SerpApi.Org
I have always dreamed of adding a pergola to my yard. Not only are these giant structures good at creating an outdoor living space that lets you use your yard as an extension of your home, but they are also great for enjoying the sunshine while beating the heat thanks to the shade they provide.
But I've never had the budget for one of these pretty yard structures, since they can often cost thousands of dollars. However, one creative DIYer may have found the perfect workaround, building her own backyard pergola on a budget, spending just hundreds of dollars instead of the more than $5,000 she was quoted by a pro.
Woman Saves Thousands Building Her Own Backyard Pergola
TikToker @builtbybec got a $5,000 pergola for just $400 by going the DIY route instead of paying someone to come out and build it. She detailed the process in her video, showing her followers step-by-step instructions for building the structure.
Not only that, she gave some pro tips on how to make the pergola last, highlighting that she used milk paint to cover the posts, saying it soaks directly into the wood so it won't ever chip.
Commenters Cheered Her DIY Decision
It's not unusual for people to get a little mean-spirited in the comments of DIY projects, posting about how they can tell that the finished work wasn't completed by a pro, but Bec's followers were quick to celebrate her decision to handle this one on her own.
"Couldn't agree more about the quotes," one person wrote in part, adding that sometimes you just have to figure things out on your own.
"You just convinced me I can do this myself," another person added after asking for a list of the materials and wood sizes Bec used.
Related: The Best Restoration Hardware Outdoor Furniture Lookalikes of Summer 2026
How to Cut Pergola Costs Even Further
The cost of lumber skyrocketed during COVID, and while it has come down a bit, it's no longer the least expensive way to build things. If you want to duplicate this project but don't want to splurge on expensive materials, consider using more affordable alternatives.
According to a Reddit thread about affordable pergola design, purchasing steel or aluminum pergola pieces and building them yourself can be a cheaper option. Another person added that you can save money by using a sail shade instead of the traditional wood-slat design, spending the bulk of your budget on the wood posts needed to set up the shade system.
Of course, no matter how you opt to build your backyard structure, it's important to check with your local municipality first to make sure you won't need a permit before getting started.
