Pergolas are outdoor structures that can enhance the beauty and functionality of any backyard or garden space. They provide shade, support for climbing plants, and a cosy atmosphere for relaxation or entertainment.
Once overlooked in favour of timber, today’s metal pergolas have emerged as stylish alternatives available in a variety of colours, making them increasingly favoured over traditional options.
If you’re considering a metal pergola for your home, you’re likely curious about the cost. This guide provides insights into the pricing of metal pergolas, helping you make an informed decision for your outdoor space.
More interesting article:
How many types of pergola?
But first, let’s get to know the types of pergola that are quite common in the market.
When it comes to types of pergolas, there are several variations to choose from, each with its own unique design and features.
- Traditional Pergola: The traditional pergola is characterized by its classic design featuring evenly spaced vertical posts supporting cross-beams on the top. It offers a timeless appeal and works well with various architectural styles. Traditional pergolas can be made from wood, metal, or vinyl, providing options to match different preferences and budgets.
- Attached Pergola: An attached pergola is directly affixed to the side of a building, such as a house or garage. This type of pergola extends seamlessly from the existing structure, creating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Attached pergolas are ideal for extending the living area of a home and providing shade over patios or decks.
- Freestanding Pergola: Unlike attached pergolas, freestanding pergolas stand independently and are not attached to any existing structure. They are versatile and can be placed anywhere within a garden or yard, serving as a focal point or a standalone outdoor room. Freestanding pergolas offer flexibility in design and placement, allowing for creative landscaping possibilities.
- Arched Pergola: Arched pergolas feature curved or arched tops instead of the traditional flat design. This adds a touch of elegance and architectural interest to the structure. Arched pergolas can complement curved pathways, garden beds, or water features, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space.
- Gabled Pergola: Gabled pergolas have a roof with two sloping sides that meet at a ridge in the middle, forming a triangular shape reminiscent of a traditional house roof. This design provides additional shelter from the elements, making it suitable for areas with frequent rain or snow. Gabled pergolas offer a more sheltered outdoor space for year-round enjoyment.
- Sail Pergola: Sail pergolas, also known as shade sails or canopy pergolas, feature fabric or canvas stretched across the top instead of solid beams. This creates a contemporary and airy look while providing protection from the sun’s harsh rays. Sail pergolas are lightweight and easy to install, making them an excellent choice for temporary or seasonal shade solutions.
- Retractable Pergola: Retractable pergolas are equipped with a retractable canopy or louvred roof that can be opened or closed as needed. This allows for greater control over sunlight and shade, making the pergola adaptable to changing weather conditions throughout the day. Retractable pergolas offer versatility and convenience, providing an outdoor space that can be enjoyed in any season.
- Metal Pergola: Metal pergolas are constructed using durable materials such as aluminium or steel, offering strength and longevity. They are resistant to weather elements and require minimal maintenance, making them suitable for outdoor use in various climates. Metal pergolas come in a range of styles, from sleek and modern designs to intricate patterns, allowing homeowners to customize their outdoor space with a contemporary flair.
Pergolas come in various types and designs, each offering its own benefits and aesthetic appeal. Next, we’ll talk about why a metal pergola might be what you are looking for.
Why choose a metal pergola?
Choosing a metal pergola for your outdoor space can offer numerous benefits, making it a popular option for homeowners looking to enhance their gardens, patios, or backyards.
Metal pergolas, crafted from materials like aluminium or steel, bring a blend of durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor living area. Let’s see why opting for a metal pergola might be the right choice for you:
- Durability: Metal pergolas are known for their strength and durability. Unlike wood, which may be susceptible to rotting, warping, or insect damage over time, metal pergolas can withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, and intense sunlight. This durability ensures that your pergola will remain sturdy and intact for many years, requiring minimal maintenance to keep it looking its best.
