In Victoria, a simple open-frame pergola under 20 square metres and under 3.6 metres in height may be exempt from a building permit — provided it is freestanding, positioned correctly on the allotment, and has no waterproof roofing. However, the moment you add polycarbonate sheeting, Colorbond, louvered blades, or any solid waterproof roof covering, the structure is legally reclassified as a verandah under the Building Regulations, which always requires a permit regardless of size. Heritage overlays add another layer — if your property has one, you'll also need a planning permit, which can add 4–8 weeks to the process. We assess your property's overlay status and the proposed structure at the quoting stage and give you clear permit advice before work begins.

Both are solid choices, and the right option depends on your aesthetic preference, budget, and long-term maintenance appetite. Timber pergolas — typically treated pine or merbau — suit period-style homes and properties where a natural, warm aesthetic is important; they require periodic oiling or painting but are generally more affordable upfront. Aluminium pergolas are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and require virtually no maintenance — a strong choice for south-east Melbourne properties where moisture and UV exposure are factors. Aluminium typically costs 20–30% more upfront than comparable timber but carries a much longer lifespan with minimal upkeep. We can show you examples of both and recommend the right framing based on your property and priorities.

Most standard residential pergolas — a single-bay structure attached to the house or freestanding in the backyard — can be installed in 1–3 days depending on size, footing requirements, and roofing type. If a building permit is required, the approval process typically takes 2–4 weeks before construction can begin, so the total timeline from quote acceptance to completed installation is usually 3–6 weeks for permitted structures. Exempt structures with no permit requirement can often be scheduled and installed within 1–2 weeks. We provide a realistic timeline at the quoting stage based on your specific project and the current permit queue if applicable.

Yes — and this is one of the most common requests we handle. A pergola over bare ground or patchy lawn doesn't function as well as one over a properly paved or concreted surface, and the drainage underneath needs to be considered as part of the structure's installation rather than as an afterthought. As a full-service landscaping company, we handle the pergola frame, the paved or concreted surface beneath it, and any surrounding garden beds, turf, or retaining walls in a single project scope. This means the drainage and levels are planned together, surfaces transition cleanly, and you're dealing with one team rather than co-ordinating a builder and a landscaper separately. Call 0406 833 007 to book a free on-site consultation.