pergola can be anywhere from $1,300 to $10,000.
It all comes down to which materials you choose and what type of design you’re utilizing. If you try to do things as inexpensively as possible, it’s likely that you’ll be able to build a pergola for less than $2,000.
Of course, the size of the pergola will play a role. It also depends on the going rate of the building materials, and you need to understand that the prices can fluctuate based on market demand and scarcity.
How Much Are Retractable Pergolas?
A retractable pergola will cost a bit more to build than a standard pergola. This is because you’ll be adding a retractable awning to the structure.
The cost of such an awning will vary depending on what you buy. Some retractable awning choices will be as inexpensive as $800.
Others might cost $4,000 or slightly more. There are many retractable awnings that are expensive, and some of the best options that have the most desirable features will cost thousands of dollars.
You should expect that adding a retractable awning to a pergola will cost at least an extra $1,000 to your budget. It could cost more than that depending on what you choose to get and if you’re able to get a good deal.
If you’re having someone build a pergola for you, expect the addition of a retractable awning to add a bit to the cost as well. It should be a very similar price, but it’ll cost a little more due to the labor involved when installing the awning.
How Much Are Vogue Pergolas?
The price of a Vogue pergola will range from somewhere around $1,750 to $2,850. It just depends on what design you decide to buy.
This is a specific type of pergola that’s made by an Australian company. You can expect to pay a few thousand dollars for this type of pergola, and installation will cost you a few hundred more dollars.
How Much Does a Louvered Pergola Cost?
Louvered pergolas are rather popular and you might be looking into getting one. This could be a great choice for your property, but you must be prepared for the price.
It’s common for people to spend between $30 and $50 per square foot on a louvered pergola. If you’re planning to build a large louvered pergola, you might spend as much as $12,000.
However, there are options that will cost $3,000 or possibly slightly less if you get a very good deal. As usual, it depends on the materials and what the market looks like at the time you decide to purchase things.
You’ll pay a bit more to have professionals build and install a louvered pergola for you. For some, it’ll be worthwhile to go this route since building a louvered pergola might be slightly more complex than the most basic pergola designs.
How Much Are Pergola Kits?
Pergola kits can be purchased at many different stores. It’s common for home improvement chains to carry pergola kits.
These kits contain the necessary building materials to build the pergola. Everything will be ready to be assembled when you buy the kit.
You simply take the kit home and look at the included instruction manual. This will give you detailed instructions on how to install the pergola and put it up in your yard.
Pergola kits can cost between $300 and $5,000. This is just an estimate since the prices can fluctuate and might go outside that range.
The kits that are made using inexpensive materials will cost the least amount of money. Such kits might allow you to install a pergola that will not last quite as long as a pergola that’s made using sturdier materials.
Even so, it’s nice to know that you can get some type of pergola for less than $1,000 if you really want to. Generally, it’s recommended to spend a bit more money to make sure that you’re getting a pergola that will stand the test of time.
Are Pergola Kits Worth It?
For many, pergola kits will indeed be worth it. This is a great way to get a pergola when you don’t want to build one yourself.
You can buy a high-quality pergola and install it yourself using the convenient instructions that are included in the package. It doesn’t take too much time to install the pergola, but you will need some tools to get the job done.
There are many options when looking at these kits. You can go with an inexpensive kit or you can buy something that costs more cash with the promise of greater durability.
Either way, it’s a good option to keep in mind. It’s a lot less expensive than paying professionals to build a custom pergola for you.
Why Do Pergolas Cost So Much?
It costs a fair bit of cash to buy a pergola because a lot goes into making them. These structures need many building materials.
The building materials that are more expensive will add to the cost of the pergola. So buying a nice cedar pergola will cost more than one that is made out of inexpensive types of wood.
Also, pergolas that come from companies that build custom pergolas will be a bit pricier on average. This is because the workers are making a bespoke pergola that is designed to suit the specific needs of your property.
There are less expensive options that you can turn to if you must. You can potentially get a pergola for less than $1,000, but it’s often better to spend a little more than that if you want the pergola to hold up over the years.
Final Thoughts
After learning about the average cost of pergolas, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll want to do. You likely have a budget that you’re trying to keep in mind.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective option, it might be worthwhile to build your own pergola. Buying the materials yourself and handling the project will allow you to save cash.
Having a pergola built by professionals will cost more money. This is especially true if you hire someone to build a custom pergola for you.
Pergola kits are a great choice when you want to keep costs low, but some kits will cost more money depending on the materials that are used. Simply consider all of your choices and go with the one that will be best for your home and your bank account.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and over 10 years of experience working in IT. As a homeowner, I love working on projects around the house, and as a father, I love investigating various ways to keep my family safe (whether or not this involves tech). I’ve also played guitar for almost 20 years and love writing music, although it’s hard to find the time these days.