Your New Pergola. Anchored properly, sized for our winters.
Attached pergolas, freestanding structures, louvered roofs across Ottawa & Gatineau. Designed for shade and the way you live outside — built with the snow load, wind, and house attachment our climate actually demands.
A pergola isn't just lumber and posts.
It's a structural addition to your yard. It has to handle snow load. It has to be anchored properly — to the deck, to the house, or to footings deep enough to survive a Gatineau winter. The “kit pergola” at the hardware store wasn't designed for this climate, and it isn't usually installed to code.
We design pergolas for Ottawa-Gatineau winters. Footings sized correctly. Hardware grade matched to the climate. Attachments engineered, not improvised. The result: a structure that's still standing — and still looking right — twenty winters from now.
That's not how this works. Not here.
How your pergola project works
Five steps. No surprises. You approve every decision before we move forward.
Consultation
Site visit. We look at the yard, the house's structure (for attached pergolas), and how you want to use the space — dining, lounge, hot tub cover.
Design
Dimensions, roof type (open lattice / solid / louvered), attachment method, materials, optional electrical. Snow-load calculations if needed.
Selection
Materials and finish — cedar, PT, aluminum, composite. Roof type. Hardware. Lighting if any.
Build
Post footings (if freestanding), assembly, attachment, roof install. 1–2 weeks typical.
Reveal
Walkthrough, inspection if needed, demo of any motorized components.
What's included in your pergola project
Attached Pergola
Anchored directly to your home — extending your interior living space outward. Most common pergola style. Ledger board to house, posts on the outer edges.
Freestanding Pergola
Stands alone — middle of the yard, off the side of a deck, over a patio. No attachment to the home. Four posts on engineered footings.
Louvered-Roof Pergola
Adjustable louvers (manual or motorized) that open for sun and close for rain. Real outdoor-living tech. Higher upfront cost — significantly more usable hours per year.
Pergola + Deck Combo
Pergola attached to a new or existing deck — sized and structured together. Post placement integrates with the deck framing so it looks intentional, not bolted on.
What to expect: investment & timeline
Every pergola is different. Here's what most of our clients invest:
| Scope | Investment Range | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Small attached pergola (10×10, open lattice, cedar) | $5,000 – $8,000 | ~1 week |
| Mid-size pergola with full roof (12×16, composite or aluminum) | $8,000 – $15,000 | 1–2 weeks |
| Large freestanding pergola with louvered roof | $15,000 – $30,000+ | 2 weeks |
Starting prices apply to simple, straightforward projects. Final pricing depends on size, access, demolition, materials, permits, structure, site conditions and finishing choices.
We don't aim to be the cheapest — we aim to be the most predictable.
Be cautious with pergola quotes that come in significantly lower. They often exclude permits, proper footings (a kit pergola sitting on patio stones won't survive year three), snow-load engineering, or the attachment hardware needed for a long-term install. A complete quote covers design, materials, footings to code, structural attachment, roof, hardware, and any electrical.
Why homeowners choose Reno Ottawa-Gatineau
Every detail planned before we build.
Dimensions, roof type, attachment, materials, electrical (if any), post setting — documented and approved upfront.
One person owns your project.
Project manager from consultation through walkthrough. One phone number.
You hear from us before you have to ask.
Weather-aware proactive communication. Immediate flags on shifts.
We take on fewer projects — on purpose.
We don't squeeze a pergola into a one-day window between bigger jobs.
Permits, codes, coordination — all handled.
Pergolas over a certain size require permits in Ottawa AND Gatineau. We pull the permit, meet snow-load code, and handle the inspection.
Recent outdoor project photos and testimonials coming soon. In the meantime, our renovation clients consistently highlight the same things: clear communication, clean execution, and projects delivered without unnecessary surprises.
“Reno-Ottawa demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a keen attention to detail. They listened carefully to my ideas and provided valuable suggestions.”
— Tim G., Orleans
Pergola project questions
How much does a pergola cost in Ottawa?
Most pergolas fall between $5,000 and $25,000 depending on size, roof type, materials, and whether it's attached or freestanding. A basic 10×10 cedar pergola with open lattice runs around $5K–$8K. A mid-size composite pergola with full roof is $10K–$15K. A large freestanding pergola with motorized louvered roof can reach $30K+.
Do I need a permit for a pergola in Ottawa?
Sometimes. Permit requirements depend on size, attachment to the home, electrical, and zoning setbacks. Smaller freestanding pergolas often don't require a building permit, but anything attached to the home, over a certain size, or with electrical usually does. We verify your specific situation at consultation.
Do I need a permit for a pergola in Gatineau?
Quebec rules vary by sector. Most pergolas over a modest size require a permit. We handle the application and any required plans.
What roof options are there?
Three main types: (1) open lattice — slatted boards, decorative shade. (2) Solid roof — full coverage, polycarbonate or metal, blocks rain. (3) Louvered roof — adjustable slats, manual or motorized. Louvered is the most versatile but the most expensive.
How much snow load does a pergola need to handle in this region?
Snow-load requirements vary by structure type, height, and location. Most kit pergolas from big-box stores aren't engineered for this region's winters. We size posts, beams, and footings to meet the applicable code for your specific design.
Can a pergola attach to my deck?
Yes — and integrating the design at construction time is dramatically cleaner than retrofitting later. If we're building both, we plan the deck framing to accept the pergola posts so the structure is unified.
What about motorized louvered roofs — are they worth it?
Worth it if you'll use the space year-round. They cost 3–5× a basic pergola but give you the most usable outdoor hours per year — they open for sun, close for rain, integrate lighting and screens. Not worth it if you only sit outside in July.
How do you attach a pergola to my home?
Through a ledger board anchored to the rim joist or structural framing. Flashing matters; bad attachments are the #1 cause of pergolas pulling away from the house over time. We flash properly and lag into structure, not just siding.
What's the biggest mistake homeowners make on a pergola project?
Buying a kit. Kit pergolas are sized for warmer climates with less snow and weaker winds. Many are bolted to patio stones instead of poured footings. The cost difference between a kit and a properly engineered pergola is smaller than people expect — and the lifespan difference is enormous.
How do I get started?
Book a consultation. We visit your yard, talk through the design, and give you a clear scope with real numbers.
"Having a contractor that is solution oriented showcasing innovation and creativity during the unexpected, definitely made the process easier and more enjoyable."
— Hussain R., Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa
Ready to plan your pergola?
One conversation. A clear plan. Real numbers. No surprises.
Book your pergola consultationOr call us directly: (613) 880-8024