If you are renovating or doing out your backyard, then you know how costly it can be. The bills just keep piling up whenever you want to change something or alter something! But, you’ll still want a cool, cozy and beautiful space to chill out in, without breaking the bank! Luckily, you can cut corners with some things, and build them yourself!
Many people have built their own deck, or made outdoor furniture out of pallets, so why not give it a try? If there is something you really want to add to your garden, such as a pergola, then you may be wondering if it is better to build or buy it! So, let’s find out! First and foremost, what is a pergola?
What is a pergola?
A pergola is an outdoor structure made of columns and rafters that will transform your backyard from just an outdoor area into a space that you love to relax in. A pergola is made up of a series of columns that work to support a roofing grid, which can often be adorned with fairy lights, or covers to provide you with a calming area to entertain guests and seek shelter from the sun.
These structures often consist of four sturdy, or wooden beams, with a lattice effect roof to allow air and sunlight onto the space underneath. They are available in a range of different sizes, colors and materials to suit all homes, and with curtains, covers or without for your convenience!
Pergolas really are a great investment as they really elevate the look of your home, and give it a touch of class, whilst bringing a focal point to your back yard or decking.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a pergola?
If you want a pergola for yourself, then you may be wondering if it is cheaper to build or buy one. As these structures are often made from wood, many people erect them by themselves in a DIY project. However, you have to be wary of the costs, as sometimes it costs more and takes far more time to build one than it is worth!
Firstly, the bigger the pergola, the more it is going to cost, as materials cost more, and it will take longer to construct. The typical cost of building a pergola yourself is around $300-$500, whereas hiring a contractor could cost around $1500-$3000 to build one!
You can also purchase pergola kits which make it simple to build one yourself or around $500-$1500 depending on specifications. In addition, you can find cheap alternatives on Amazon, but these tend to be not as high quality, secure, and are not made out of wood.
Lumbar can also be relatively cheap depending on the materials you use, but higher quality wood will stand the test of time and last so much better. If you are building it yourself, then you only have to cover the cost of the materials. On the other hand, if you need to hire woodworkers and contractors, then you can expect the price to be hiked up.
However, it would not take long for someone to erect a pergola, and so you only really need to cover the cost of a day’s work or maybe two days if the person is working alone. Therefore, for the most part, it will be cheaper to buy the materials and build a pergola than purchasing one for thousands of dollars online. Even then, you will often have to put them together anyway!
Does a pergola add value to a home?
In most cases, a pergola does add value to a home as it is an interesting feature, and provides a shaded area, or a cozy suntrap to the back garden. Having a comfortable outdoor space is now more popular than ever, so improving your back yard may be a smart move if you are thinking about moving in the future.
Just ensure that you keep everything maintained and in the best possible condition if you want to add some real value to your property.
Does a pergola block the sun?
A pergola by itself is an open lattice roof structure with posts and columns. Without any sort of cover, it will not really block the sun. Instead, they are made to provide relief from direct sunlight, by circulating air and creating a nice outdoor space.
That being said, you can purchase covers and canopies such as Windscreen4less Universal Replacement Shade Cover Canopy for Pergola Patio to hang over the top, which will create a shaded area underneath.
Does a pergola block rain?
Whilst a pergola cover can block the sun, you will need something a bit sturdier if you want to keep the rain off you. In these instances, it is recommended to purchase a pergola with a metal roof, or build a cover out of plastic or corrugated metal to keep the raindrops off of you.
A regular pergola canopy or cover is usually made out of fabric, which will not protect you from rain, snow or any other adverse weather conditions. They are only intended as sun shades. However, some can be waterproof, but it is not entirely recommended to sit under them during blistering winds and rainy weather.
Having a waterproof sun shade for your pergola is more of a means of protecting the sun shade and ensuring that it lasts in outdoor conditions, so that you can get your money’s worth out of them!