- Low Maintenance: Metal pergolas are relatively low maintenance compared to other materials. Unlike wood, which may need regular staining, sealing, or painting to preserve its appearance and protect it from the elements, metal pergolas typically require only occasional cleaning with soap and water to remove dirt or debris. This makes them a convenient choice for homeowners who prefer a hassle-free outdoor living space.
- Versatility in Design: Metal pergolas offer versatility in design, allowing you to choose from a wide range of styles, shapes, and sizes to suit your aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern look or a more ornate design with intricate details, metal pergolas can be customized to complement your outdoor decor and landscaping.
- Variety of Finishes: Metal pergolas come in a variety of finishes, including powder-coated, painted, or brushed finishes, giving you the flexibility to match your pergola to the existing design elements of your outdoor space. Powder-coated finishes, in particular, provide added durability and resistance to fading, chipping, or corrosion, ensuring that your pergola maintains its appearance for years to come.
- Enhanced Stability: Metal pergolas offer enhanced stability and structural integrity, making them suitable for supporting climbing vines, hanging plants, or outdoor lighting fixtures. The robust construction of metal pergolas ensures that they can withstand the weight of these added elements without sagging or buckling, allowing you to personalize your outdoor space with ease.
- Quick and Easy Installation: Metal pergolas are often prefabricated or modular, which means they can be quickly and easily installed in your outdoor space with minimal disruption. Whether you choose a freestanding or attached pergola, metal construction allows for straightforward assembly, saving you time and effort during the installation process.
- Longevity: Due to their durable construction and resistance to weathering, metal pergolas offer longevity and longevity, providing you with a long-term outdoor living solution. Unlike some other materials that may degrade over time, metal pergolas will maintain their structural integrity and appearance, ensuring that you can enjoy your outdoor space for years to come.
To sum it up, opting for a metal pergola can bring a host of advantages to your garden or patio. They’re not only sturdy and easy to keep up but also come in various designs to match your style. Plus, they’re stable and can be set up swiftly. Metal pergolas are indeed a chic and functional choice for crafting a cosy outdoor retreat that’s built to last.
So, now that you know why a metal pergola might be your next outdoor construction, next we’ll see how much it would cost you.
How much does a metal pergola cost?
The cost of a metal pergola can vary based on factors like its size, the type of roof it has, and whether you opt for a custom build or a kit.
At the lower end of the price range, a small metal pergola measuring 3 meters deep by 6 meters long might cost around $1800, which translates to roughly $100 per square meter. Typically, such pergolas come with a flat roof and are available in kit form. To put this into perspective, a timber kit of the same size might run up to $3000.
It’s important to note that this price is for the kit alone. If you’re considering professional installation, expect to pay:
- Around $185 per square meter for a flat roof
- Approximately $550 per square meter for a gabled roof
- Roughly $565 per square meter for a curved roof
- $700 or more per square meter for a complex design
Additionally, you should consider the cost of installation, which can range from $20 to $30 per square meter or $45 to $60 per hour for pergola builders, unless you’re opting for an easy-to-assemble kit.
When planning your budget, don’t forget to account for additional features such as paving, lighting, and other accessories you may want to include with your pergola.
Choosing the perfect pergola involves more than just selecting a metal structure. Today’s metal pergolas come in a variety of colours, designs, and sizes, offering plenty of options to suit your preferences.
Aside from the aesthetics, you’ll also need to decide on the type of roof structure you prefer. Options include flat roofs, pitched roofs, or gabled roofs, each with its own benefits and costs. For instance, while a flat roof may be suitable for certain situations, a gabled roof can add a striking visual appeal to your backyard, albeit at a higher price.
Furthermore, you can explore roofing materials such as Colorbond or polycarbonate, each offering unique characteristics. Polycarbonate roofing, for example, can provide a more open-air feel to your pergola area, while a retractable awning offers flexibility in adjusting sunlight and shade.
Ultimately, selecting the right pergola involves considering various factors such as aesthetics, functionality, and budget. Your pergola builder can offer guidance and present you with options based on your preferences and requirements.
