QA

Question: How To Build A Wooden Pergola

Is it cheaper to build or buy a pergola?

The cost of building a pergola is cheaper than buying a pre-fabricated one or hiring a professional to construct one. However, you will need the tools, expertise, and time to properly execute the project to ensure that it lasts and adds maximal value.

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.

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.

What wood is best 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.

Is it difficult 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 of posts should be used for a pergola?

A standard pergola will most often use 6 x 6 inch posts for support. A very small pergola may use 4 x 4 inch posts as long as it has less than 4 to 6 feet between posts. As a general rule of thumb the depth of hole you use for your posts should be approximately 1/4 of the height of your post.

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 is the best roof material for a pergola?

Metal pergola roof materials are considered to be the most durable, thus they are also more permanent than many of the other types of roofing materials. The best thing about metal roofing material is that it can be cut down or sized to fit any size or shape structure.

What do I need to build a pergola?

Materials: 8(4” by 2”) rafters x (2.4m) lengths (treated timber) 4(3” x 3”) spiked Metposts / post anchors. Metpost driving tool. Screws (3.5mm x 16mm) for outdoor use. Washers (M8) 12 fence clips / U-bracket (50mm) Clear preservative. Wood stain/preservative.

Are pergolas free standing?

Freestanding pergolas have at least four posts and like their name says, stand without being attached to any other structure or wall. The advantage of freestanding pergolas is there are no limitations on total size, height, or orientation. There are however always limits to the span of the beams.

Can you put a pergola on concrete?

The pergola can either be attached to the house or constructed as a free-standing entity. In either case, you will need to anchor the posts onto concrete. Trying to set the posts onto the concrete without any type of anchor will result in it being knocked over in the event of strong winds.

How much does the average pergola cost?

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.

Are pergolas a good investment?

Pergolas are generally good investments because they effectively provide more “living space” outdoors. While it won’t give you as much ROI as other hardscape additions, such as a patio or outdoor kitchen, a pergola can add value to your property.