Is it cheaper to build your own pergola?

One of the best things about a DIY pergola is its moderate cost. A DIY pergola usually will cost less than more complex outdoor structures such as patio covers and gazebos, yet more than arbors and trellises. As with any DIY home project, you pay only for the materials, not for the labor.

How much does it cost to build a 12×12 pergola?

A typical 12×12 pergola will cost between $4,320 and $8,640 depending on your choice of materials and style.

What is the best wood to use for a pergola?

Western Red Cedar and Redwood are the two most commonly used woods for pergolas, aside from pressure-treated wood. Western Red Cedar (WRC) and Redwood are both naturally stunning woods and often lumped together.

How hard is it to build a pergola?

Building a pergola can be a simple to challenging building project depending on what plan you pick so make sure you know your skill level before starting. All the free pergola plans include building instructions, lists of tools and materials that you’ll need, diagrams, and photos.

Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 for pergola?

To adequately support the lumber overhead as well as give the pergola a sturdy look, you’ll probably need to use 6×6 for the support posts. For a very small pergola with only 4 to 6 feet between posts, 4×4 supports will work.

Do I need planning permission to build a pergola?

You will need planning permission for your pergola if it’s on the front of your house. You will need planning permission for your pergola if it is in a conservation area, on the side of your house between the house and the boundary wall. Any sort of veranda, balcony or raised platform will need planning permission.

Does a pergola add value to a home?

Here’s what we tell our customers: yes, a pergola will add market value to any house. Since outdoor living has become more popular than ever, the value of properties with a pergola or a comfortable outdoor space has been on the rise. A safe gauge for a deck or backyard improvement is about 50% — 80% for your ROI.

Why are pergolas so expensive?

Conclusion. Pergolas are expensive because they are large structures that you want to last. By choosing a high-quality pergola made of fiberglass, steel, or aluminum, you won’t have to worry about replacing it every couple of years.

What is the best height for a pergola?

The minimum height of a pergola should be no lower than 7’6” to provide enough head room, though most projects call for a range of 8-10′ in height. A lower ceiling feels right-sized for intimate gatherings, while a larger roof is more in scale with a larger structure.

How do you anchor a pergola to the ground?

Stand one post in the hole, and add a 12-inch-deep layer of wet concrete to the hole. Align the four sides of the post with the rectangular shape of the pergola, and use a 4-foot level to check whether or not the post is perfectly vertical, or plumb. Adjust the post as necessary to make it perfectly plumb.

How far apart should posts be for pergola?

To shorten the span, install two additional posts to bring the centre distance to around a maximum of 10′ (less if possible). So for this particular pergola we’d need to position posts at 5′ in from the outside posts, giving the two 5′ spaces and a 10′ space in the middle.

How far apart should pergola slats be?

The 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 shade slats are designed to be installed with 8 3/8” spacing between each slat. Shade slats are designed to extend approximately 8 1/4” past the last rafter. Measurement includes the pre-installed pergola ends. Your goal is to ensure that all the shade slats overhang equally to the eye.

Can I build a pergola on top of a deck?

Building a pergola on top of a deck is a bit more complex than building directly on the ground. When you build on the ground, you can bury your posts in the ground and use gravel, dirt, or concrete to give them more stability.

What size wood to use for Pergola?

Pressure-treated lumber is the least expensive option, but red cedar is a more natural-looking wood. A pergola can be built small enough to accommodate a picnic table, or large enough to serve as a pavilion. Posts are usually made from 4-by-4 inch or 6-by-6 inch lumber and at least four posts will be needed.

What is pergola Pictures?

Portra Images / Getty Images. A pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of columns that support a roofing grid of beams and rafters. This roofing grid may be left open or covered so as to create an area sheltered from the elements.