Jun 29, 2016 | Pergolas, Perma-Wood
At its most basic, a pergola consists of support columns and some type of roofing. It seems like a fairly simple structure, and that apparent simplicity tempts a lot of homeowners to try their hand at building their pergola themselves, especially if they believe they’ll save money with a DIY pergola kit. While a do-it-yourself approach often seems cheaper, you may find that hiring a professional to build a pergola offers better value for your money.
Cost to Build a Pergola
DIY Pergola
How much does building a pergola cost? Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, that answer will vary depending on the size of the structure, the materials used and the features incorporated in its construction. If you’re doing it yourself, you can generally pick up a basic kit for around $1,500 or $2,000. Do you prefer to design your own? On average, the materials to build a wooden pergola from scratch will run around $3,000.
Of course, to calculate the true cost of building a pergola while doing it yourself, you’ll need to look beyond the initial price tag. Be sure to consider these factors:
- How much time will you need to invest to complete the project? While they may not cost you anything out of pocket, your time and labor have value.
- What about tools? Building a pergola, even a kit, requires more than materials. Do you have the necessary tools? If not, the cost of purchasing or renting them should be added to your project’s total price tag.
- What about safety? Construction can be a risky business, especially for amateurs. Do you have the knowledge needed to use tools safely? Are you physically capable of the work involved? Injuries can definitely be expensive, so be honest when assessing your abilities.
The Costs of Hiring a Pergola Contractor
Hiring a pergola contractor to build a pergola will likely cost you more out of pocket because you’ll be paying for materials and labor. However, you’re also getting knowledge, experience and skill, and that combination can make hiring a pro a smart value.
When you hire a reputable pergola builder, you can be sure that the final product will be of good quality. After all, their reputation depends on it. Professionals also understand what materials work best in your area, and they are conscious of factors like maintenance that homeowners don’t always think about at first. In addition, they can create custom designs that suit your home and your plans for using your pergola, and they’ll make sure that the work is completed in accordance with local building codes. This can be especially important if you’re constructing a pergola attached to the house or adding electrical features.
Additional Reading: Build a Pergola
At Dulando Screen and Awning, we enjoy using our expertise to construct custom pergolas. As part of our commitment to quality, we use Perma-Wood, a durable, low-maintenance engineered material; it looks like wood, but it will not crack, peel, warp or rot and never requires painting. If you’re ready to build a pergola, contact us today at 407-862-6060 to schedule a free consultation.
Mar 21, 2014 | Pergolas, Perma-Wood
Building a Pergola is a wonderful option to add architectural interest to your landscape and outdoor living areas. A favorite of garden and landscape designers, pergolas add interest and value to your garden space and backyard.
Reasons to add a pergola to your property.
- Do you have a detached garage on your home? Building a pergola can visually connect the garage to the house in an attractive manner.
- Another option is to use a pergola along the front façade or walkways of your home to add architectural dimension and character.
- Of course, there is the ever-favorite backyard pergola to just create additional shade to relax and enjoy the Florida weather.
Typically constructed out of wood, steel, Perma-Wood® or even a combination of these materials, pergolas are built to expand a living area, to form a shaded walkway or simply as a garden feature. Narrow, linear structures featuring an overhead trellis supported by upright supports are the most favored type of pergolas for backyards and patios.
Classic in design, the pergola structure has remained the same for thousands of years, and for good reason! In addition to adding value to the property, these landscape structures are a great way to instantly beautify and add shaded seating areas to any garden, home or even commercial property space.
Building a Pergola FAQs
Which Materials Are The Best For My Home And Project?
Dulando Screen & Awning works with only quality materials to ensure you can enjoy your custom pergola for years to come with little or no maintenance. With the embossed surface of an Permawood® Shade Structure, you’ll enjoy the beauty of a richly textured wood grain finish — with a fraction of the maintenance and upkeep.
Unlike wood, Perma-Wood® Shade Structures won’t crack, peel, warp, or rot. It is also termite-proof, won’t burn, and never needs painting. You’ll appreciate the many benefits Perma-Wood covers offer:
- Heavy header-beam construction
- Richly textured wood finish
- Many popular designer colors
- Durable Aluma-Shield paint system with TEFLON®
- Fasteners in matching colors
- Four style options for beam and rafter end cuts
How Does The Permitting Process Work When Building A Pergola?
Depending on the size of the pergola, yes, permitting is required. Dulando Screen & Awning can help with the permitting process and provide building plans and engineered drawings. Having a trustworthy professional working for you eliminates worry and gives you peace of mind that the job will get done right.
My Neighborhood Is Part Of An HOA, Can I Build A Pergola?
We definitely recommend checking with your HOA. If you have additional questions, please call us today. We are happy to help you with all of these questions and the details that go with building the pergola or outdoor structure you desire.
Will My Pergola Match The Design Of My Home Or Can It Be Customized For A Special Look?
You can have your pergola either match the architectural design and styling to complement your home or create a new special design of the ambiance you’ve dreamed of for your home and outdoor entertaining. Either way, the goal is to create a new outdoor living space for year round entertaining and relaxation.
How To Choose Plants And Greenery For A Pergola
Pergolas look picture-perfect when adorned by beautiful climbing plants, providing additional shade in the structure and still allowing the blue sky to peek through. Additionally, pergolas offer vertical interest outside and create an inviting visual link between your home and the garden.
Climbing plants often called ‘climbers’ offer not only floral fragrances and splashes of color, but they also help provide dappled shade and privacy for the seating area in your pergola.
Chose suitable plants such as morning glory, passionflower, bougainvillea or trumpet vine. Keep in mind, if they grow too wild, the form and design of the pergola framework is lost, spoiling the effect. Choosing a single climber is one of the most effective ways to cover a pergola in Central Florida.
Another way to add greenery and flowers to your new pergola – hanging baskets of vines and flowers. These offer much of the same decorative benefits of climbing vines, but with less maintenance to upkeep the look.
In Addition To Pergolas, We Also Offer The Following Products:
Since 1968, our goal is to make your backyard dream a reality by turning your outdoor space into a paradise for you and your family. Our team of professionals will work with you on a design to best suit your needs and stay within your budget.
Contact us for a free in-home consultation so we can provide you with a variety of plans and ideas to create your perfect outdoor living environment.Save
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