Pergola Installation Costs

A pergola is a popular garden feature in the UK. They are usually an open construction so as to take full advantage of the garden landscape and daylight. Most pergolas have vertical posts which support cross beams and then have an open or slatted roof. Some householders use wood pergolas to train climbing plants to cover the roof and provide natural shade.

Pergolas are commonly used over dining spaces, barbecue areas or a hot tub. They are available to buy as a DIY Pergola kit, or you can have a custom-made pergola to fit your exact design requirements.

The cost of pergola installation depends on the size, ground preparation, labour costs and the material used. Pergolas can be made from timber, aluminium, steel or vinyl.

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How Much Does a Pergola Cost to Install?

The cost of a small, basic stand-alone pergola without any extras can cost between £300 and £600 to buy and install. You can even buy portable pergolas for around £120.

But if you want a pergola that is strong, durable and lasts for years, then you will be better off looking at pergolas made from timber or aluminium. The average price of a stand-alone pergola in timber or aluminium is around £1,800, including installation.

The budget-friendly option is a timber pergola without any added extras, which do increase the price. Custom-made pergolas are more expensive because they are tailor-made to your design and are made from high-end materials.

Pergola Installation Prices

The total cost of a pergola to install depends on various factors, including the pergola’s size, the material you choose and the ease of access to your garden.

A small pergola is, on average, around 2m x 2m (6.5 feet x 6.5 feet) or 2.5m x 2.5m (8 feet by 8 feet) or around that size.

A medium pergola on average, is 5m x 3m (17 feet x 10 feet) or 3m x 3m (10 feet x 10 feet) more or less.

A large pergola can be 6m x 3m (20 feet x 10 feet) or more.

The price of a pergola will also be influenced by additions such as decking, side panels and roof covering. These additions will increase the price of a basic pergola.

Labour Costs and Timescales

The installation of a pergola is usually carried out by a carpenter or a gardener. Hourly rates for a carpenter are, on average, as follows:

You might also find an installation service provided as an extra from the company that supplies your pergola. You can expect to pay between £500 and £750 or more for this service.

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How Much Does It Cost for Building Supplies?

If you’re good at DIY, you might want to build your own pergola, and if so, you’ll need to buy your own supplies. The table below shows typical costs of each supply and how many you will need on average:

Timber Posts and Beams

Prices for wood are generally cheaper than metal and will provide a traditional appearance. You can buy timber posts for around £16 - £50 each, and beams cost on average between £30 and £45.

Fixings such as screws, brackets and bolts will depend on how many you need, but they are normally sold in packets or boxes of 10 or 20 or more and cost between £1 and £15.

Roofing Slats or Cross Rafters

Roofing slats, or cross rafters, are normally sold per square metre. You can pay, on average, between £2 per m² and £7 per m².

Shade Panels

If you’re buying a kit, these may be an extra. You can buy solid or lattice-designed timber shade panels. The cost depends on the size and type of wood you choose, but on average, the cost is between £100 and £400 per panel. Costs will be higher if they are custom-made.

Wood Treatments and Finishes

It is important to protect wood from insect infestation and the weather. Wood preserver costs between £6 and £18 per litre. You can buy wood varnish for between £8 and £45.

Concrete for Post Foundations

Ready-mixed concrete is usually sold in sacks at hardware stores and costs around £0. 35 per kilo.

Aluminium or Metal Frames

Metal or aluminium pergola frames can be sourced from between £250 and £850.

Are There Any Additional Costs for a Pergola Installation?

There may be additional costs to consider, which will increase the price of pergola installation. Examples include:

Ground Preparation

You may need to prepare the ground before you can install a pergola to make sure the structure is safe. That may mean levelling out the ground or preparing concrete slabs or bases. This may cost between £300 and £600.

Concrete Foundations for Posts

Pergolas need secure foundations to keep them stable and safe. This can be done by setting the posts into concrete. The work may be included in your quote from an installer, but if not, a builder or handyperson can do the job. Costs will be on average between £200 and £400.

