Prefab Pergola Vs Custom Pergola – Which is Best?

You’re ready to add a pergola to improve the looks and function of your outdoor space. Now for the hard part: Should you choose a DIY prefab pergola to save a buck or create a custom pergola tailored to your home and lifestyle needs? The choice between buying a cheap boxed pergola from an area retailer and hiring a professional contractor to build a custom structure can be difficult. Here we’ll cover some of the pros and cons of each installation.

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DIY Prefab Pergola Kit

Prefab Pergola Pros

Low cost
The simple designs of prefab pergola made of aluminum or pressed wood come at a lower cost than custom aluminum pergolas, ranging from $1,000-7,000+ depending on size and complexity, but buyer beware. Some prefab kits may be nearly or more expensive than a custom pergola – especially after freight and tool costs.

Faster possible installation
Manufacturers design prefab pergola kits for fast installation. Depending on your skill set and ability to acquire help to assemble larger pieces, you may be able to construct it in just a few days (not including shipping time).

Prefab Pergola Cons

Limited design options
Because they must be easy enough for assembly by the average homeowner, prefab pergolas leave much to be desired when it comes to sizing and customization possibilities. Available options may not check all your boxes or meet your preferred design parameters. If you’re looking for an attached pergola, you’ll find options even more limited – or that the cost of one is on par with a custom pergola sans the quality.

Sweat equity
Like any project involving large components and tools, DIY pergolas come with an inherent risk. Assembly requires time, tools, muscle, a bit of know-how, and at least one helper to put together larger sections. If you don’t have experience, you may be in for more work (and expense) than you bargained for. And with bargain basement models, all your hard work could disappear with a Denver wind gust.

Custom Aluminum Pergola

Custom Pergola Pros

Professional pergola design and installation
No tools, no help – no problem! Whether you know exactly what you want or need assistance bringing your dream outdoor space to life, our experienced pergolas contractors can help. We handle it all, from design and permitting to construction and installation. We’re so confident in our pergola quality, they come with a transferable limited lifetime warranty.

Endless design and accessory options
Custom louvered pergolas from StruXure Denver offer many options to meet all your needs. You decide the exact size, color, and design to accent your space, choosing from popular powder coating options or faux wood wrap and custom end cuts. Then accessorize with built-in lights, fans, heaters, motorized curtains, remote, or smart programmable or weather-responsive controls, creating your ideal outdoor escape.

Custom Pergola Cons

Cost of louvered pergola systems
Better materials, design expertise, and professional construction, add to the cost of our custom aluminum pergolas, which, unlike prefab pergolas, are built to last a lifetime. StruXure Denver offers a range of pergola covers for various size projects and applications, everything from our smaller, affordable 10×10 Cabana X, to our typical residential Pivot 6, and our expansive Pivot 6XL adjustable pergola systems.

Lead times for a custom aluminum pergola
Like other professional contractors providing top-notch products and services, we tend to have busy schedules and long lead times. Except for our portable 10×10 Cabana X, which offers a faster lead time and quick assembly, we recommend planning ahead to avoid the busy season. Beginning your pergola project in the fall ensures your outdoor space is ready for spring use.

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Open Up to New Possibilities with a Custom Pergola from StruXure Denver

Contact us at 303-500-6669 to get a quote on a custom aluminum pergola or to learn more about our cutting-edge outdoor living products today.

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