Buying or building a pergola?

A pergola is a popular outdoor structure that not only provides a covered terrace, but also enhances the aesthetics and functionality of the patio. However, when planning to add a pergola to your outdoor space, you may face a key question: should you build it yourself or just buy it? This article will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the two options from multiple perspectives, including cost, time, and difficulty of construction, to help you make an informed decision.

Is a pergola worth buying or building?

Are you considering adding a pergola to your terrace? Whether you buy or build it, it’s a great idea because a pergola is a unique place to relax and a beautiful design element in your garden.

Think of it as an outdoor living room where you can relax and socialize with family and friends. When you furnish it with comfortable garden furniture, it will turn your terrace into an extended outdoor living space. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy the garden and fresh air in a comfortable atmosphere.

You could even place a barbecue or outdoor stainless steel kitchen under the patio pergola. Imagine it! What would it be like to cook and eat outdoors?

It can be installed on your terrace and still blend harmoniously with the overall design of your property. With its open design and decorative elements, it creates a pleasant atmosphere outdoors and is particularly eye-catching – especially if you let your pergola be covered with climbing plants.

• Building your own pergola is a suitable option if you have the necessary skills and budget.
• If you lack the time or expertise for DIY projects, purchasing a ready-made pergola is a more efficient choice.
• If you want to save money and enjoy the satisfaction of building it yourself, consider using a DIY pergola kit.

No matter which option you choose, adding a pergola will transform your patio into a stylish and inviting space for relaxation and entertainment.

DIY Pergola vs Pergola Kit Cost Comparison

DIY Pergola Costs

Building a pergola from scratch typically costs between $2,127 and $6,422, with an average of $4,260 for a 100-square-foot structure. The exact cost depends on materials:

Aluminum or Vinyl: $10–$30 per square foot (budget-friendly and low-maintenance).

Cedar or Pine: $25–$40 per square foot (natural look but higher cost).

Redwood: $40–$50 per square foot (premium quality but expensive).

Additional factors include tools and potential material waste when cutting lumber to size.

Pergola Kit Costs

Pergola kits range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on size, material, and features:

Basic Kits: $1,000–$1,500 (pressure-treated pine or vinyl).

Mid-Range Kits: $1,500–$2,500 (cedar or redwood with pre-stained finishes).

Premium Kits: $2,500–$5,000+ (custom designs with retractable canopies or composite materials).

Kits save time by providing pre-cut and pre-drilled materials but may limit customization options.

Don’t underestimate the time and effort

DIY Pergola

Building a pergola from scratch requires significant time for design, material sourcing, and construction. Depending on complexity and skill level, it may take several days or weeks to complete. This option is ideal for those with carpentry skills and the necessary tools.

Pergola Kits

Kits are designed for quick assembly and can often be completed in a weekend. They come with detailed instructions and require only basic tools. This makes them a convenient option for homeowners with limited time.

How much does it cost to build a DIY pergola?

A DIY pergola is a pergola that is built or designed on an existing structure. The cost of building materials depends on the size of the pergola you want. For example, a 12 x 12 foot vinyl pergola kit costs about $2,200, while a 10 x 10 kit costs about $1,300.

You also don’t need a lot of people to install a DIY pergola – a two-person team is sufficient and will reduce your labor costs. Generally speaking, the entire cost of installing a DIY wooden pergola from scratch can be as high as 2,700 euros.

If you hire professionals to build your pergola, it will increase your overall pergola price, but it will save you time.

For example, the cost of building a 10-by-10-foot structure itself is about $400, and the cost of materials is about $2,600. Or for a 12-by-12-foot structure, labor costs range from $660 to $880, and the cost of building materials is about $4,400. Hiring professionals during the off-season may help reduce labor costs.

How much does a pergola cost?

Several factors play an important role in determining the price. This starts with the choice of material and extends to the dimensions and design as well as the type of installation. Whether you opt for a custom solution or a standard model also affects the price. It is therefore crucial that you think in advance about which aspects are particularly important to you and where there may be potential for savings.

Materials

In terms of materials, a distinction can be made between wood, metal, aluminum or combinations of these. Wooden pergolas are very popular due to their natural appearance, but prices can vary greatly depending on the type of wood and the finish. While you can buy a simple pergola made of pine for a few hundred euros, you will have to pay more for precious wood or high-quality finishes.

Metal pergolas are usually more expensive than wooden pergolas, but they are also more durable and stable. Aluminum is a popular choice because it is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Depending on the manufacturer, quality and complexity of the structure, metal pergolas can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros.

Size

Size does matter – and that applies to pergolas too. The larger the pergola, the more material it requires and the higher the cost. What size should l choose when buying a pergola?

Roof and extras

The roof of a pergola can be made from a variety of materials, from simple fabric panels to sturdy glass or polycarbonate and smart aluminium profiles. Inexpensive options such as a sun sail only cost very little, while a fixed roof made of glass is not only a permanent solution but also a bigger investment. In addition to the material, functional issues also play an important role: should the roof be permanently installed or can it be opened flexibly?

Additional equipment such as privacy screens or integrated lighting can expand the possible uses of the pergola, but also increase costs. Especially when planning a pergola for year-round use, these options should be considered and factored in at an early stage.

Buy a pergola kit

Grandsea’s aluminum pergolas are a fantastic choice regardless of whether you want to build a pergola from scratch or purchase a kit. Grandsea has a customizable design with style, durability, and function in one roof.

This is so much easier and quicker than starting the project from the scratch, and one can save a lot of precious time and energy. It takes us only a few hours to put everything together with the pre-cut materials and very clear instructions without missing any important part; also, it is still aesthetically pleasing.

Thanks to efficient manufacturing in China, it is possible to purchase a high-quality pergola at a reasonable price. Manufacturers pay attention to detail, ensuring easy assembly and a sturdy structure.

Most people are involved in modern technology partly because of its advantages. Aluminum is one of the most weather-resistant and durable materials. Aluminum is an ideal material for pergolas due to its durability and low maintenance requirements.

Conclusion: Total cost and money-saving tips

The total cost of building or buying a pergola consists of many individual items and can vary greatly depending on the design and requirements. To keep track of everything, you should draw up a detailed cost estimate as early as possible and allow for contingencies. The greatest potential for savings is in carefully selecting materials and comparing different manufacturers.

Well-thought-out DIY projects can also save money, but you should realistically assess your DIY skills. A ready-made pergola kit can also be a more affordable option. Whichever option you choose, we hope you get the best pergola for your terrace! If you are interested in buying a pergola, we recommend that you contact us for professional advice.