What is a pergola? How much does a timber pergola cost? Why would you desire a wood pergola? A pergola can be a great addition to any garden. Wood pergolas can be bought in standard sizes or can be custom-made to your specifications. We will have a look at pergolas and their costs. We will cover the following below:
- What is a pergola?
- Why Install a Timber Pergola?
- How much does a timber pergola cost?
- How much does a custom-made timber pergola cost?
What is a pergola?
Strictly speaking, a pergola is an upright structure without a roof. Initially, pergolas were developed for deciduous climbing vines. The vines offered shade in the summer and enabled the sun to shine through in the winter. More recently some pergolas started being offered with roofs.
Several types of roofs are now offered. One of the favourite roof options is using clear or tinted polycarbonate sheets allowing sunlight to penetrate but whilst protecting against the rain and the mayority of UVB rays from the sun. Some pergola systems can open or close using a louvre system allowing you to open them when you want the sun to penetrate and close them when you want protection from the rain.
Today, the meaning of a pergola is looser than it was in the past. While a conventional pergola is normally connected to your home, pergolas today can be freestanding, or they might be connected to a perimeter fence or wall, offering shade by the swimming pool.
Why Install a Timber Pergola?
There are various factors as to why building a timber pergola might be the right choice for you. Installing a timber pergola should be less expensive that other patio coverings. They all so set the perfect mood for relaxation and leisure and give you that outdoor vibe.
While a traditional pergola has rafters spread apart, some of today’s pergolas can have wood purlins to offer shade. These purlins will not offer any protection against the rain but are perfect for providing shade during those hot summer months. If you desire the appearance of wooden slats but also desire protection against the rain, you can add a clear polycarbonate roof over the purlins.
Using a polycarbonate roof is a popular method to construct a pergola today. A polycarbonate roof provides all the advantages of a conventional pergola but helps filter out the harmful UVB rays of the sun in the summertime and offers security from the rain in the winter season. It gives you the option to leave patio furnishings outdoors and utilize the pergola even when it’s raining.
Traditionally, pergolas were flat, but today’s pergolas can have gabled roofs. The gables help with water drainage and supply additional height, making the location under the pergola cooler in the summertime. If you add a polycarbonate roof and some privacy screens or outdoor blinds, you have a location you can utilize throughout the year.
Why set up a Timber Pergola?
With today’s Pergola styles, you can have the best outdoor area for whatever you wish to do, from unwinding outdoors to dining or having a barbecue.
How much does a timber pergola cost?
The cost of a timber pergola depends upon the size of the pergola and its intricacy. The least pricey wooden pergolas are standard size standard design pergolas. As a rough guide, say you desire a 5m x 3m timber pergola. Depending on what style you pick, it may cost:
- R22,500 for a 3m x 5m pergola if it’s made from treated pine without a roof.
- R25,800 for a 3m x 5m pergola if it’s made from untreated hardwood without a roof.
These prices are for the materials alone and do not include the labour costs of constructing the pergola.
Building and construction expenses will vary depending upon the size and intricacy of the pergola. As a rough estimate, a wood pergola may cost R22 000+ including building expenses. You might also require paving, decking or a floor to be cast.
How much does a custom-made timber pergola cost?
If you desire something unique, you might wish to have your pergola customized. The cost will depend upon the intricacy of the style. For instance, a curved roof will cost more than flat roofing due to the fact that the contractor needs to make or purchase the curved beams. They typically do this by cutting thin strips of wood and glueing them together in a mould. In other cases, they may utilize broad planks and utilize a template to cut them out.
Some pergolas are works of art. They can have curved uprights and an angled or curved roof. A pergola like this will be much more expensive than a standard pergola but it can be the centre point of your landscaping project.
A pergola does not need to be elegant to look excellent.
A conventional pergola with some detailing can make any location look amazing. If you want a standard pergola, utilizing rafters spaced more closely together can provide you shade in the summertime. We recommend adding some form of flooring under your pergola structure but it can be installed directly on the ground if you are on a tight budget. It can then be upgraded later on by adding the floor of your choice.
You will not be sorry for constructing a pergola, and the price will be lower than most other patio coverings. The best way to know how much your dream pergola will cost is to request a quote today.
