We build freestanding pergolas over patios, attached structures off the house, and pergolas integrated into a new deck. Below we cover what a pergola can do for your yard, the build, and what shapes the cost.
What a pergola adds
A pergola is part shade, part shelter, and part architecture. The right one does several things at once:
- Shade over a patio, deck, or dining area on sunny afternoons
- A frame for climbing plants, a retractable canopy, or slatted roofing for more cover
- A defined outdoor room that makes the yard feel finished and larger
- A structure to hang lighting, heaters, or a fan from, so the space works into the evening
How we build a pergola
A pergola looks simple, but a good one is properly engineered so it does not rack, sag, or lift in coastal wind.
- Design: we size the structure to your space and the look you want, freestanding or attached
- Footings and posts: solid footings and posts anchored to resist wind and our clay ground
- Beams and rafters: cedar timber cut and joined cleanly, spaced for the shade and span you want
- Finish and extras: slatted roofing, a canopy track, privacy screening, or integrated lighting
What drives the cost
Pergola pricing is set by size, material, and detail. The factors that move it most:
- Size and height of the structure
- Freestanding versus attached to the house, and the footing work each needs
- Timber: cedar dimension and grade, and how much detail is in the joinery
- Roofing: open rafters, fixed slats, or a retractable canopy
- Extras: lighting, fans, privacy screens, and whether it ties into a new deck or patio
Built for the West Coast
A pergola on the coast has to handle wind and steady winter wet without twisting or rotting. We build with cedar and coastal-grade hardware, anchor the posts to stand up to gusts off the water, and detail the timber so it sheds water and ages well. The result is a structure that still looks and feels solid after years of Island seasons.
Common questions
What is the difference between a pergola and a gazebo?
A pergola is an open structure of posts, beams, and rafters that gives partial shade and can carry a canopy or slats. A gazebo is a fully roofed, usually enclosed structure. A pergola keeps the open, airy feel over a patio or deck while still defining the space and adding shade.
Does a pergola need a permit in Victoria?
It depends on the size and whether it is attached to the house. Some pergolas fall under the threshold that requires a permit and some do not, and the rules vary by municipality. We confirm what your project needs and handle the permit when one is required.
Can a pergola go over an existing deck or patio?
Yes. We build pergolas over existing decks and patios as well as into new ones. On an existing deck we check that the structure below can carry the added load and anchor the posts properly, which we assess at the site visit.