Pergola Upgrades

Pergola Options and Upgrades

One of the best things about getting a custom pergola from Austin Custom Pergolas is that we give you several options for upgrades to enhance the look and/or function of your pergola.

On this page you will find a few of the most popular upgrades we offer along with pricing for each.

Large Pergola with Cedar Tongue & Groove Ceiling

Additional Wood Top Slats

Top slats are the row of wooden boards on the very top of the pergola. They are typically made of 2”x2” cedar and are the main determining factor for how much shade the pergola makes. Standard top slat spacing is 12” which is fairly far apart and will let in most of the sun (about 10% shade). Other popular options are 8”, 6”, 4”, and 2” spacing. 2” spacing will block most of the sun and give 75-85% shade.

12” Top Slat Spacing

6” Top Slat Spacing

4” Top Slat Spacing

2” Top Slat Spacing

Polycarbonate Roof

Adding a polycarbonate roof to your custom pergola is a great way to add additional shade to keep you cool on hot days. It will also protect you and the pergola from the sun and rain, while still allowing most of the sunlight to enter. Most poly roofs have UV protection which protects the wood from the bleaching effects of the sun.

We have multiple options for polycarbonate roofing from basic to premium. Most of our poly roof options come in different shades such as bronze, clear, and white. The basic poly is cost-effective, durable, and comes in thin corrugated panels. The mid-grade (Apollo system) and premium poly (Hercules system) are extremely effective and have a very high-end professional finished look. The difference between the mid-grade and premium is how they attach at the seams. Here are two links to further explore: Mid-Grade; Apollo System & Premium; Hercules System

*One thing to note about the basic polycarbonate is that we cannot guarantee against leaks at the seams during a big rain. The mid-grade and premium poly are weatherproofed and have a 10 year guarantee per the manufacturer. The basic poly is still an excellent product for the price which will keep out most of the rain.

Pricing starts at $7/sq ft for basic poly, $12/sq ft for the mid-grade, and $18/sq ft for premium poly.

Basic Polycarbonate Roof

Premium Polycarbonate Roof in Bronze

Premium Polycarbonate Roof in Clear

Metal Roof

A metal roof is another popular option for a custom pergola or pavilion if you are looking for 100% shade or if you have a tongue & groove ceiling. Metal roofs come in a variety of colors and styles to fit your project.

Our supplier for metal roofing is Central Texas Metal Roofing who we’ve been using for almost a decade. Their metal roof panels are manufactured right here in their Texas facility just out side Austin. Each order is custom made AFTER the order is placed ensuring a perfect fit for each job — for this reason there is a minimum two week lead time for metal roofing.

The two most popular types of metal roofing for custom pergolas are R-panel and standing seam. Here is a link showing the difference between the metal roofs; R-Panel + Standing Seam Shurlock 175.

Pricing starts at $8/sq ft for an R-panel metal roof and $12/sq ft for a standing seam metal roof.

R-Panel Metal Roof in Emerald Green

R-Panel Metal Roof in Ash Grey

Click link to see full size color chart PDF for metal roof color options.

Privacy Fence

A privacy fence is a great way to add style and function to a pergola. The view from sitting under a pergola is often of your neighbors back yard, especially if seated on a raised deck. A privacy blind is a great way to block this view without fully enclosing the space. Privacy blinds can be built in many different styles to fit the look you’re going for.

A privacy fence is also a good way to block the evening sun if it comes in harsh during certain times of day.

See more examples of privacy fences in our Gallery

Cedar Tongue & Groove Ceiling

Adding a Tongue & Groove ceiling to a custom pergola or pavilion is a great way to give the structure a finished look from the underside. T&G boards come in cedar and pine and can be left unfinished or stained/painted to the color of your choice.

Gray Stained T&G Ceiling

Cedar T&G Ceiling

Pine T&G Ceiling

Stain

Staining a pergola is an optional upgrade that enhances the aesthetic appeal, and complements the overall design of your custom pergola. There are endless color options and shades that you could use for your custom pergola.

A natural cedar stain will enrich the natural beauty of the wood. Alternatively, a dark or two-tone stain will add a custom dynamic look that stands out in your backyard.

Additionally, staining provides protection against the elements, safeguarding the wood from rot, decay, and UV damage, thus prolonging its lifespan. Moreover, staining can also simplify maintenance efforts, as it seals the wood, making it easier to clean and reducing the frequency of refinishing. Ultimately, by staining your pergola, you not only elevate its appearance but also ensure its durability and longevity, enhancing your enjoyment of your outdoor living area for years to come.

Stain pricing is $7/sq ft for single color and $8/sq ft for two-tone.