Cedar Pergolas: Types, Benefits, and Installation Options

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Detailed image of vibrant Blue Atlas Cedar needles showcasing natural texture and freshness.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed image of vibrant Blue Atlas Cedar needles showcasing natural texture and freshness.

Cedar pergolas are a great way to add some natural charm to your outdoor space. Western red cedar is a popular choice for pergolas due to its durability and resistance to rot and insects.

Cedar pergolas come in various types, including freestanding, attached, and corner pergolas. You can also choose from different styles, such as traditional, modern, and rustic.

A well-designed cedar pergola can provide shade and create a cozy atmosphere in your backyard. The natural beauty of cedar also makes it a great option for those who want to bring the outdoors in.

The cost of a cedar pergola can vary depending on the size, material, and complexity of the design.

Types of Cedar Pergolas

Cedar pergolas come in a variety of styles, each with its own unique characteristics. Western red cedar is a popular choice for pergolas due to its natural resistance to rot and insect damage.

A classic style is the simple beam pergola, which features horizontal beams supported by vertical posts. This style is perfect for creating a clean and minimalist look in your garden.

Another popular option is the arched pergola, which adds a touch of elegance with its curved design. Arched pergolas are often used to create a sense of drama and grandeur in outdoor spaces.

You might like: Wooden Arched Pergolas

Our

Credit: youtube.com, Home Worx: Building A Cedar Pergola

Our cedar pergolas are made from Western Red Cedar, a durable and rot-resistant wood that can withstand the elements. This type of cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insect damage, making it a great choice for outdoor structures.

Western Red Cedar is also known for its distinctive aroma, which is a result of the high concentration of oils in the wood. This aroma can be a nice bonus for homeowners who want to add a pleasant scent to their outdoor spaces.

The Western Red Cedar used in our pergolas is harvested from sustainable forests, ensuring that it is eco-friendly and responsible. This is a key consideration for homeowners who want to minimize their environmental impact.

The unique grain pattern of Western Red Cedar adds a touch of natural beauty to any outdoor space. Its distinctive texture and color make it a popular choice for decorative elements like pergolas.

For another approach, see: Cedar Wood Chest

Overview

The 12' x 12' Premium Cedar Pergola Kit is a great addition to any backyard, adding both beauty and function to your outdoor space.

Credit: youtube.com, Building/installation of a cedar pergola feature

It's constructed with durable Canadian Western Red cedar, designed to stay strong and sturdy over time.

This type of cedar is a popular choice for outdoor projects because it can withstand the elements and requires minimal maintenance.

The sculptured top joists and girders of this pergola crisscross in both directions, creating an architecturally stylish and beautiful feature that adds visual interest to your yard.

Adding a retractable canopy to your pergola instantly increases the amount of time you can spend enjoying your outdoor living space, making it perfect for entertaining or relaxation.

Whether you're looking to expand your outdoor space or design an inviting, perfectly landscaped retreat, a cedar pergola offers an instant solution.

Design and Installation

A cedar pergola can be attached to your home, with a board attached to the exterior wall and drilled into the studs. This is a fun feature to add to your property.

The rest of the panels will be set into place on adjacent support beams. Cedar pergolas can be a beautiful addition to your home's exterior.

To better understand the installation process, a video can be a helpful resource, explaining the steps in detail.

For your interest: Gazebos Attached to House

Outdoor Living Room Frame

Couple sitting on a bench under a lit pergola in an urban garden at night.
Credit: pexels.com, Couple sitting on a bench under a lit pergola in an urban garden at night.

An outdoor living room covered with a cedar pergola can become your new favorite room, providing a cozy space to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

You can add a cedar pergola with solar panels to power twinkle lights, making your outdoor space extra cozy.

A cedar pergola like the Hearthside Cedar Pergola is a great way to add a unique open-air feature to your backyard, perfect for small gatherings.

This type of pergola is small enough to be enjoyed by a small group, yet large enough not to feel cramped, making it an excellent addition to any space.

You can install a cedar pergola in your backyard to expand your options for where to spend your free time outdoors and create a new favorite room.

Attached to a House

Adding a feature like a cedar pergola to your property can be a fun way to make your home stand out. A board will be attached to the exterior wall of your home.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Build a Pergola Attached to Your House | Mitre 10 Easy As DIY

The attachment process involves drilling into the studs. This is a crucial step to ensure the pergola is securely attached to the house.

The rest of the panels will be set into place on the adjacent support beams. This is typically done after the initial board is attached to the house.

A video can be a helpful resource to better understand the process of attaching a cedar pergola to a house. It can provide a clear visual explanation of the steps involved.

