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Curious about learning about pergolas but unsure if you want to put the money in? Look no further. This article will walk you through all pros and cons of buying a pergola to help you determine if it is worth it for you.
Depends on what kind of quality you&#;re looking for. Do you want a cheap, easy fix for a long weekend? Or do you want something that will transform your whole space for years to come?
If your answer is the latter then you&#;re in the right place. The Luxury Pergola is a company that provides you with a DIY pergola kit that exudes luxury (that&#;s why it&#;s in the name).
The Luxury Pergola quality is unmatched and is built to last. The customizations will allow you to make them match your home perfectly, and extend your space from inside to outside seamlessly.
There are many different Pergola companies and options to choose from. Comprehensively, the best pergola kit would be a louvered pergola kit. It allows you to easily regulate how much sunlight you want to come in or turn your outdoor space into a shaded area as well as maximizing airflow which ensures comfort.
If you want an even more distinct pergola, a motorized louvered pergola would be a perfect option for you.
The top 3 valued louvered roof kits are:
All of these come with their own pros and cons, but we will further discuss the best option out of these.
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The per square foot pricing of The Luxury Pergola Louvered pergola kits will be shown below. As the square foot area increases, the price increases.
The Luxury Pergola Kits have an average price of $66 per square foot.
Any of our pergola kits can be customized with frame color and louver color with no extra charge. This allows you to have your perfect custom pergola in your outdoor living space to match the aesthetic you were looking for.
Another way you can change up the look of your custom pergola is by adding crown molding. We have two options, traditional or contemporary. Either one of these options will help you elevate your pergola to be the perfect fit.
One more way to customize your pergola is to add a base trim. This is a relatively small change with big impact. This will help elevate your look in a way that exudes luxury.
When it comes to cost per square foot, the cost will undoubtedly increase slightly as the square foot increases. What matters here is that for slight changes in price, you can find your perfect fit with The Luxury Pergola. The customization privileges allow you to maximize value while minimizing cost as much as possible.
No matter the aesthetic and style you're looking at for your pergola, the biggest difference in costs will be materials. Overall, whichever material you decide to use for your pergola will largely depend on your needs and preferences.
The Luxury Pergola offers an aluminum pergola that is built to last. Compared to every other material on the market for a pergola, aluminum pergolas are the best to get. They are built to be rot resistant, and can withstand rusting and fading. While they are in fact the most expensive on the market, however, they are an investment worth making.
Compared to other materials, aluminum gives you the most bang for your buck. You're paying for quality, security, durability, and luxury.
The Luxury Pergola's pergola kit allows you to save money because it is a pergola DIY. Because you are not paying for the labor costs directly through them, and only for the DIY kit, it will typically cost you less than the average price of an aluminum pergola that has this great of quality.
The top aluminum pergolas start at $7,999 and you will get your use out of this money.
See The Best Aluminum Pergola
Getting a wood pergola would be the next most expensive pergola material option for you. There are many different types of wood that can be used for pergolas, but Cedar is generally the most weather resistant -- therefore, one of the most common pergola materials in terms of wood.
Cedar pergolas are nice and pretty to look at, but they don't necessarily have the durability and reliability that an aluminum pergola would.
A Cedar pergola is a great option if you want a low maintenance wood pergola, with the added benefit of having it be weather resistant. However, a cedar/wood pergola would not be motorized or operable.
Wood pergolas are also not rot resistant, fading, and require a little bit of maintenance compared to the aluminum pergola.
Getting a Vinyl pergola would come with the least expensive material costs. Vinyl pergolas also come with little to no maintenance requirements, they are rot resistant, and moderately resistant to fading. You can also get more of a variety when it comes to colors and style.
With Vinyl pergolas, you're getting what you pay for. While it may be the most budget friendly option for you, it won't last you very long at all. Vinyl is a very common pergola materials, as it is cheap to produce and to sell. The affordable price shouldn't encourage you to get a structure that will not last long.
When choosing a pergola, we understand there is a lot to consider. Money, style, material, aesthetic, durability, reliability, security, and your weather conditions are all extremely important factors that will go into your decision of which pergola to choose.
