A pergola can be a lovely enhancement to your home and garden. It is an outdoor upright structure with pillars and crossbeams but without a roof designed for climbing vines. It provides shade from the sunlight and a place for homeowners to stay and relax. But recently, pergola’s with a roof has also been available.
Pergolas usually have pillars or vertical posts that support several cross beams and an open lattice on top of the structure. Wood vines are then placed and cover the pergola’s top portion. This makes the pergola an ideal shaded passageway, walkway, or sitting or relaxing area.
A pergola can be attached to the house’s main structure and extended near the door or opening. It can also be a free-standing structure on the garden, pool, or a separate terrace.
Types of Pergolas
A traditional pergola is made of wood, but modern ones are made from other materials. Some of them have roofs made of polycarbonate materials protected from the is protected from rain but still allow sunlight into the structure. It has become a trendy choice since it will enable the homeowner to leave outdoor furniture and protects it from the elements.
Metal pergolas are also available in the market in a kit form. Owners can do a DIY assembly or hire contractors to assemble them. Owners can choose between using a metal or wood pergola.
A wooden pergola’s advantage is its natural look and is a perfect match in the yard and garden. Although it is made of wood, it requires more maintenance, such as sealing the raw timber to protect it from moisture.
On the other hand, the metal pergola has a powder-coated finish, which protects it from moisture. Since it is made from metal, fewer posts or pillars allow for a more extended and more open area.
Other materials such as fibreglass, vinyl, CPVC, and aluminium can be used to construct pergolas. These materials are increasing in popularity since they are cheaper than wood. These materials also do not need much maintenance, like yearly painting and sealing.
How Much Does a Pergola Cost?
The cost will depend on the type of materials used and the size of the pergola. An average 5 m x 3 m hardwood pergola without a roof may cost between $2250 to $2580. On the other hand, a pergola with a roof may cost between $2550 to $3750, depending on the roofing materials.
A metal pergola can cost $2775 for a flat roof pergola up to $10,500 for intricate and customized designs. Pergolas are usually are not stand-alone structures and usually has a deck or pavers for their floor. In other words, you still have to spend on other systems such as deck or pavers. Pavers cost between $20 – $50 per square metre. On the other hand, decking will cost between $200-$350 per square metre depending on the material used. Treated pine is the cheapest followed by hardwood decking, and composite decking is the most expensive. Composite deckings are more expensive, but they require less maintenance and does not fade.
