How to Estimate Cost of Building a Pergola

A pergola is a structure that is used to define outdoor space. It doesn't provide shelter from the sun or rain, but it looks nice when installed on your back patio or deck. Pergolas are relatively easy to build and don't require many materials.

Instructions

1. Draw a rough sketch of what you want your pergola to look like. Locate a space in your yard or on your deck for the pergola and measure the area. Pergolas usually have a post in each corner to hold up the structure, but you can get creative if you want to. You'll use this sketch including the dimensions as the focus of your calculations.

2. Consider the material the pergola will sit on. If you're going to install it on concrete or an existing wood deck, you'll need to install metal brackets into the concrete or wood to set the posts in. If you want to put the posts into the earth, you'll need a post-hole digger or an auger, and you'll have to fill the holes with concrete to secure the posts.

3. Check with your local home improvement store to price your materials. You'll need four 4-by-4 inch posts (or however many posts you have decided upon), 2-by-6s for your "roof" and support beams, a saw to cut your wood, nails and a hammer, and assorted screws and a power screw driver. The number of 2-by-6s all depends on how large your pergola will be; you'll want to space the beams anywhere from 12 to 20 inches apart.

4. Figure out if you want to add any finishing touches to the pergola, like accent pieces made from wrought iron or tile or post caps to the top of the posts. Decide if you want to stain or seal the wood. You can leave it bare if it's pressure treated, or you can apply a colored stain or a clear sealant to it.

5. Add up the costs of all your materials, plus any labor if you want your friends to help you. This is your total estimate.

Tips & Warnings

• Your pergola can have any dimensions you want it to have. If your pergola will be longer than it is wide, adjust the size of your beams. Consider using 2-by-4s, 2-by-8s or even 2-by-2s instead of the 2-by-6s. The design can be as unique as you make it.