Between the 3 options of pergolas discussed, we strongly recommend the aluminum pergola. The Luxury Pergola's product fully checks the boxes of material, durability, reliability, security, and can accommodate weather conditions the best.
While the total cost of the pergola may be more than you expected, you can have a luxurious, seamless experience with The Luxury Pergola. You will save on direct labor costs, you can choose the specific pergola size to your needs, and you will have your own, custom pergola to enhance your outdoor living space.
Wooden pergolas may cost less but it will rot, fade, and you will need to work to maintain it. You may pay less upfront cost, but it won't last you as long in the long-run and the final cost may end up being more than you intended in the beginning.
A vinyl pergola design may be what you are looking for, but it isn't the pergola worth your money. It will fade and crack and isn't durable enough to last in most weather conditions.
In the end, the decision should be based on which pergola material best suits your needs and preferences.
Like with any product, you have to think about the extra costs that come with it in order to make your decision. With most pergolas and pergola companies, you have to account for labor costs and shipping costs. The Luxury Pergola makes DIY pergola kits to make it accessible enough for you to build a pergola on your own.
Some other extra costs would be however you want to accessorize your pergola. If you want a modern pergola look, you'll have to consider getting accessories such as furniture, a hot tub beneath the pergola, greenery, plants, etc.
If you were worried about the long term investment of a pergola, don't be. Having a modern, beautiful pergola in your home can actually help raise the value of your home.
There is a concept known as "curb appeal". This essentially refers to the general attractiveness of a property. Curb appeal is used in the context of someone buying a home. Having a new pergola will increase the curb appeal in a way that could possibly raise the value of your home. If you take our style suggestions, whether that be adding some climbing plants, furniture, and making sure it's an extension of your house, it can add more square footage to the property and make it that much more appealing.
If it came down to a smart pergola from The Luxury Pergola, the retractable roof would be enough to make it stand out from the rest. The durability of their pergolas will also make a statement about the house and it's longevity, which is a very important factor that most buyers look into.
This is actually a great factor to look into when considering a pergola.
Both Pergolas and Gazebos are popular outdoor structures that can be used to complement your outdoor space.
A Pergola is an outdoor structure often supported by vertical posts that support horizontal beams or metal louvers.
You can have a pergola built wherever there is concrete on your property, but it is often built on the patio area in order to extend the indoor space to the outside.
A gazebo is a roofed outdoor structure that offers an open view of the area surrounding it. Gazebos usually need to be professionally installed, and they are typically built with wood with a full coverage roof.
Whether you go with a pergola or a gazebo in your outdoor space is something that depends on your needs and preferences. Pergolas tend to go more with the modern aesthetic that people look for in their homes recently, and gazebos tend to have a more traditional look to them.
Are you wondering what the difference is between buying a Prebuilt Pergola and a DIY pergola kit?
The first answer: Price.
A DIY pergola kit such as the one provided by The Luxury Pergola is something that allows you to buy the supplies straight from a US manufacturer, and it's built in a way that you can skip the direct labor cost and get it done yourself.
A prebuilt Pergola is going to cost a lot more for you to pay for not only supplies, labor, and middlemen. The Luxury Pergola is the manufacturer and seller themselves of the prefabricated kit, so you don't have to worry about the hidden costs of the middlemen. You are buying straight from the source themselves.
The Luxury Pergola's prices are much more reasonable. The cost per square foot is something that sets them apart from other brands. The cost per value is something that sets them apart.
The second answer: Accessibility.
Not only is The Luxury Pergola already more accessible due to the price being almost half of some of its competitors, but it allows you to complete the pergola build all on your own.
The other reason it is so accessible is that no matter what kind of aesthetic you are going for, you can find the right one for you. With 4 different frame colors and louver colors, you can make any combination that meets your needs the best.
As mentioned throughout this article The Luxury Pergola should be your one stop shop for your pergola needs. The cost to build a pergola with them is a steal compared to other materials and brands. For the pergola installation, they have an easy-to-understand, 10 step process that will get your pergola up in about a day.