Canopy

Adding a canopy to your cedar pergola can make a huge difference in enjoying the outdoors. You can decrease the temperature by up to 10-15 degrees with a shade-providing canopy.

One of the best options for canopies is the EZ-Shade Canopies, which don't even need electricity to work.

Expand your knowledge: Gazebos Para Patios Pequeños

Privacy Walls

A privacy wall can make a big difference in how you feel about your outdoor space. Some people think open spaces make great neighbors, while others believe fences make great neighbors.

Credit: youtube.com, Building The Ultimate Privacy Fence

You'll love the addition of a privacy wall on a cedar pergola if you fall into the second category. Fences can make things feel more secure in tight quarters.

Adding a privacy wall can also help block out unwanted noise from neighbors or traffic. A wall can make things feel more secure when you are in tight quarters.

If you're looking to add a privacy wall to your outdoor space, consider using a material like cedar, which is durable and attractive.

A different take: Wall Mount Pergolas

Features & Benefits

When designing and installing a cedar pergola, it's essential to consider the features and benefits that will enhance your outdoor space.

Durable, rot-resistant Western Red cedar construction is a hallmark of our cedar pergola kits, ensuring they withstand the elements for years to come.

Our kits are designed with sculptured, pre-drilled girders & joists, making installation a breeze and reducing the risk of errors.

All necessary hardware is included, so you won't need to make any extra purchases or worry about missing pieces.

A loving couple embraces under a wooden pergola surrounded by lush greenery.
Credit: pexels.com, A loving couple embraces under a wooden pergola surrounded by lush greenery.

A standard 20×20 Big Kahuna pergola, or even a smaller 8×8 kit, can be the perfect focal point for your patio design.

You can choose from various coverage amounts with our Sombrero, Fedora, and Melbourne kits, or opt for a custom design that suits your style.

We offer four engineered 9' posts with our kits, providing a sturdy foundation for your pergola.

Cedar post skirting is included to conceal mount hardware, keeping your pergola looking clean and polished.

Made in Canada, our cedar pergola kits are built to last and meet high standards of quality.

Assembly Video

The assembly video is a crucial resource for installing your new system. It's a step-by-step guide that walks you through the process, making it easier to understand and complete.

You can find the assembly video on our website, along with the user manual and other helpful resources. It's a great place to start if you're feeling unsure about how to assemble your system.

Close-up of dark green cedar foliage creating a natural, textured background.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of dark green cedar foliage creating a natural, textured background.

The video is approximately 45 minutes long, covering all the necessary steps and precautions to take. It's a good idea to watch it before starting the assembly process to get a sense of what to expect.

The video also highlights the importance of following the correct torque sequence to avoid damaging the system. This is a critical step that can't be stressed enough, and the video does a great job of explaining it in detail.

By watching the assembly video, you'll be able to assemble your system with confidence and accuracy. It's a valuable resource that can save you time and frustration in the long run.

Materials and Durability

Cedar wood pergola kits can transform your backyard with their rustic look, enhancing many outdoor settings.

Cedar wood is an excellent material for pergolas, thanks to its durability and resistance to insects and decay. Western red cedar, in particular, has some amazing qualities that make it perfect for outdoor structures.

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Credit: youtube.com, Which Pergola Materials Are Best?

Here are some of the key benefits of cedar wood for pergolas:

  • Beautiful natural color
  • Appealing fragrance
  • Resistance to insects and decay
  • Ability to withstand severe weather
  • Able to take paints and stains very well
  • Sustainably harvested in North America

Cedar wood pergolas are also rot resistant, making them a great choice for outdoor structures that are exposed to dampness and humidity. This means you can enjoy your pergola for years to come, without worrying about it deteriorating quickly.

Materials and Durability

Cedar wood is an excellent material for pergolas, and it's great for a structure that's exposed to the elements.

Cedar wood is particularly well-suited for pergolas because it has natural resistance to rot and insects.

You may not need to stain a cedar pergola if you like a natural weathered look, but be aware that it will eventually turn grey.

Cedar wood can withstand the elements, but it will still require occasional staining to maintain its appearance.

For another approach, see: Simple Wood Pergolas

Wood Are Durable

Cedar wood pergolas are strong and durable, thanks to their resistance to shrinking, cracking, and warping. This means they can withstand the test of time.

Credit: youtube.com, Wood Masterclass - Material Basics, Durability and Conceptual Design

Cedar wood is grown in high-altitude places, which gives it a unique set of properties. It's a wood that's been shaped by the environment, making it more resistant to damage.

Western red cedar, in particular, is known for its durability. It's a popular choice for outdoor structures because it can withstand severe weather conditions.

