How and Why to Build a Pergola!
Pergolas are shade structures that offer a bit of relief from the sun and allow free air flow. They also improve the appearance of a cement patio, garden or seating area. But how much do pergolas cost to build? Are pergolas hard to DIY? And what’s the best wood for a pergola?
We sourced answers to these questions about building the perfect pergola for your home!
How much does it cost to build a pergola?
Most pergolas are made of wood with a concrete or flagstone patio. Custom pergolas built by a pro can cost around $3,500 for the labor and materials – usually wood. But you can DIY a pergola which will lower your costs to around $3,000. The how-to video on handyman Ron Hazelton’s site reveals the steps for a three-layered pergola and while you might need an extra pair of hands to pull this off – the results are worth recruiting some help!
Do you need a permit to build a pergola?
Pergolas are open structures covered by boards that are not considered a complete roof. Because of this, and the fact that they don’t alter your home’s structure, a pergola usually doesn’t require a building permit. Plus, if the posts are not secured above ground, they don’t penetrate the ground much.
What is the difference between a gazebo and a pergola?
The biggest differences between gazebos and pergolas are in their shape and overhead coverings. Gazebos are typically round or octagonal, while pergolas are square or rectangular. Gazebos have a roof, while pergolas have cross beams, but no roof.
How to anchor a pergola?
This step-by-step how-to from HGTV shows huge planters anchoring the beams of the pergola. More often, holes are dug for the pergola posts, at least 12 inches in diameter and the depth of one-third the height of the post. For example, if each post is 12 feet tall, then make each hole 4 feet deep.
What’s the best wood for a pergola?
There are a number of woods that are good for building a pergola, including inexpensive pressure-treated wood that is particularly long-lasting. Ipe is a tropical hardwood that lasts long, too, and weathers to a silvery brown which can be stained or left natural. Redwood is another attractive and long-lasting choice, and similar to redwood is cedar – which repels insects and withstands the elements. Redwood retains its reddish-brown color a little longer, while cedar takes paint and stain especially well.
You can buy materials or even a pre-fabricated pergola at Home Depot on W. Allen Street in Castle Rock — for store pickup or standard delivery to you front door in Crystal Valley. You can find 10×12-foot, 10×14-foot and 12×20-foot cedar pergolas, as well as composite, aluminum and vinyl options – some with retractable fabric shades. There’s even a 14×10-foot cedar version with a bar and bench seating!
Livin’ the Life in Crystal Valley!
Pergolas are an added attraction to already-inviting backyards in the master-planned community of Crystal Valley. These new homes, built by top Colorado home builders, have been planted in the wide-open spaces of an away-from-it-all community. Explore the stunning models offered by D.R. Horton, Kauffman Homes, and Richmond American Homes, showcasing ranch and two-story models and priced from the high $300s.