Because The Luxury Pergola offers a pergola made out of aluminum, it comes with a strong, solid roof. Their pergolas are also louvered. This feature sets them apart from a traditional pergola roof, because you can set the louvers to be a little open, more open, or fully closed. This retractable roof feature gives it another advantage in the custom pergola design world.
The customization feature that they have ensures that you get the perfect pergola size for your needs in your outdoor living space. These pergolas are outdoor structures that will make everyone around you jealous.
The pergola cost to value ratio with The Luxury Pergola is unmatched when you take into account, the accessibility, durability, pergola installation ease, no direct labor costs, and custom pergola designs.
Get the Best Pergola Available
Do you want a cozy outdoor living space? Expect to pay $2,100 to $6,000 for a professionally installed pergola. The average cost of a pergola is $4,000, but they can cost as little as $1,050 and as much as $11,000. The total cost depends on several factors, including size, material, and features.
Pergolas are often confused with other outdoor structures. The main difference between a pergola and a gazebo (or pavilion) is that pergolas do not have a solid roof. Instead, they have a grid of beams and rafters&#;a roof style that lets in partial sun.
In this article:
Average pergola costs in
National average cost$4,000Typical price range$2,100 &#; $6,000Extreme low end cost$1,050Extreme high end cost$11,000A pergola typically costs $37 per square foot, but that price depends on the material you use. For example, fiberglass pergolas can cost $60 or more per square foot, whereas aluminum pergolas typically cost only $20 per square foot.
Pergola cost estimator by size
The size of your pergola will impact the cost because pergolas are usually priced by the square foot. A typical pergola will cost $20 to $60 per square foot, with the average structure costing $37 per square foot.
Size of pergolaTypical price range64 sq. ft.$1,280 &#; $3, sq. ft.$2,000 &#; $6, sq. ft.$2,880 &#; $8,640Remember, the cost per square foot depends on the material your pergola is made of.
Other factors that affect cost
Several factors, aside from size, impact the cost of a pergola. These factors include:
Pergola pricing depends on the material used to construct it. Wood is the most popular material, but aluminum and vinyl are the cheapest. Fiberglass and teak pergolas are your most expensive options.
MaterialTypical cost per square footTypical lifespanVinyl$ &#; 20 yearsAluminum$ &#; 20 yearsWood$355 &#; 12 yearsFiberglass$ &#; 20 yearsWooden pergolas are the most popular because they are sturdy with a natural look that can complement any outdoor decor. Pricing depends on the type of wood. Pine, cedar, redwood, and teak are popular choices. Pine and cedar pergolas are cheaper, but redwood and teak have a longer lifespan.
Wood typeTypical cost per square footInfoPine$25Pressure-treated pine will last longer.Cedar$30Alaskan yellow cedar and western red cedar are weather and insect resistant.Redwood$45Resistant to weather and insect damage.Teak$55Lasts about 4 times as long as pine.Vinyl is cheap and low-maintenance, typically costing $20 per square foot. Although vinyl doesn&#;t rot like wood, it is more vulnerable to weight from snow or debris. Reinforcing a vinyl pergola with aluminum increases its durability and lifespan.
Aluminum is as sturdy as wood but less vulnerable to wear from the elements. Priced at around $20 per square foot, aluminum pergolas are affordable and low-maintenance.
Fiberglass is one of the strongest pergola materials and also the most expensive. The average price of a fiberglass pergola is $60 per square foot. Unfortunately, fiberglass pergolas lack the natural wood look, so they don&#;t fit into a rustic landscape design.
The pergola&#;s roof structure also influences the price. Here are some of the different options to consider.
The classic pergola roof design features wooden slats that provide partial shade. The more slats used, the more your pergola will cost. Some homeowners cover a traditional pergola roof with cloth to block additional sunlight and give the pergola a new look.
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You can purchase a retractable roof to put on top of your classic pergola. These typically cost about $4.50 per square foot.
Louvered roofs have slanted slats that open and close, like Venetian blinds on the roof. However, louvered roofs normally open and close by pressing a button. Expect a louvered roof to cost an extra $25 to $130 per square foot.
Smart pergolas are the most expensive and also the most high-tech. The average cost of a smart pergola is $60 to $65 per square foot. You can automatically program them to open and close based on the weather or control them from a app.
