A pergola creates a stunning focal point within your outdoor landscape. But not only that, it serves a practical purpose too as a place to relax in the shade or entertain guests.
A sizeable investment, you’ll no doubt want to find a reliable and experienced pergola builder near you to ensure a solid, good quality structure that’ll stand the test of time.
How to find the best pergola builders near you
Remove the guesswork and instead use our simple and reliable ways to find approved pergola builders near you.
Option 1: Use our ‘request a quote’ feature
If you’re short on time, just fill in our quick ‘request a quote’ feature to receive quotes directly to your inbox.
- Add your details to the form
- Include details of the work
- We’ll search our leading directory for you
- Our local contractors will contact you to discuss your job requirements
Option 2: Browse our online trade directory
If you have more time, why not browse our directory of approved tradespeople? Simply type your postcode in the box below, hit search, and see who comes highly rated.
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Which tradesperson do you need to build a pergola?
If you require a custom pergola, your best bet is to find an experienced carpenter for this precision job.
If you’re looking for a tradesperson to build a pre-designed, modular pergola, a qualified builder will be able to fulfil the project for you.
Building a pergola involves a series of skills:
- Accurately measuring and cutting lengths of timber
- Cutting out the housing using a saw, wood chisel, and mallet to ensure a neat fit between the upright and horizontal timbers
- Profiling the ends of the rafters and crossbeams
- Carefully plotting the positioning of the post holes
- Ensuring all rafters are level
- Concreting the posts in the ground
Key questions to ask your pergola builder
Your pergola will become a stunning feature within your garden; asking the right questions before your project begins will help to ensure you’re happy with the end result.
Do I need planning permission for a pergola?
When building a new structure on your property, it’s important to understand whether you need planning permission from your local authority.
It’s not normally necessary to submit a planning application for a pergola, as long as it’s within the conditions of Permitted Development Rights.
These conditions largely relate to the size, positioning, and height of the structure. An experienced tradesperson will be able to guide you on this. If in any doubt, contact your Local Planning Authority.
What’s the best material for a pergola?
Most people opt for timber pergolas, in which case a high-quality softwood is best. Check with your tradesperson that the timber is pressure treated and has a long guarantee – after all, it’ll need to withstand the elements and look good for many years to come.
Can you show me examples of your work?
As we’ve mentioned, your pergola will be a standout feature in your garden, so take the time to do your research to secure the right person for the job.
Ask to see photos of previous work. This often helps to inspire your own project, especially in terms of optimal positioning, the style and design of your pergola, and ideas for climbing plants.
Remember to check online reviews to find out what previous customers have to say about their work too.
Any tradesperson who’s a Checkatrade member will have a business profile page on our site where you can easily check both of these things.
You’ll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our quality checks on Checkatrade.
What’s your availability?
Good carpenters are booked up far in advance, so where possible, start your search early to avoid disappointment.
In order to get maximum use from your pergola, why not plan ahead to have it ready in early spring?
How much do you charge?
Typically, labour costs to build a pergola tend to sit around £200 - £300 per day, with the average pergola taking approx 2 days to construct.
In the UK, a standard pergola costs in the region of £2,500. But depending on the design and materials you choose and the scope of the work, it can vary considerably, from around £400 to £6,000.
We recommend getting 2-4 quotes before making your decision.
Ask your tradesperson to itemise the quote so you can compare like-for-like. Check whether it includes:
- Materials and labour
- Any waste removal, if required
- Making good any areas that need to be disrupted in order to complete the work, e.g. paving, if the construction is over a patio
Related content: Read our pergola cost guide for further information on the cost of building a pergola in the UK.
Do you have insurance?
When you invite any tradesperson to work within your home or garden, it’s wise to check they have insurance.
Accidents can happen, but insurance will cover the cost of putting things right if they do.
This is why all Checkatrade members must have up-to-date public liability insurance to be listed in our directory.
What other guarantees do you offer on your work?
Ask your tradesperson if they have any guarantees. For additional peace of mind, when you contact a trade through Checkatrade, our guarantee could cover you for up to 12 months. You can claim up to £1,000. Exclusions and T&Cs apply.
How do I find a local pergola builder near me?
You’ve envisioned your dream pergola and the extra enjoyment it’ll bring to your outdoor space. Now it’s time to find an experienced pergola builder in your area.
Search a professional trade directory
A professional trade directory is more than a list of local businesses.
At Checkatrade, for example, each of our members has a business profile so that homeowners can easily find the right tradesperson for the job.
Here, you’ll find the company details, qualifications and credentials, areas of speciality, reviews from real people, and photos of past work.
And to become a Checkatrade member, our tradespeople have to pass up to 12 rigorous checks, so you know they’re the real deal.
You’ll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our quality checks on Checkatrade.
Check online reviews
A quick search online will help you to check a carpenter’s credentials, including their reputation and their standard of work.
At Checkatrade, we only display honest and verified reviews from real-life customers.
Ask for recommendations
Tap into your local knowledge base. Ask friends and family who they’d recommend to build your pergola.
And don’t forget to cross-check those recommendations on Checkatrade!
Take a look at our guide to hiring a tradesperson for more advice and tips.
Ready to find a reliable and experienced pergola builder near you? Just add your postcode to the box below to start your search.