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Typical pergola kits include four support columns, several rafters, top runners, support beams, and a base for bolting the structure to a concrete surface. The types of pergolas vary by manufacturer and feature. Some have only two support columns, with the rest of the structure leaning against a carport or patio. Others have retractable shade canopies to keep cool in the summer. 

Though this is a project that can be DIY-ed—there are kits available for $600 to $7,500—hiring a pergola pro will ensure the final product is structurally sound. A savvy homeowner may already have all the necessary tools and know-how to build a DIY pergola, but the difference in cost isn’t that much, and having help will make the process easier in general.

DIY is possible for basic designs. Professional installation ensures stability and compliance with building codes.

It depends on how you’ll use it. Both awnings and pergolas create shelter in outdoor areas, but pergolas have grid-style roofs, which are more open than awnings and not as effective at blocking out UV rays and precipitation. Also, pergolas are permanent structures, so you can’t put them away when you aren’t using them (unlike retractable awnings).