Average Cost to Build a Pergola

Average cost to build a pergola can vary depending on a number of factors such as size, materials used, location, and labor costs. motion. On average, a basic small to medium-sized pergola built with affordable materials like wood or pressure-treated vinyl can cost between $1,500 and $3,000. This price includes necessary materials, such as posts, beams, rafters, and hardware, but may not include additional features such as staining or painting.

For trellis. Larger and larger, more complex trellises, especially those made with premium materials like cedar or redwood, can cost about $3,000 to $6,000 or more. In addition, complex designs or discrete structures can add to the price. Labor costs should also be considered, especially if you hire a professional contractor to build the pergola. Labor costs can vary depending on location and qualifications required, but can add $500 to $3,000 to a total cost of $1,000 or more in extreme situations . Why such a wide range?

Factors That Affect the Cost of Building a Pergola

Size

As the area of your trellis increases, so does the cost of materials and labor. Do-it-yourself trellis kits come in standard sizes, but if you want a unique size or shape, you may need to hire a landscape contractor to build custom pergolas.

Materials Materials

The most affordable trellis materials include vinyl, aluminum and pine. However, your trellis can look better, require less maintenance, or get a higher return on investment if you switch to more expensive materials, such as cedar, redwood, etc. teak or fiberglass.

Roof type

You can upgrade your canopy by customizing the roof for extra shade on sunny days and even shade rain on stormy days.

How to Save Money on Pergola Cost?

The pergola project can be expensive, but it's not impossible to get a pergola on budget. Homeowners may want to consider the following money-saving tips for building their own trellis.

Small scale. Minimizing square truss design area, pay attention to choose the shape that gives the most usable space despite its small size.

Choose less expensive quality materials. Choose eye-catching, durable, and affordable building materials.
Use DIY kits. Consider purchasing a trellis kit and get going without hiring workers, as long as time, tools, and talent are available.

Off-season installation. Defer pergola construction until demand is low, in the fall or winter depending on the geographic location.

Do your research. Spend time researching designs, materials, and contractors to avoid unexpected costs and stay on budget.
Skip the basics. Install pergolas over existing concrete slabs, patios or decks to avoid additional construction costs.

What Factors Influence the Cost to Build a Pergola?

De From adding convenient automated devices to your canopies to choosing certain materials, a number of factors affect the cost of a canopy installation.

Pergola Roof Features

If you decide to build a canopy with a retractable roof, the type of roof you choose will affect the overall cost to install it. Typically, smart awnings cost the most, ranging from about $60 to $65 per square foot, while manual retractable awnings typically cost the lowest, ranging from $10. up to $30 per square foot.

Pergola Materials

There are several materials you can choose from to build your trellis. Aluminum and vinyl are the most economical options, costing between $10 and $30 per square foot. Redwood perches typically have the highest prices, ranging from $40 to $50 per square foot.

Pergola Size

As pergolas are usually priced per square foot, the size you choose will affect the total cost. For example, a 10-square-foot by 4-foot perch typically costs $1,200 to $2,400, while a roughly 10 by 20 square foot perch can cost $6,000 to $12,000.

How to Install a Pergola?

Installing a canopy can be a great way to add shade and character to your outdoor space. The process may vary depending on the type of trellis you choose, but I will provide a general guide that includes the steps for a basic wooden trellis. Be sure to check local building codes and obtain all necessary permits before starting your installation. Here's how to install the canopy:

Step-by-step installation:

Choose a location: Decide where you want to install the canopy. Make sure the ground is flat and free of any obstructions that could interfere with the installation.
Preparing the area: Clear the area of vegetation, rocks or debris. Use a shovel to level the ground if necessary.
Mark the placement of stakes: Use stakes and ropes to mark the corners of the trellis. Check to make sure that the lines and corners are right.
Drill holes for posts: Dig holes for pergola posts at least 1.5 to 2 feet deep (check local building codes for know specific requirements). Place the holes slightly wider than the post to allow for adjustment.
Adding gravel/Base: Add a few inches of gravel or crushed rock to the bottom of each post hole to allow drainage.
Assemble the posts: insert the posts into the holes and use a level to make sure they are upright. Temporary reinforcement of columns with piles and support beams to hold them in place.
Mixing and placing concrete: Mix concrete according to manufacturer's instructions and fill column holes with mixing cells. surrounding concrete. Use a level to make sure the posts stay straight and upright. Allow concrete to set as directed before proceeding.