Here are some of the key benefits of using cedar wood for your pergola:

  • Beautiful natural color
  • Appealing fragrance
  • Resistance to insects and decay
  • Ability to withstand severe weather
  • Able to take paints and stains very well
  • Sustainably harvested in North America

With proper maintenance, a cedar pergola can last for 30 years or longer. To help extend its lifespan, it's a good idea to keep it off the ground by using pavers, a concrete pad, or an area with proper drainage.

Maintaining Your Structure

Maintaining your cedar pergola is actually not as complex as it seems. Finding reputable and trustworthy ways to maintain your cedar pergola can be a challenge, but it's worth the effort.

You'll need water, a cleaning solution, and a heavy-duty bristle brush to clean away the accumulated dirt from your cedar pergola. Cleaning a cedar pergola is not a difficult task, it's just a matter of using the right tools.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Clean And Seal A Cedar Pergola | THE HANDYMAN

To maintain your cedar pergola, you should focus on cleaning it regularly to keep it looking its best. Cleaning a cedar pergola can be done with a heavy-duty bristle brush to clean away the accumulated dirt.

A brief how-to on cleaning and sealing a cedar pergola is available in a video that can guide you through the process.

Add-ons and Accessories

A cedar pergola is a beautiful outdoor feature, no matter how simple you keep it. Yet, adding on a few features is a great way to make the space all your own.

You can think of a cedar pergola as a blank canvas, just waiting for your personal touch. Adding design add-ons is a great way to make the space unique to your aesthetic desires.

Some design add-ons available for cedar pergolas include features that can enhance the beauty and functionality of the space.

Three Uses of Kits

A cedar pergola kit is a great addition to any outdoor space. Cedar has long been a favorite due to its classic, sturdy look and beautiful, natural color.

A happy couple in wedding attire walking hand-in-hand under a wooden pergola on their special day.
Credit: pexels.com, A happy couple in wedding attire walking hand-in-hand under a wooden pergola on their special day.

One of the top uses for a cedar pergola kit is to create a cozy outdoor seating area. This can be done by placing the pergola in a corner of your yard and adding comfortable furniture underneath.

Cedar pergola kits are also perfect for adding a decorative element to a garden or patio. They can be used to create a sense of separation between different areas of your outdoor space.

A cedar pergola kit can also be used to provide shade and protection from the elements. This is especially useful for areas with high foot traffic or for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Add-ons

A cedar pergola is a beautiful outdoor feature, no matter how simple you keep it. Yet, adding on a few features can make the space all your own.

You can add design add-ons to your cedar pergola to make it fit your aesthetic desires. There are a few available design add-ons to choose from.

A cedar pergola electrical package can provide power where you need it when you need it. This allows you to hang lights, a fan, or even play music outside.

Shade Curtains

Credit: youtube.com, 🔥 Outdoor Pergola➔ How to Install or Add *Sliding Side Curtains* (for Additional Shade from the Sun)

A permanent wall on your outdoor structure might not be the best fit, but a little shade during sunset sounds great. Cedar pergola shade curtains can be a wonderful solution.

Cedar pergolas can be quite open, but with a shade curtain, you can enjoy some peace and quiet. An EZ-Shade Curtain is a great option to consider.

If you want some extra privacy from time to time, a shade curtain can be a good compromise. It's not a permanent solution, but it gets the job done.

Related reading: Permanent Outdoor Gazebos

Cost and Pricing

A cedar pergola can be a beautiful addition to your backyard, but the cost can vary widely. The average cost of a pergola from Hometown Structures is around $13,480*, installed.

The price of a cedar pergola kit from a big box store can be as low as $1,431, but keep in mind you get what you pay for. On the other hand, selecting the largest commercial-sized Cedar Pergola from Hometown Structures will cost $65,680*.

If this caught your attention, see: How Much Do Pergolas Cost

Credit: youtube.com, How much does it cost to build your own pergola?

Here's a breakdown of the costs for different sizes of cedar pergolas from Hometown Structures:

These prices are accurate as of August 30, 2022, but are subject to change without notice.

Cost for New Backyard

The cost of a new backyard cedar pergola can vary greatly depending on the size and style you choose. A small pergola, such as 12 x 12 feet, can cost as little as $6,251.

The overall size of the pergola is a major factor in determining the cost. For example, a 14 x 14 foot pergola can cost around $6,885, while a 16 x 16 foot pergola can cost around $7,387.

The type of cedar used can also impact the price. Knotty cedar, for instance, can cost around $1,340 more than clear cedar for the same size pergola.

Here's a breakdown of the costs for different size pergolas:

A larger pergola, such as 20 x 20 feet, can cost upwards of $8,724. And if you're looking for the largest commercial-sized cedar pergola, be prepared to spend around $65,680 installed.

