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Although dependent on the type and size of lumber, most 2-by-4-by-8-foot pieces of lumber cost anywhere from $3 to $6. Softwood lumber like pine falls on the lower end of the spectrum, while hardwood lumber like oak or walnut falls on the higher end. Different retailers and lumber yards can also vary in price, so it helps to shop around to compare prices.

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. 

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.

You can install exposed solid wood beams for between $6 and $80 per linear foot, but these beams are often decorative if you’re retrofitting an existing home with them. Laminated veneer lumber beams, more commonly called LVL beams, cost $3 to $12 per linear foot, and while they can’t span nearly as long of a distance as steel I-beams, they can provide more open spaces than traditional wooden beams.