Decking or Patio Installation Underneath the Pergola

A decking or patio beneath a pergola allows you to install seating or create a dining area. Some pergolas are sold with decking. If you have it installed independently, the cost will depend on the size and the materials you use. To lay a patio costs on average between £15 and £95 per m².

Electrical Work for Lighting

Outdoor lights allow you to sit under your pergola in the evening. Outdoor lights can cost between £120 and £500, depending on the type of lighting you have installed.

Outdoor Heating Installation

An electric outdoor patio heater should be installed by a qualified electrician. Average rates for an electrician in the UK range between £30 and £50 per hour, although you will pay more if you live in London or the South East of England.

Decorative Features Such as Screens or Climbing Plant Supports

Decorative elements such as privacy screens, trellis, plant supports and plants will all add to the appearance of your pergola. The price you pay for these elements depends very much on your budget. Corner trellis and screen panels can cost between £30 and £50. Climbing plants range on average from £10 to £50 or more.

Waste Removal After Installation

Waste removal depends on the amount of disruption caused by the pergola installation. The average cost to remove garden waste is £200, but prices will depend on the type of service you choose.

Factors that Impact Pergola Installation Costs

There are many factors that can affect the cost of installing a pergola. These include:

The Pergola Size and Design Complexity

A smaller, less complex design will be more affordable if you are on a budget. A pre-made pergola kit is cheaper to install than a custom-built structure.

Type of Material Used

Aluminium and steel are more costly than timber because they last longer and need minimal maintenance.

Aluminium is considered a premium material because of its weather resistance, strength and durability.

Ground Conditions

If your garden is uneven or soft underfoot, you may need to prepare the ground and lay a concrete base. The cost will depend on the size, but prices on average are between £300 and £600.

Additional Features

Roofing panels, side screens, lighting and decking underneath the pergola will increase the cost of the pergola. For example, a small, simple structure without any features can cost between £300 and £400. But a small, simple structure with a roof panel and a side screen might raise the price to around £600.

Accessibility

How accessible your garden is can also impact the overall costs. Difficult access will mean the time taken to build the pergola is longer, which can increase labour rates.

More labourers may be required to help bring materials in if space is tight, which can further increase the total labour bill.

Labour Rates in the Local Area

In most parts of the UK, the average labour costs for a carpenter or a gardener are between £15 and £40 an hour. But if you live in London or the South East of England, then you can expect rates to be higher.

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Types of Pergolas

Timber Pergola

Timber is a popular choice for householders who want a natural material that supports climbing plants. Timber pergolas are available with wall panels and fixed or louvred roof panels. The cost for a timber pergola on average is between £300 and £4,100.

Pros

• ✔ Natural material
• ✔ Lower labour costs
• ✔ Easy to cut for custom builds

Cons

• ✖ Needs to be regularly maintained
• ✖ Prone to rot and decay if left untreated

Aluminium Pergola

Aluminium pergolas often feature modern designs. They require minimum maintenance and are durable and long-lasting. It’s ideal if you want a structure that won’t rust and is weather-resistant. An aluminium pergola, on average, costs between £1,000 and £4,000 or more.

Pros

• ✔ No maintenance required
• ✔ Pest and weather resistant
• ✔ Can last a lifetime

Cons

• ✖ More expensive than other materials
• ✖ May become hot to the touch in strong sunlight

Steel Pergola

Steel is also a material that doesn’t need a lot of maintenance. It’s also strong and durable, but it’s cheap when compared to aluminium. Expect to pay between £800 and £1,300 for an average steel pergola.

Pros

• ✔ cost-effective when compared to aluminium
• ✔ durable and strong
• ✔ weather resistant

Cons

• ✖ Weight makes installation more difficult than other materials
• ✖ Vulnerable to rust

Vinyl Pergola

Vinyl pergolas are made from PVC; they can come in white or can be designed to look like timber. Vinyl is weatherproof, durable and low maintenance. It is also cheaper than other pergola materials. Average costs for a vinyl pergola are between £260 and £900.