Commercial

A close up of White Cedar Thuja branches texture pattern
Credit: pexels.com, A close up of White Cedar Thuja branches texture pattern

Commercial options are available for those who want a larger pergola. These structures are perfect for gathering spaces in homes or as features in gardens, wineries, retirement communities, or restaurants.

Commercial-sized Cedar Pergolas come in various sizes, including 14×24 and 14×28 feet.

A 16×20 foot commercial pergola is another option. The dimensions of these pergolas make them suitable for larger spaces.

You can choose from several sizes, such as 16×24, 16×28, or 16×32 feet.

Design Styles

Cedar pergolas come in multiple design styles, each with its own pros and cons. This means you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Some cedar pergola designs are more traditional, while others are more modern. Traditional designs often feature classic columns and ornate details. Modern designs, on the other hand, tend to be simpler and more minimalist.

The key is to choose a design that complements your home's style and architecture.

Statement Backyard Design

A statement backyard design is all about making a bold impression. A cedar pergola can be a fantastic way to achieve this, especially with a rich hue like the 20×20 Big Kahuna pergola.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Create Your Backyard Landscape Design

You don't need a large pergola to create a focal point, either - our cedar pergola kits start at 8×8. This size is perfect for smaller outdoor spaces.

A classic-looking cedar pergola kit can be the perfect addition to your outdoor design. We offer a variety of kits, including the Sombrero, Fedora, and Melbourne, each with varying coverage amounts.

Cedar pergolas can be built in many sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your space and style. Whether you're looking for a traditional or rustic look, we have a variety of options to choose from, including the Traditional Cedar Pergola and the Artisan Cedar Pergola.

The Kingston Cedar Pergola boasts sturdy 8”x8” cedar posts, giving it a mountain lodge-style look that's sure to impress your guests. With a wide variety of sizes to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect one for your backyard.

Santa Fe

The Santa Fe design style is a great choice for those who want a unique look. It features a sloped style roof line, making it perfect for areas with low-hanging trees.

Credit: youtube.com, J. Stoilis Interior Design Enchanted Living in Santa Fe

This style can be a bit more high maintenance due to its unique design. However, it's a great option for those who want to add some visual interest to their outdoor space.

The Santa Fe style can be fitted with a metal roof, which can provide additional durability and protection from the elements.

Vista

The Vista design style is all about giving your outdoor space a modern twist. It's perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd and avoid the traditional look.

The Vista Cedar Pergola is a great example of this style, offering a unique and industrial look that's sure to impress. It's not your run-of-the-mill pergola, that's for sure.

With the Vista design, you can expect a clean and sleek aesthetic that's perfect for modern homes.

Related reading: Modern Pergolas

Purchasing and Shipping

When choosing a cedar pergola, it's essential to consider the purchasing options available. You can buy a pre-made cedar pergola or have one custom-made to fit your specific needs.

Credit: youtube.com, 14' Sonoma Redwood Cedar Pergola - Shipping (Part 2)

Pre-made cedar pergolas are a cost-effective option, with prices starting at around $500 for a small structure. They're also a great choice if you're short on time, as they're ready to assemble.

If you're looking for a more unique design, consider having a custom-made cedar pergola built. This option can be more expensive, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the size and complexity of the design.

In either case, be sure to research the supplier or builder thoroughly to ensure you're getting a high-quality cedar pergola that will withstand the elements.

Browse Kits

Purchasing a cedar pergola kit can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you'll be sipping lemonade under your new outdoor structure in no time.

You can find a wide variety of cedar pergola kits to suit every backyard style, from traditional to modern.

Light sun coverage is a great option for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without getting too much direct sunlight.

Moody close-up capture of a cedar branch in dark, serene forest setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Moody close-up capture of a cedar branch in dark, serene forest setting.

The base price range for these kits is $$$, which is a relatively affordable option considering the quality and durability of the materials.

Available sizes range from 90 standard sizes to custom sizes, so you can choose the perfect fit for your garden.

Here are the available sizes in a table:

Shipping & Delivery:

Shipping & Delivery can be a bit of a challenge, but knowing what to expect can make all the difference.

You'll typically receive your shipment on a pallet via standard motor freight, which is convenient for larger items like pergola kits.

The freight carrier will call in advance to schedule delivery, so be sure to have someone available to take the call.

You may need two people present to unload the freight from the delivering freight carrier vehicle, so plan ahead and have some help lined up.

This ensures a safe and efficient delivery process for both you and the delivery team.

Hallie Guidotti

Junior Writer

Hallie Guidotti is a passionate writer with a talent for creating engaging content. Growing up in a small town, she learned the value of hard work and perseverance from her parents. This work ethic has served her well as she pursues her dream of becoming a successful blogger.

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