Are Pergolas Heavy? (Let’s Find Out)

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a beautiful pergola on your property, but have been deterred by the thought of how heavy it would be to move into place, rest assured that we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll explore all kinds of factors that go into determining whether or not your new pergola is going to be easy to move and install and we’ll help you make sure you get what you need before ordering one!

A Covered Pergola Is A MUST — Here’s 5 Reasons Why

Takeaways
Pergolas can vary in weight depending on factors such as size, materials, and design.
Wood and metal are commonly used materials for pergolas, each with its own weight considerations.
Additional features like canopies or louvered roofs can add to the overall weight of a pergola.
Proper installation and support structures are crucial to ensure the stability and safety of a heavy pergola.
Consulting with professionals or experts can provide valuable guidance on selecting and installing a pergola that suits your specific needs.

Table of Contents

Wood

First of all, it’s important to know that pergolas are made out of wood. Wood is heavy because it’s dense and has a lot of mass. The more wood there is in a pergola, the heavier it will be—it’s as simple as that!

The type of wood can also affect how heavy your pergola will be. For example, pine trees have denser trunks than cedar trees so if you have a choice between the two types for your project then choose pine over cedar because it will make your pergola lighter in weight.

When considering the weight of pergolas, it’s important to prioritize safety. Our article on are pergolas safe provides 12 key facts to help you make an informed decision and create a secure outdoor space.

Material

The material of your pergola is an important decision to make. Wood is the most common, but you can also choose metal or vinyl if you’d like something more durable and less prone to rotting over time.

Wood pergolas are often made from cedar or redwood both are natural materials that have been used for centuries by humans.

If you have pets or children who might chew on your pergola, wood may not be the best choice for you.

You should also consider how long you want your pergola’s lifespan to be: if you plan on building it yourself, then there’s no problem with using cheaper softwoods like pine or fir; but if you’re hiring someone else to install the structure for you (and they’ll probably charge more), then hardwoods like oak will last longer as well as look good!

Design

The design of the pergola will have a lot to do with its weight. Pergolas with many posts and beams are heavier than those with fewer, so it’s important to take that into account when you’re planning your project.

Also, remember that all the hardware and decorative elements can add up to a lot of extra weight. Be sure not to skimp on these details they’ll make your pergola look great!

Structure	Design Elements
Modern House	Clean lines, minimalistic features, large windows
Gothic Cathedral	Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, stained glass windows
Art Deco Building	Geometric shapes, bold colors, ornate detailing
Contemporary Office	Open floor plans, sleek furniture, natural lighting
Traditional School	Classic brick facade, pitched roofs, spacious classrooms
Futuristic Hospital	Curved surfaces, high-tech equipment, bright colors
Nature-inspired Park	Landscaped gardens, walking paths, water features
Luxury Shopping Mall	Grand entrances, high-end finishes, upscale storefronts
Rustic Restaurant	Wooden beams, exposed brick, cozy lighting
Boutique Hotel	Unique interior decor, boutique-style furnishings, personalized amenities
State-of-the-Art Stadium	Cutting-edge architecture, advanced seating systems, immersive experiences
Modern Airport	Efficient layout, expansive terminals, innovative infrastructure
Contemporary Museum	Architectural innovation, flexible exhibition spaces, interactive displays
Traditional Church	Stained glass windows, bell towers, intricate stonework

Accessories

There are many ways to accessorize a pergola. You can add lights and decor, including plants and flowers.

You can also add furniture, fencing, or even create a storage space with the addition of a cover or bench. The sky is the limit when it comes to how you want to customize your pergola!

Exploring different materials for pergolas? Discover the advantages and considerations of PVC pergolas in our detailed guide on are PVC pergolas good, where we discuss their characteristics and potential impact on weight.

Size

Size is also a factor in determining how heavy your pergola will be. On average, pergolas are about 10 feet wide and 12 feet long.

The larger your pergola is, the heavier it will be. If you have a small pergola or want one that fits neatly into an existing space, it may be lighter than an average size one (and therefore easier to move).

Location

The location of your pergola is important. Where it will be placed will determine how much weight it can handle, so make sure you know the answers to these questions:

How far away from the house? You’ll want to stay at least 10 feet away from your home’s foundation and interior walls, but you don’t need to worry about anything else.

Keep in mind that if you’re building a pergola over an existing patio or deck, this distance should already be there.

How far away from your garage? The same rules apply for garages as houses: if you’re putting up a pergola over one of them (or even if you’re just planning on placing it close by), then keep it at least 10 feet out of range so that no part of the structure goes over or near where cars may be parked.

It shouldn’t be an issue if they are parked outside because they shouldn’t get hit by rainwater or snow but we still recommend keeping them out of reach just in case!

How far away from any existing structures? If there are other structures around where your new pergola will go up (like trees), ensure that there’s enough breathing room between them so water won’t end up pooling together on top when rains come down hard during storms!

