Category: Purpose of Pergola

Pergola is an exterior structure that offers sun protection in your backyard. It beautifies the landscape and provides an entertainment sanctuary for outdoor activities but is it worth installing/owning the system?

Let’s make a comparison.

Pros

1. Pergola is inexpensive in comparison to Gazebo and Pavilion. The budget for the installation of Pergola depends on the design, material and labour cost. You may appoint a local landscape professional to design and custom build it, or you may purchase a kit from any well-known manufacturers or stores.

The average price for installation of Pergola based on material is as follows:

Material Type Price (US$)

Pressure Treated Wood 3,200 – 30,600

Red Cedar 4,300 – 35,500

Vinyl 5,700 – 44,000

*Note:  For elaborate structure would require a permit, and the cost differs.  

Following Pergola Newcastle advice, other considerations to add to the budget are the height, size of beams and another concrete roof. Labour cost varies by state or region. The national average price for 10 x 10 sq ft or 10 x 12 sq ft pergola is US$3,600. The typical type of pergola range from US$1,970 to US$5,200 and high-end of US$900 under a professional digital marketplace that connects homeowner and local professional for home improvement.

The average price for installation of a Gazebo based on material is as follows:

Material Type Price (US$)

Pressure Treated Wood 3,200 – 30,600

Red Cedar 4,300 – 35,500

Vinyl 5,700 – 44,000

For installation of Pavilion would price between US$19,200 for pressure treated wood – US$27,300 for steel type of material. 

For budget-friendly Pergola and DIY enthusiasts, the average cost is approximately US$3,500. The Pergola from a Kit for 10 X 10 sq ft cost about US$400 – US800, which includes a retractable cover. Cedar material type would cost approximately US$1,200 for a similar size.  

A basic garden pergola measuring 8 X 16 sq ft of Pressure-treated wood would cost US$570 excluding tax, delivery and other miscellaneous charges. Additionally, installing the Pergola requires hole digging for the post holes. Gas rental for the digging is needed, plus an application for a building permit before the DIY commencement.

Pergola is usually made of several types of durable wood beside vinyl and fibreglass. For material made of Ipe, which can withstand the weather for built-up on the coast, repel insects and termites for the cedar type of material whilst pressure-treated wood is known for its durability insect-repellant.

1. It creates an outdoor living space for entertainment and hospitality. It also encourages flora and fauna and offers tranquillity and an oasis in the backyard. The trailing and growing plants around the beams create a romantic environment. An extension of the living space and provides a cozy spot for relaxation.   

Cons

Owning a pergola requires maintenance. The maintenance depends on the type of material of the structure, for, e.g. constant review of the system for signs of mildew when living in the coastal area where the air is moist. The mildew will destroy the structure is ignored. Wood needs regular re-paint or scrub off for any splinter to avoid injury. 

Also, the wood may change its natural colour. Preservation of the wood by regular application of wood stain and sealant is necessary. Additionally, the trailing plants surrounding the beams need to be trimmed regularly.  

It’s not uncommon for termite infestation for wood structures, albeit cedar and pressure-treated wood are known for their feature as insect-repellent. Regular treatment is necessary to prevent such infestation.

Conclusion

The option of material for Pergola must take into considerations the maintenance cost. Overall, it is worth installing a pergola as it creates a unique personality to the landscape—a place to unwind and entertainment and complement the outdoor living space. Since ancient Rome and Egypt, it has been depicted in the Nile Mosaic Palestrina, Italy. The form survives and is prevalent till today.  

Are you looking for ideas of entertainment or relaxation in your backyard? Need another space to enjoy the outdoors during the summer? Considering to enhance the deck or patio installed? A solution or answer to these questions is to add a Pergola!

Why Pergola?

It is a simple rectangle structure with fixed dimensions. It may look like an incomplete structure with horizontal and vertical beams without any concrete roof or walls, but it is perfect for turning your backyard into an outdoor living space. Here are the reasons for having a Pergola:

1. It is the outdoor sanctuary for your family and friends/guests. You can create an entertainment lounge for your family or guest/s. There are many activities for your family under the Pergola. It is either dining in style or relaxing while sipping your wine bottle and even barbeque (BBQ) during the weekend. It is the place to extend your hospitality other than your living room. It offers shades and attractive spots for activities and cookouts. 
2. A pergola can be a place to display your flowers and plants. It is appropriate for plants that grow upwards and create a beautiful natural ceiling as they intertwine themselves, producing a romantic feel. Additional accessories or creativity would bring personality to space by adding hanging plants and lights or curtains/linen fabric. The plants or flowers will attract butterflies and birds. The sound of chirping birds with beautiful butterflies flying around would make you feel cozy while relaxing during the warm summer afternoon.
3. A pergola can be the place to enjoy the summer sun without worrying about sunburn. There are options for retractable canopy or drapes or even screens for protection against any unpredictable weather, e.g. light rain. It offers protection against direct sunlight or unpredictable weather when entertaining or relaxing under the Pergola. It will increase the amount of time you spend outdoors.  
4. Having a pergola can add value to your home if you decide to sell your house. It adds beauty, stylish touch and additional landscape to your backyard. It is also an alternative if you do not install a deck or patio. These are different merits that are attractive to the potential buyer.

Is Pergola affordable?  

It depends on your budget. There are multiple types and design materials available, namely wood, Vinyl, and Fiberglass.  

The least expensive option is Pressure-treated wood. It is best to be painted or stained, treated with preservatives to withstand outdoor use. The preservation is necessary as the wood can warp or crack during its lifespan.

For the Pergola, which requires less maintenance, Vinyl would be the best choice as it would not require annual paint or stain, unlike the wooden Pergola. On the flip side, it has a limited colour option if you decide to paint it.

The most expensive type is Fiberglass, but it has many advantages. It has a longer lifespan, lower maintenance, more robust and can act as an addition to an existing patio or deck. Fibreglass doesn’t require annual paint or stain or any deep footer, unlike its other counterpart.

Another type would be Western red cedar wood which is a popular choice. It is more expensive than Pressure-treated timber, but it has a longer lifespan and looks more beautiful.

What is the point of having Pergola?

Installation of a Pergola

It is flexible, depending on your budget and choice. You may appoint a local landscape professional to design and custom build it, or you may purchase a kit from many well-known manufacturers. If you love DIY projects, the installation of Pergola would be a perfect project for you.  

Having a pergola is worth the investment. It is less expensive than the installation of a gazebo or pavilion. It adds value to your property, and the most benefit is the spot for entertainment for the family and friends/guests.