QA

Quick Answer: How To Build A Backyard Pergola

Is it cheaper to build a pergola or buy a kit?

Kits are a bit more expensive than sourcing separate materials. Depending on the type of pergola you want built, the basic material costs can vary greatly with options such as wood, fiberglass and aluminum.

Is it expensive to build a pergola?

The cost to build a pergola usually sits between $2,200 and $5,900, or $4,000 on average. You could spend as little as $1,300 on a basic build while you may pay as much as $10,000 for a custom design.

How do you make a $200 pergola?

How we built a pergola for under $200 Step 1: Locate the studs. Step 2: Secure the pergola supports. Step 3: Determine the length of the 45 degree angle. Step 4: Join the top supports and the 45 degree boards. Step 5: Hang the cross supports. Step 6, 7, and 8: Add cover, curtains, and accessories.

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.

How much does a 12×12 pergola cost?

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

How much does it cost to build a pergola yourself?

The average cost for building a pergola in the U.S. is $2,500 to $6,000. Most homeowners spend around $3,500 for a 10-foot square pergola with a traditional design made of solid wood.Pergola Costs by Material. Material Cost per Foot Average Cost for 10-foot Structure Cedar $25 – $35 $3,000 Redwood $40 – $50 $4,500.

What’s the point of a pergola?

Yes, pergolas were designed to add shade to your backyard space. They are excellent for providing relief from the harsh, direct rays of the sun while allowing sunlight access to fill the space. Although, as a stand-alone structure, pergolas do not provide full shade, their versatile structures allow many shade options.

What material do you need to build a pergola?

Pergolas can be made out of a variety of different materials, most commonly wood, aluminium, and steel. These are large structures that can fit multiple people or cover a wide space as if to define an outdoor living area or act as an extension of your home.

Is it easy 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.

Do I need footings for a pergola?

A pergola doesn’t need footings or concrete to support itself, but its posts will need to be buried into the ground or anchored with heavy-duty concrete anchor bolts to prevent them from toppling over in high winds.

What size should pergola rafters be?

Geoff, a builder friend, once said that for a smaller sized pergola, with 4″ x 2″ rafters, the pergola beam span should be no bigger than the width of a standard fence panel, or 6ft. Good advice! Try to keep as near to that as possible.

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 far can you span a 2×12 for pergola?

There’s not quite enough information here to give a definitive answer, but for decks, a rule of thumb is when supporting joists that span 12 feet, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches. Thus, a double 2×12 beam could span 12 feet – with 20′ beams, posts at 10′ might look the best.

How far apart should pergola beams be?

The cross rafters should be spaced at 680mm intervals ensuring sufficient support for climbing plants to cover the roof of your pergola.

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.

Will pergola make house dark?

Will a Pergola make a house dark? When built next to your house, whether freestanding or attached, the Pergola can have knock-on effects. The key purpose of a Pergola is to offer shade but if it is constructed outside of a window this may result in the room feeling too dark.

Is Cedar good for pergola?

Western Red Cedar and Redwood are the two most commonly used woods for pergolas, aside from pressure-treated wood. If you’re wanting a more rustic and natural looking pergola, Western Red Cedar and Redwood are both good options.

Do pergolas really block the sun?

Pergolas are not designed to completely block the sun, but to provide relief from direct sunlight, while allowing air to circulate freely.” The “lattice” cover is made of beams over the top that may or may not be louvered. A specific type of pergola known as a ramada boasts a completely enclosed roof with open sides.

What is a pergola with a roof called?

Pergolas with a roof are often referred to as pavilions. Although they are quite similar in design, a pavilion is a freestanding pergola with a fixed roof that generally completely covers the pergola.