Structure	Common Locations
House	Residential neighborhoods, urban areas, suburban communities
Office Building	Business districts, commercial complexes
School	Educational campuses, neighborhoods with families
Hospital	Medical districts, urban areas
Park	Public parks, recreational areas, nature reserves
Shopping Mall	Retail hubs, urban centers
Restaurant	City centers, shopping districts, tourist areas
Hotel	Tourist destinations, city centers, near airports
Stadium	Sports complexes, entertainment districts
Airport	Major cities, transportation hubs
Museum	Cultural districts, tourist attractions
Church	Residential neighborhoods, town centers

Furniture + Accessories

The weight of a pergola depends on several factors. How far it extends from the house, if it has pre-installed furniture, and how many accessories are attached to it are all important considerations.

For example, if you have an open garden with no walls or other structures to support your pergola then the weight is likely minimal. But if you have an enclosed patio area or even just a small deck that’s close to the house then the supporting structure will be heavier.

The main consideration when purchasing any type of outdoor furniture should always be safety not only yours but also that of anyone who may be visiting your home and could easily fall over something in their path while walking through your yard..

If you’re interested in solar pergolas, understanding their waterproofing capabilities is crucial. Learn more about it in our article on are solar pergolas waterproof and discover how these innovative structures combine sustainability with protection.

Electrical Components

The electrical components are the most labor-intensive part of assembling your pergola. The solar panels, inverter, and wiring will be heavy, especially if you have to move them upstairs or from one place to another. You may also need a lot of manpower for this task as it is not easy work for just one person.

When anchoring your tent on rocky terrain, proper techniques are essential for stability. Check out our easy guide on how to anchor a tent on rock to ensure a secure campsite and a restful night’s sleep

Concrete Footings (if applicable)

Concrete footings are heavy. They’re heavy because they weigh a lot, and they weigh a lot because they are made of concrete.

Concrete is heavy. It’s also necessary for the stability of your pergola, which means that even if you don’t want to think about how much it weighs, it’s still going to be part of the equation when determining whether your pergola is too heavy for your home or not.

So just accept that concrete footings will add weight to your pergola and move on with life!

Concrete Footing Type	Description
Sonotube Footings	Cylindrical cardboard forms used for creating concrete footings with a smooth, round shape.
T-Shape Footings	Footings shaped like a “T,” with a wider base and a vertical stem, providing stability for structures with heavy loads.
Pad Footings	Flat, rectangular footings that distribute the load evenly across a larger surface area. Commonly used for smaller structures or where soil conditions are favorable.
Slab Footings	Continuous concrete footings that support entire walls or structures, providing a solid base.
Pile Footings	Deep foundations that consist of long, slender columns driven into the ground to support structures on unstable soil or in areas with high water tables.
Frost-Protected Footings	Insulated footings designed to prevent frost heave in colder climates. They utilize insulation materials and proper depth to protect against ground freezing and thawing.
Strip Footings	Continuous footings that support load-bearing walls or structural beams, distributing the load along the length of the footing.

Fasteners & other hardware

The fasteners and other hardware used to hold the wood together are also heavy, so be sure to consider how much weight you want to carry.

If you’re going for a lightweight pergola, you’ll want to go with lighter fasteners like screws instead of heavier nails or bolts.

If you’re looking for a more robust structure with more permanent installation, however, nails and bolts are probably your best bet in terms of affordability and durability.

This is especially true if your pergola will be subject to extreme weather conditions or constant wear and tear from people walking under it all day long.

Are you questioning the usefulness of a pergola? Explore the various applications and benefits of pergolas in our comprehensive guide on is a pergola useless, where we highlight 12 reasons why these structures can enhance your outdoor space.

Conclusion

Pergolas can be heavy, but they’re also a great addition to any home. They add value and beauty to any backyard, in addition to providing shade for those hot summer days.

We hope this article has helped you understand what goes into creating a pergola and the different kinds available today!

If you have any questions about which type would work best for your property or need more information on pricing/ordering information please feel free to contact us.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about pergolas:

What materials are commonly used for pergolas?

Pergolas can be constructed using various materials such as wood, aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. Each material has its own advantages in terms of durability, maintenance, and aesthetics.

Can a pergola be attached to an existing structure?

Yes, it is possible to attach a pergola to an existing structure like a house or a deck. However, proper installation techniques and consideration of structural integrity are crucial to ensure stability and safety.

Are permits required for building a pergola?

Permit requirements for pergolas may vary depending on your location and the size of the structure. It is recommended to check with your local building authorities to determine if permits are necessary.

How do I maintain and care for a pergola?

Regular maintenance of a pergola involves cleaning, inspecting for damage, and applying protective finishes if necessary. The specific maintenance requirements will depend on the material used for your pergola.

Can a pergola provide shade and protection from the elements?

Yes, pergolas can provide shade by incorporating features like retractable canopies or louvered roofs. However, it’s important to consider the design and orientation of the pergola to maximize shade coverage based on your specific needs.

Hellen James

I am Hellen James, a professional handywoman with expertise in improving home and garden spaces by using pergolas, gazebos, and tents.