Table of Contents
Supplies Needed (6) 6×6 x 10′ exterior posts. (5) 4×6 x 12′ treated boards. (4) 2×6 x 16′ treated boards. 2×4 x 8′ boards for support. 4×4 blocks. (24) 3” x 3/8″ lag bolts. 3/8″ socket bit. drill.
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.
Can you build a pergola yourself?
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.
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.
How much does it cost to build a pergola from scratch?
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 easy build?
A pergola is basically an open roof, set on posts or columns. You can buy pergolas in kit form, but they’re quite easy to build from scratch using treated softwood. Make sure you paint the cut ends of the timbers and the feet of the posts with wood preservative before you start.
Can you build a pergola with 4×4 posts?
For a very small pergola with only 4 to 6 feet between posts, 4×4 supports will work. Most pergolas are constructed square to the nearest building structure. Dig the post holes according to the depth determined by your local building codes to get beneath the frost line in your area.
Do I need planning permission for a pergola?
You will need planning permission for your pergola if it is in a conservation area or on the side of your house between the house and the boundary wall. If your house is in a conservation area and your pergola is more than 20m from the house and greater than 10 square meters, you will need planning permission.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a gazebo?
DIY vs. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $8,500 for a gazebo you build yourself. That’s about $1,500 less than professional construction. Savings are highest with a custom-built structure, which incurs extensive labor costs. Taking on the project yourself can come with some significant pitfalls.
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.
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 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 far can a pergola beam span without support?
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.
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.