Custom vs prefabricated
A custom design will cost more than a prefabricated structure. You can always opt for a smaller structure if you&#;re on a budget but don&#;t want a mass-produced model.
Homeowners should install their pergola on top of a flat surface (e.g. level ground or pavement). If you don&#;t have a large enough flat space in your yard already, you may have to have part of the yard leveled or lay some concrete, which will add to your costs.
Add-ons
These common pergola add-ons will also increase your installation cost if you want them:
Whether you are looking for cozy winter patio ideas or an inviting way to bask in the summer sun, pergolas are great for outdoor living. Here are some related services that add to your yard&#;s comfort and curb appeal.
Gazebos differ from pergolas in two important ways:
Trellises are structures that provide an attractive post for vines to climb. They are commonly made from interlocking lattices and typically cost $200 per linear foot.
Average Cost / Linear Foot$200Typical Price Range$60 &#; $350You may need to remove trees to clear room for your pergola, or you might just want to reduce leaves in your yard. On average, tree removal costs $850.
National average cost$850Typical price range$385 &#; $1,070Extreme low-end cost$230Extreme high-end cost$2,000Artificial grass is low-maintenance and durable while adding vibrant color and texture to your outdoor living space. If your family spends a lot of time in the yard, artificial grass is the easiest way to keep your lawn green (especially if you have pets). Artificial grass typically costs about $5,300 for a full lawn.
National average cost$5,300Typical price range$2,970 &#; $7,100Extreme low-end cost$2,000Extreme high-end cost$10,500If you live in one of the top cities where grass goes to die, you may prefer an artificial lawn.
Perhaps you prefer natural grass to its artificial counterpart. On average, sod installation costs $0.90 to $1.80 per square foot. See prices for the most popular grass types in the table below.
There are many great ideas for river rock landscaping to complement your new pergola, and river rocks cost $60 to $170 per ton. The price depends on the rocks&#; size, material, and style.
Another popular addition to an outdoor living space is a water feature. Water fountains are a tranquil way to beautify your yard, and most water fountains cost $1,100 to $7,500 to install.
Cost of building a pergola DIY
Are you looking to save money? Building your own pergola can save you thousands of dollars, and it only requires basic carpentry skills.
Here are the tools and equipment you will need to build a pergola.
EquipmentTypical cost Tape measure$15Level$18Spray paint$6Shovel$18Gravel$5Screwdriver$15Wheelbarrow$50Hammer$ pound bag of cement$7Total$154If you are building the pergola from scratch, you will need the following wood and hardware. The wood in this example is sized for an 8 x 8-foot pergola.
MaterialTypical cost 4-inch nails$204-inch screws (or bolts)$104 posts (8&#; x 8&#;, 10 feet tall)$ 2&#; x 10&#; wood pieces$ 1&#; x 2&#; wood slats$24Total$314Instead of building it from scratch, you may want to get a DIY pergola kit. Kits typically cost about $550 to $4,000 and come with all the wood and hardware needed to complete the project.
Here are the basic steps to building a pergola from scratch.
Step 1: Plan your project
Project planning is just as important as planning your route for a road trip. You want to know where you are going and how you will get there, including:
Step 2: Research local laws
Find out if you need a permit to build a structure and if there are any zoning restrictions.
Step 3: Contact utility companies
Before digging holes, ensure you won&#;t damage utility lines or piping. Americans can dial 811 to contact local utility companies.
Step 4: Measure and mark post holes
A post will go in each of the four corners. (Some pergola designs require six posts)
Step 5: Dig post holes
If you are putting the pergola on grass, you will now dig a hole to anchor each post. This makes your pergola much more stable.
If you are installing the pergola on top of pavement, use metal screw anchors to secure the posts, then continue to step 10.
Step 6: Partially fill each post hole with gravel or cement
The goal is to create flat, uniform surfaces for the posts to stand on. Each post hole should have cement/gravel at equal heights.
Step 7: Place posts in their holes
Make sure the posts are level, or your pergola will be crooked.
Step 8: Brace the posts
To brace the posts, nail four small wood planks (1x4s) to each post. Each wood plank should be at a 30° angle from the post to the ground.