Pros

• ✔ Lower initial costs than other materials
• ✔ Minimal maintenance
• ✔ Resistant to pests and rot

Cons

• ✖ May not withstand strong winds
• ✖ May fade or discolour over time

Garden Pergola Project With A Roof

If you want shade from the sun, then you might wish for your pergola installation to have a custom build, perhaps including a roof you can restract. The total costs for a pergola with this type of roof varies according to size, but on average, they cost between £300 and £6,000. As this is a more complex installation with more intricate designs this type of high end luxury pergola will add to the overall cost.

Pros

• ✔ Provides the choice of sunshine or shade
• ✔ Protects you from the heat
• ✔ Enable you to sit outside even in light rain

Cons

• ✖ Adds an extra expense to the pergola cost
• ✖ Cleaning and light maintenance are required

Alternative Garden Structures

If you decide that a pergola isn’t what you want, here are some alternatives to consider:

Gazebos

The difference between a pergola and a gazebo is that the gazebo has a solid roof. Gazebos require no planning permission, which some pergolas may require based on several things like if they are a certain height, for example.

Gazebos allows you to sit under it even if it is raining which most people see as a benefit, however in the long run they are not as good quality and don't have a natural look. They are often built in an octagonal or round shape, which provides a different aesthetic. The cost of building a gazebo depends on size and features, but on average they are priced between £600 and £6,000.

Garden Canopies

Garden canopies are often attached to the wall of your home, often with a fabric or PVC canopy that’s fixed or retractable, designed to provide shade from the sunlight. The posts can be made of metal, PVC or aluminium and cost between £400 and £2,000.

Garden Rooms

Garden rooms are designed for all-year-round use and usually include features such as lighting and heating. They are a option for the long run, require careful planning, site preparation, and usually professional installation. They can also have customs features like shower and toilet facilities installed. Overall cost vary depending on the features and the size of the garden room, but you can expect to pay between £12,000 and £50,000.

Decking Shelters

Decking shelters are ideal if you don’t have much space or you want to provide cover for your barbecue. They can come with half or full sides and a fold-out bar or worktop with a fixed or slatted roof. Costs are usually between £240 and £600.

Patio Awnings

Patio awnings are similar to garden canopies in that they are attached to the wall, but they don’t have posts; instead, they fold away or are retractable, and the roof awning is made of material. They can be used on patios or balconies. They are low maintenance, a good way to use your outdoor space, and hassle free. Prices vary according to size and whether the awning is manual or motorised. Prices, on average, range from £50 to £1,600.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Pergola Installation

Before hiring a pergola installer, compare at least 3 quotes so you can check what’s included, such as groundwork, waste removal and installation timescales.

• Do they specialise in outdoor structures or timber work? Pergolas need accurate measuring, secure post installation and strong structural support. A carpenter, landscape gardener or professional pergola installer with relevant experience is usually the best choice.
• Will ground preparation and post foundations be included? Some gardens may need levelling work, concrete footings or paving adjustments before installation can begin. Always confirm whether this is included in the quote.
• Do they have Public Liability Insurance? Public liability insurance protects both you and the installer if accidental damage or injury occurs while the pergola is being installed.
• Can they provide examples of similar pergola installations? Looking at previous projects or customer photos can help you judge the quality of their workmanship and whether their style matches what you want.
• Will they remove waste materials after installation? Pergola installation can create waste such as packaging, timber offcuts and excavated soil. Check whether disposal and site clean-up are included in the price.
• Is the quote fully itemised in writing? A written quote should clearly outline labour, materials, optional extras and any additional costs, so there are no unexpected charges later.
• Do they have positive customer reviews? Reviews and testimonials from previous customers can help you assess reliability, communication and the overall standard of work.

Removing or Replacing an Existing Pergola

If you have a pergola that’s damaged or you want to replace it because you’ve decided to buy a different size or design, or you no longer want a pergola in your garden, then you will need to dismantle and dispose of your old pergola before you install a new one.

The cost to remove a pergola will normally depend on:

• The size of the structure
• The materials used
• Ease of accessibility to your garden
• Waste disposal requirements

The cost to remove a pergola will be, on average, between £50 and £300. You might then have to add on the additional costs of disposal, which could be between £25 and £200, depending on the amount of waste you have.

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