Everybody loves pergolas, those pretty, airy, covered spaces that add instant class to your landscape.
It’s the perfect place to be fancy and host a party, or grab that last cherry popsicle and hide out from your kids.
Building one doesn’t look too hard, right? It doesn’t even have walls! A few posts, some cross beams, some nice open lattice. No biggie.
Sure, a pergola can be a DIY project, if you’re handy.
But they require construction skills, a pretty good tool collection, lots of measuring, and precision placement. And maybe wiring, if you want to light it.
That’s why a lot of people hire a pro to install their pergola, then go to brunch.
How to choose between DIY vs. professional pergola installation?
Here’s a look.
There are lots of things to decide here. Better jot some notes.
What size pergola do you need? Will it be attached to your house, or freestanding?
How will you use it? Close to your kitchen for entertaining? Shading your patio or deck? As a garden getaway elsewhere on your property, away from the hustle and bustle of your house? Maybe out by the pool to add to your poolside entertaining?
What material should you use for your pergola? Vinyl? Fiberglas? Wood?
Will you buy a kit, or build it from scratch?
You’ll need a pretty big pile of tools for pergola installation and the skills to use them safely. This goes way beyond rummaging for a screwdriver in the junk drawer.
You’ll need basic things like a measuring tape, hammer, level, shovel, and drill.
You’ll also need a post hole digger or power auger, a reciprocating saw, a circular saw, a saber saw and a wheelbarrow.
If you buy a pergola kit, you’ll have a much easier job than starting from scratch. Most of what you need should be included, but make sure you read the materials list and instructions before you get started, just to be sure.
There’s a lot to do before you dig the first hole, including:
Here’s just a quick look at some of the labor involved:
Before you spend half a Saturday in the garage rummaging for your reciprocating saw, then remembering you don’t own a reciprocating saw, why not turn to professional pergola installation services?
Our designers will sit down with you to create a custom pergola design and installation plan perfect for your Central Florida lifestyle.
Put your feet up. We make pergola installation easy, start to finish:
Let us help you figure it all out.
We’re hardscape experts, but our skills don’t stop there. We’re with you every step of the way as you plan your perfect outdoor space.
Sod, irrigation, landscape design: Let us transform your landscape from an embarrassing eyesore to a place you spend every spare minute.
Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive landscape you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then transform your property.