Budget vs. Investment Pergolas

Adding a pergola to your yard can provide great aesthetics, add shade to your lot, and even increase the value of your property. But how do you pick the right one? A lot of it comes down to how much you’re willing to spend.

In this article, we’ll discuss different levels of pergolas – from budget-friendly to investment-level – to help you get a better idea of what you could get for your money. We’ll also help you determine which option might be best for you.

Budget-Friendly ($300 to $1,500)

When your budget is tight, there’s still a pergola out there for you. Often, budget-friendly pergolas are used for temporary occasions, rental situations, smaller yards, or simply for those who have limited money to spend. They often come in the form of prefab kits and can be put together by the homeowner themselves.

While budget-friendly pergolas can be ideal in many situations, they do have their drawbacks. They usually last no longer than a few years, feature a one-year limited warranty at max, and are sometimes prone to rust. Their finish may not be the best, and due to their lighter weight, they’re usually not as stable. They are also limited in terms of styles, materials, and colors.

In the end, a budget-friendly pergola may still be the right choice for you if you’re not looking to commit to a permanent structure, prefer something you can build yourself, don’t want to spend too much, or have limited space.

Mid-Tier ($1,500 to $4,000)

When there’s more room in the budget and you’re looking for a more reliable and versatile option, a mid-tier pergola might be the right choice for you. These can be built as a DIY or by a professional, depending on your preferences, time constraints, and end budget.

The perks of a mid-tier pergola include up to ten years of longevity, good weather resistance, and better stability compared to their budget-friendly counterparts. They also come in a wider variety of design styles, materials, colors, and even upgrade features.

Some drawbacks? Mid-tier pergolas require maintenance, especially wood ones, and they typically have a longer and more complicated installation.

Investment-Level ($4,000 to $15,000+)

Want the most bang for your buck or desire a truly permanent pergola? Go for an investment-level option. The luxury pergola of your dreams awaits! Expect minimal maintenance, 20 or more years of longevity, professional installation, and full customization options.

Investment-level pergolas also bring excellent weather resistance, high durability, premium aesthetics, and sometimes even a lifetime warranty. While they can take even longer to construct and can cost quite a bit, custom investment-level pergolas are perfect for those wanting a top-quality structure they can enjoy decades down the road.

Conclusion

Making the decision to add a pergola to your yard is easy, but selecting the right pergola can be a challenge. There are many features and qualities in a pergola you could achieve – or pass out on – depending on your budget. Quality, size, material, longevity, and design are just some of the things that could differ based on the price you spend on your pergola.