Your backyard is your private oasis, a private place you can shut yourself away from the world and just relax. The beauty of your space is that you can customize it however you like. if you haven’t come across one, a pergola is an exterior structure that offers sun protection without sacrificing an open and airy feeling. It’s held up by columns and can either be freestanding or attached to your home. If you’re thinking of either building or buying a pergola, I’d encourage you to read on…
What Is The Purpose Of A Pergola?
Historically, pergolas were often installed as standalone garden features, planted with climbing vines. They created a pleasant place to walk or sit, allowing people to enjoy the garden while getting some shade from the sun. When a pergola is attached to a house, the pergola becomes an extension of the residence while simultaneously bringing the garden indoors, creating a sort of between-space.
As an exterior recreation area, it can be great for barbecuing, dining, and other activities in the summer months. Often folks add a fire pit or a built-in grill. Thanks to the protection of the pergola, you can set out nice patio furniture can be installed to allow people to sit, play games, and nap. Landscaping can provide additional cover (and sensory appeal!) with riots of blooming scented flowers as well as low-slung
Are Pergolas Worth It?
If you love outdoor living and want to give your backyard that garden magazine feels without breaking the bank, a pergola may be the way to go. If you’re looking for reasons for and against, here are a few pros and cons to having a pergola:
Pergola Pros
- Pergolas are a cost-effective way to give your property a more unique and personalized aesthetic.
- A DIY pergola isn't as difficult as you think. Resources such as HGTV provide step-by-step instructions on what to buy and how to build your own.
- Pergolas are durable for such a low-cost structure.
- Pergolas create outdoor living areas. An open roof design provides the perfect atmosphere for entertaining and dining.
- You can attach fabric to your pergola. If you are looking for protection from the elements, you could install a retractable canopy, it's a great way to protect yourself without having a solid roof.
Pergola Cons
- Maintenance is required. While it depends on the type of wood, pergolas need to be cleaned, treated, and repainted over time if you want to keep them from looking weathered
- Your pergola may look different over time. A wooden pergola is likely to change colour over time depending on the type of wood. Most wood can be preserved by washing it and applying a wood stain and a sealant.
- TERMITES! While certain woods such as cedar or pressure-treated pine repel these pests, it isn't uncommon to find your pergola infested with them
- Pergolas aren't likely to increase the value of your home much. it all depends on your location and the buyer's view of a pergola. If they want to tear it down, that's an extra cost.
There is no question that pergolas have been made “hot” again since they have been featured on HGTV’s “Fixer Upper’ in 2019. Is a pergola worth it? after reading the points above, you decide. Still not sure? Let’s see what the difference is between doing it yourself and buying from a store.
Is It Cheaper To Buy Or Build A Pergola?
That is the question we ask ourselves, how much does a pergola cost to build or to buy! In answering this question we need to take into account a couple of factors. Material costs, labor costs, store markups and sweat equity!
Without question, building a pergola is the cheapest route to take. Choose your spot, calculate what you need, buy the materials you require and get ‘r’ done! Although simple for some, others may not find it easy to build a pergola. For those of you who are handy, this is most certainly the way to go when it comes to cost savings.
So you’ve purchased the wood, screws, and Quik Crete but you’re not sure how everything goes together. Hiring a pro is going to set you back approximately $500-$1000 more than doing it yourself. With this, always make sure you do your research on the contractor before handing over your money!
Now here’s the most expensive option. purchasing new from the store. Now it all depends on the specifications of the pergola. The materials used, the pergola design, and overall size going to impact the cost of the structure. Remember that stores do not sell items at cost, they need to make money too! Then you have to find someone to assemble it. Stores do offer professional installation services, however, they come at a price.
How Much Does It Cost For A 12 X 12 Pergola?
We are going to answer this question using wood as our material of choice to build the pergola. Please take into consideration here that average figures are being used and the actual cost of your project will vary.
According to HomeAdvisor, the average basic pergola of this size is going to cost you between $1500 – $2000 if you are doing it yourself. If you are looking at hiring a contractor the price can be anywhere from $2000-$5000.
It’s also important to note that when purchasing from a store, sizes vary and may not fit your space. The most common size is 10 X 10ft or 12ft which means you will have to have space that is 2ft bigger on one side than the other.
Is A Pergola Right For Me & My Home?
Pergolas extend your outdoor space, offering a variety of design options, and can be tailored to fit even a modest budget. If you’re in search of a way to create an outdoor oasis, one that offers energy or tranquillity (or both), a pergola might be the perfect enhancement to your deck or patio. The sturdy structure can more than accommodate lighting, ceiling fans, strings of lights, and fabric. Your only limitation is your imagination.
