Homeowners everywhere are discovering the joy of owning a pergola. These beautiful garden structures add both interest and functionality to your garden. They provide a focal point and also create a shaded area. The important thing is being able to add one to your garden and stay within your budget. The cost of your pergola will vary depending on what materials you use. You also need to figure out how much of the work you will do yourself. Finally, you want to avoid unplanned expenses that could crop up if you damage something else in the process. Let’s take a closer look at these tips on saving money when you add your own garden pergola.
Choose your materials. The materials used to construct your pergola will have a big impact on the price. Wood is the cheapest material available and is easy to work with if you’re doing it yourself. However, wood will be more difficult to maintain and won’t last as long as other materials. You can minimize maintenance and maximize life by choosing pressure-treated lumber. Vinyl or metal pergolas can beam virtually maintenance free. These materials will be more expensive and may only be available as part of a kit.
Get involved. The least expensive way to add a garden pergola is to do it yourself following a set of plans. This option will require a lot of your time and at least some basic woodworking skills. Assembling a kit requires fewer skills, but it will cost a little more and you will have less control over the outcome. Having your pergola built by a contractor doesn’t require your time or skills, but it will be much more expensive.
Call before you dig. Unless you are absolutely sure you know what is underground, you should call your local utilities to have them locate any buried lines or gas pipes. If you live in an urban or suburban neighborhood this is absolutely essential. Not only would digging into utilities be dangerous and time-consuming, it could cost you more to fix the damage you’ve done.