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The average cost to build a pergola ranges from $2,200 to $6,400, whereas the average cost of an awning ranges from $1,400 to $4,400, meaning that an awning tends to be less expensive to build or install than a pergola. Ultimately, the less expensive option depends on a few factors, including size, quality of materials used, and location.

There are many materials to choose from, including picket fencing, wood slats, galvanized metal skirting, dog-ear fence panels, scallop wood fence panels, bamboo screens, and other decorative screens. You can search for materials at local big box stores like Home Depot or scour online home improvement sites. Good search terms to use are fencing, skirting, and privacy panels.

On average, a prefabricated pergola kit takes one to four hours to build. Prefabricated pergolas are the fastest to install and could save you money, while custom pergolas can take several days to install, ranging from eight to 16 hours. The number of workers on the project can also impact how long it takes to install a pergola. 

If you need to build a concrete slab, level your property, or remove obstacles from your yard before building a pergola, then your project could take several weeks to complete.

While your municipality may have its own regulations requiring pergolas or other structures to be a certain height above a fire pit, the standard recommendation is that the pergola should be at least 10 feet above the fire pit. A taller pergola allows the heat from the flames to dissipate before reaching the structure.