Is a DIY Pergola kit best for your Outdoor space?

Introduction

What is a Pergola?

A Pergola is an outdoor structure that will typically consist of both vertical posts and horizontal cross beams. There will also be a roof structure that will open or closed, depending on the style of pergola you are looking for.

Pergolas come in various designs, sizes, and materials. They can suit most personal styles and preferences.

Growing popularity of DIY pergola kits across the Country

As more families continue to get into the DIY space, pergola kits are becoming increasingly more popular, year over year. There are a few reasons for this and we will get into those reasons, in more detail below. Cost and ease of installation are among a couple of the most popular reasons to go the DIY route.

Is a pergola kit the right choice for you?

A free standing pergola kit could be the right choice for you. Do you have mechanical aptitude and comfortable with an impact driver, hammer drill and simple hand tools?

If these tools are easily accessible for you and you are comfortable using, installing a pergola kit as a DIY project could be perfect for you, and quite a bit of money can be saved.

Advantages of DIY Pergola Kits

Cost -Effectiveness

Probably the biggest advantage of a covered pergola kit is the cost savings that are found by installing as a DIY. Oftentimes, a professional contractor can demand a much higher price for their services. There is a tradeoff here. A guarantee that the work will be done quickly and efficiently, but a good contractor is not cheap.

With these cost savings, you can still install a stylish and sleak canopy, with your outdoor furniture, fully covered and protected from the sun.

Your pergola can still be customized to accommodate the backyard space you're trying to accentuate.

Convenience and ease of Assembly

A pergola kit will come with pre-cut aluminum, wood or vinyl extrusions. This is a key part of a kit system, as there are fewer power tools needed for install and nothing will need to be cut, most often.

The simplistic installation is quite attractive to a large variety of homeowners who would love to add an outdoor structure or covered pergola kits to their space.

Customization options

Even with being a kit product, there is a vast range of customizable options available for your project. There are numerous styles, finishes and accessories to align it with a certain preference or aesthetic you are after.

Sense of pride and accomplishment in a DIY build

Have you ever built something (anything, really), then taken a step back to admire what you just did? If you have done this (like many have), then a DIY pergola kit could be the perfect project for you. There is just something satisfying about finishing a DIY project.

Considerations before choosing a DIY pergola kit

Skill Level and experience in DIY Projects

If you are considering a DIY project, you need to take a clear stock in what you are capable of doing. A good way to determine this is; what projects have you been able to do, historically? Do you have mechanical aptitude and are you comfortable doing such projects? If so, then perhaps transforming your existing patio into an oasis, is up your alley.

Time available for assembly

As with most things, the more experience you have in doing something, the quicker you will be able to get it finished or assembled. This works the exact same way in construction. A contractor will be able to assemble your pergola, much quicker than a typical homeowner would. If the extra time spent on your install is not exorbitantly more than the time a contractor would need, it makes sense to attempt a DIY project.

Budget Constraints

Are you on a tight budget? If so, DIY pergola kits could offer a budget saving option. Even if you have average mechanical aptitude, you could save thousands of dollars on your project, while still getting a beautiful pergola. You can create shade and cover your patio in style this Summer, all as a DIY project.

Alternatives to DIY pergola kits

Hiring a Professional

Of course hiring a professional is the "easy" option. You will, of course, pay for this service. A professional contractor will save you much time and heartache, but will be quite a bit more expensive than a DIY alternative.

Pre-Built Pergola

As another alternative, you could purchase and have delivered, a pergola that is pre-built. The issue with these type or pergolas is that shipping costs can become awfully high, and can take away any advantages or cost savings by going this route.

Other outdoor options?

Maybe a pergola is not in your best interest? If this is the case, there are several other outdoor structure options that are available to you. A few to name are: Gazebos, Pavilions, Cabanas, Decks etc. These will all create some sort of entertainment value as well as sun blocking and shade creation.

Steps to take when choosing a DIY Pergola Kit

Research different kit options

With social media at an all time high and information at the tips of all our fingertips, doing research on a company you are interested in, has never been easier. It's important to look at websites, reviews, social media etc, before deciding on a company to do business with.

Reviews and Customer feedback

Along with social media, be sure to look at customer reviews and feedback, before buying. You can learn a lot from actual customers and they are oftentimes brutally honest, which is the feedback you need before moving forward.

Conclusion

DIY pergola kits continue to grow in popularity across the country. As more people work to save money and are trying to stay under a budget, DIY projects continue to soar in installations and popularity.

Additionally, if you are looking for more ideas on patio and balcony ideas for maximizing outdoor comfort, check out this link.