Bracing the posts. Image credit: Michelle SelzerAttach the planks to the post using two nails per plank.
This step typically requires two people &#; one person to hold the post level and another to nail in the wood planks.
Step 9: Pour concrete into the holes
Mix your concrete, then pour it into each post hole, ensuring each post is level. Read the instructions on the concrete bag for more detailed advice on how to mix and pour it.
Step 10: Remove the braces
Remove the nails from the 1×4 wood planks to detach the braces. Your posts should stand strong on their own now that you&#;ve filled the holes with concrete.
Step 11: Mark where you will attach the rafter beams
Now, it&#;s time to start on the roof. Add a mark around each post, two feet from the top, where you will attach the rafter beams for the roof.
The yellow marking is two feet from the top of the post. Image Credit: Michelle SelzerStep 12: Hammer nails into posts
In the center of each marking, hammer a 4-inch nail halfway into the post.
Nail halfway into post. Image Credit: Michelle SelzerStep 13: Attach the beams
Next, select two perpendicular sides of the pergola on which to install the beams. Each side gets two beams &#; one on the outer side of the post and one on the inside.
Pergola roof beams. Image Credit: Michelle SelzerRest the beams on top of the nails and ensure they are level. Screw or bolt in the beams. Use two screws per beam, one for each post. Once the beams are secure, you can remove the nails you used to rest them on.
Step 14: Attach the rafters
The rafters should be perpendicular to the beams. You want them about one foot apart from each other. The farther apart the rafters are, the more sunlight your pergola will let in.
Nail the rafters into the beams. Use one nail per beam (4 nails per rafter).
Finished pergola roof structure. Image Credit: Michelle SelzerStep 15: Nail the slats
Finally, you are ready to nail in the slats. The slats should be perpendicular to the rafters, creating a grid. Place the slats about one foot apart. Nail each slat into each rafter.
The following tutorial from Mitre 10 New Zealand can provide further guidance:
The best way to save money is to build your own pergola from scratch. However, if you lack basic carpentry skills, it may be more trouble than it&#;s worth. Professional installations are usually higher quality and more stable.
MethodTypical CostProfessional installation$4,000DIY kit$2,350From scratch$470Cost of a pergola by location
Your geographic location affects the price you pay for a pergola. Local factors include:
If you live in an area with a high cost of living, such as New York City, Honolulu, and San Francisco, expect to pay more for pergola installation. In contrast, areas with a low cost of living have lower labor costs. Generally, rural areas have lower labor costs than sprawling urban cities.
Material costs increase the further your materials have to travel. If you want to save money, choose a material you can get your hands on locally.
Many pergolas do not require any permits, but some do. Local ordinances and guidelines will determine if permits are needed and how much they cost. A typical pergola permit costs $30 to $150.
A 12×12 pergola costs about $5,000 on average. Depending on the size and pergola style, most 12×12 pergolas cost between $2,880 and $8,640.
How much does it cost to build a 10×12 pergola?If you build it from scratch, a 10×12 wooden pergola will cost around $740 (including tools and materials). If you hire a professional, expect to pay about $4,440 for materials and installation.
Are pergolas worth the money?If you like spending time outside, a pergola is worth the money. It provides a stylish outdoor hangout spot and adds value to your home. Pergolas are great for:
&#; BBQs and parties
&#; Spending time with family and friends
&#; Relaxing outdoors
&#; Getting moderate sunshine
&#; Improving curb appeal
A standard freestanding pergola is 8 to 10 feet tall. If you want to attach the pergola to your home, make sure it is sized correctly so that it doesn&#;t obstruct windows, doors, or aesthetics.
Are you ready to entertain guests and bond with family under the partial shade of a pergola? Then, it&#;s time to contact highly-rated professionals in your area. They will help you choose a design you like that is also within your budget.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Photo by Maxwell Young on Unsplash
Michelle Selzer is a witty writer with a passion for plants and outdoor power tools. When she's not out in the yard, Michelle enjoys fishing, hunting, and chasing waterfalls.
For more information, please visit Custom Aluminium Pergola.