Steel pergolas are more than just stylish outdoor features—they are functional architectural elements that add value, structure, and comfort to your outdoor spaces. At Okudo Alusteel Fabricators, we take pride in offering customized, heavy-duty steel pergolas at competitive prices for clients in Kenya.
In this article, we take you through what a pergola is, its purpose, its essential parts, the factors that influence its cost, and a breakdown of what to expect in terms of pricing when you choose to work with us.
Caption: Steel Pergola installation at a Project in Runda by Okudo Alusteel Fabricators in January 2024
What Is a Pergola and Its Function in Construction?
A pergola is an outdoor structure typically consisting of vertical posts and horizontal beams that create a partially covered area. Unlike gazebos, pergolas are often open-roofed and can be covered with glass, polycarbonate, fabric, or climbing plants for additional shade and aesthetics.
In construction, pergolas serve both functional and decorative purposes, such as:
- Creating shaded outdoor sitting areas.
- Enhancing the architectural appeal of buildings.
- Supporting climbing plants in landscaping.
- Providing shelter without fully enclosing a space.
- Creating transition zones between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Caption: Steel Pergola installation at a construction site in Runda Pan African lane by Okudo Alusteel Fabricators in January 2024, View from Underneath.
Member Parts of a Steel Pergola
A typical steel pergola fabricated by Okudo Alusteel consists of the following primary components:
- Steel Posts (Columns): These are the vertical members that support the weight of the pergola structure. At Okudo Alusteel, we use heavy-duty 150mm x 150mm SHS (Square Hollow Sections) for maximum strength, aesthetics and stability.
- Main Beams: Running parallel to the roof line, these beams are responsible for transferring loads to the posts. We use 150mm x 50mm RHS (Rectangular Hollow Sections), usually doubled for added support and enhanced beauty.
- Rafters: These horizontal elements rest on the main beams and provide the framework of the open roof. Our typical specification uses 150mm x 50mm RHS for this component as well.
- Base Plate & Anchor Bolts: These are used to fix the posts securely to the foundation.
- Cover (Optional): Glass or polycarbonate sheets may be added to offer full weather protection. This is quoted separately and will depend on the type of glass chosen
Caption: Pergola Installation by Okudo Alusteel Fabricators Limited at our Mosoriot, Nandi County Project. Here we did 3 pergolas totalling to 100 Sq.m
Cost of a Steel Pergola in Kenya.
Several factors influence the actual total cost of a steel pergola project:
- Size of the pergola (in square meters)
- Steel specifications (thickness and section sizes)
- Complexity of design
- Finish options (painted, galvanized, powder-coated)
- Cover type (glass, polycarbonate, or none)
- Site access and installation logistics
At Okudo Alusteel Fabricators, our current fabrication cost is:
Ksh. 3,000 per square meter for the labour component.
(Excluding cover glass and foundation works)
Typical material costs for a pergola with:
- 150mm x 150mm posts,
150mm x 50mm double beams,
150mm x 50mm rafters are estimated at Ksh. 5,625 per square meter.
That gives a total cost of Ksh. 8,625 per square meter.
Caption: Steel Pergola installation at a site in Isiolo by Okudo Alusteel Fabricators in February 2025.Main House.
Caption: Steel Pergola installation at a site in Isiolo by Okudo Alusteel Fabricators in February 2025.DSQ.
Total Area: 27.0 m²
Here’s a sample materials cost breakdown based on our standard specification:
| Item No | Description | Quantity | Unit Price (Ksh.) | Total Amount (Ksh.) |
| 01 | SHS 150 x 150 x 4mm | 1 | 16,000 | 16,000 |
| 02 | RHS 150 x 50 x 3mm | 11 | 8,000 | 88,000 |
| 03 | MS Plate 2.4 x 1.2 x 4mm | 1 | 11,500 | 11,500 |
| 04 | Body Filler (Kgs) | 4 | 500 | 2,000 |
| 05 | Primer (Liters) | 4 | 200 | 800 |
| 06 | AGI Welding Rods (pkts) | 2 | 1,100 | 2,200 |
| 07 | Cutting Disks 9″ (pcs) | 6 | 200 | 1,200 |
| 08 | Grinding Disks 9″ (pcs) | 8 | 250 | 2,000 |
| 09 | Sand Paper P60 (ft) | 4 | 60 | 240 |
| 10 | Super gloss Black Paint (Liters) | 8 | 750 | 6,000 |
| 11 | Turpentine (Liters) | 4 | 450 | 1,800 |
Note: Prices are subject to market variation and do not include transport, foundation, or cover glass.
Total Material Cost: Ksh. 131,740
Labour Cost (Ksh. 3,000/m² x 27m²): Ksh. 81,000
Miscellaneous (10% of above): Ksh. 21,274
Grand Total (Material + Labour + Misc): Ksh. 234,014
Why Choose Okudo Alusteel Fabricators?
- Professional Workmanship: Our team uses precision equipment and welding techniques to ensure durable, elegant pergolas.
- Affordable Rates: At just Ksh. 3,000/m² for fabrication, we are among the most competitively priced in Kenya.
- Custom Designs: Whether you need a modern, rustic, or commercial-style pergola, we’ve got you covered.
- Free Site Measurements Across Kenya: Yes, we come to you!
Get in Touch
Want to transform your outdoor space with a stylish steel pergola?
📞 Call or WhatsApp us at +254 706 383 567
📍 Visit our workshop in Kitengela, behind Tarikivile Mall, off Namanga Highway
📍 Or our Nairobi office: 10th Floor, Pension Towers, Loita Street
Let’s build it strong. Let’s build it beautifully—with Okudo Alusteel Fabricators.