Pergola. This word, with a slight Italian intonation, is rather reminiscent of bright, sunny summer days, no? The pergola is actually the perfect in-between betwixt an exterior shade and a sunroom. It’s the ideal space to lay out whilst still being protected from the sun or adverse weather conditions. 

Not only does it offer a space where one can alleviate stress outside the home, but the pergola can revamp your yard by conveying a certain aesthetic. 

Whether it be made of vinyl or aluminum, there’s a wide range of materials used to make pergolas, and they’re offered in numerous different styles.  

How much does a pergola cost? What’s the difference between the various models? These are just a few of the questions we’ll be answering in the course of this article. 

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How to Choose a Pergola

A pergola is a structural design that serves as an exterior space, one that’s partially shaded and the crowning jewel of your backyard or terrace setup. This framework is comprised of vertical posts and cross beams, with a roof made of fabric, glass, or adjustable slats. Besides being a decorative element, the pergola can serve to hang garden plants and grow vines.  

Even though some pergolas might seem restrictive, space-wise that is, note that some models offer different options to maximize your comfort. A pergola can eventually mutate into an additional room in your house, whereby it's important to choose a model that fits your current and future needs. 

Before jumping feet first into this project, you may have questions like whether you want to benefit from your pergola only on occasion or if you want to create a genuine, everyday setup during the summertime.

The second question obviously relates to your budget. How much are you willing to invest in such a project? Because prices can vary depending on the material and model selected. 

Besides, isn’t it worth considering whether you plan on staying in your current house for an extended period of time? Bear in mind that some materials are more durable than others.

Photo: Deposit Photo

Different Pergola Models

The pergola model you select will largely depend on its size and the exterior space you have available. Avoid selecting a pergola that’s too big for your terrace or yard, as you’ll also need to furnish it comfortably without restricting movement. Another tip is to choose an area that’s flat and level (as much as possible) to avoid any water build-ups in case of storms.

There are 3 types of pergolas, see their features below:

• Attached pergola: designed to fit on the front side of the terrace or yard. This model gives a modern look to your backyard with a straight or tilted roof. This pergola, combined with acrylic or micro-perforated fabric, is the perfect way to shade your terrace. You can also opt for a rigid roof for better protection against bad weather. The attached pergola can be quite challenging to install, but offers more comfort and flexibility;

• Freestanding pergola: ideal when wanting to create an outdoor living space in your backyard. A freestanding pergola built of wood or wrought iron and decorated with garden plants adds a touch of serenity to your yard. Unlike the attached pergola, this model has the particularity of being autonomous and allows a quick installation, without having to alter the front of the house;

• Awning pergola: perfect for occasional use. This type of pergola can be set up and taken down in no time. The awning pergola is primarily intended for one-time events, so it isn’t necessarily suitable for long-term use.

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What material can I choose from?

It's super important to choose the material that'll constitute your pergola wisely, especially considering that all materials have pros and cons. Therefore, weighing these are a must before making your choice. Your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and the style you want to convey in your backyard, but it'll also largely depend on your budget.

Vinyl Pergola

Vinyl is without a doubt the least expensive material for a pergola. It requires no maintenance other than an occasional rinse with a garden hose. However, a vinyl pergola only lasts a few years.

The basic model for this type of pergola is around $600 for 8' x 8' units. Prices go up to $3,600 for a high-end, sophisticated, and stylish product.

Metal Pergola

A metal pergola is rather sturdy and shock resistant. Moreover, this material has a certain durability given its 15-year lifespan. However, a metal pergola is very heavy and therefore not suitable for all ground conditions.

Furthermore, it must be treated with an anti-corrosion product every two years. Expect to pay between $840 and $5,640 for a metal pergola, dependent on the quality of the selected product.

Photo: Deposit Photo

Wooden Pergola

Wood is a solid and warm material. Its colour particularly stands out in a garden, especially if you add vines. As for the drawbacks, a wooden pergola requires regular wood treatment to withstand the effects of rain and moisture, and insects can damage the structure.

A properly maintained wooden pergola should last about 15 years. The price of a wooden pergola varies between $1,200 and $6,000.

Aluminum Pergola

If your budget is substantial, and you plan on living in your house for the foreseeable future, don't hesitate for a second and get the aluminum pergola. Indeed, the lifespan of this material is unlimited. Besides, it has very good thermal resistance, doesn't require maintenance, and adds a modern touch to your backyard.

However, durability comes at a price, and the starting point for this one is $3,000 for a 12' x 8' attached pergola.