OUTDOOR LIVING SPECIALISTS

Custom Pergolas & Gazebos in the Southern Highlands

Expand your living space outdoors with a custom designed pergola or gazebo. We build durable, stylish structures that blend perfectly with your home's architecture, providing the perfect shade and shelter for year round entertaining.

Call: 0478 763 002 Get A Quote

Reliable Pricing & Availability

We keep things clear and simple no hidden costs, no long waits.

Top Quality Materials & Workmanship

We only use materials we trust, and our work speaks for itself.

Professional & Personable

We treat your home like our own and our clients with the utmost respect.

We Finish What We Start

No half-done jobs. No loose ends. Just solid, satisfying results.

Flynn Hessenberger, Director and owner of Hessie Homes

STRESS-FREE OUTDOOR BUILDS

Our Signature Outdoor Build Process

We transform outdoor spaces like pergolas & gazebos across Bowral, Mittagong, and Moss Vale with a seamless, fully managed building experience. From the initial design to the final roofing screw, we handle every trade so you don’t have to.

Design, Layout & Council Check

We meet on site to assess your garden and roofline. We determine the best orientation for sunlight and check if your project is Exempt or requires Council Approval (which we manage).

Material Selection & Framing

You choose the look exposed timber rafters, lined ceilings, or industrial steel. We then prepare the site, pour footings, and frame the structure with precision carpentry.

Roofing, Decking & Handover

We install your chosen roofing (insulated, polycarbonate, or colorbond) and complete any integrated decking or balustrades. We finish with a site clean and final inspection.

Call: 0478 763 002 Get A Quote Fully Licensed & Insured. Free On-Site Consultation.

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME

Tailored Pergolas & Gazebos for Southern Highlands Living

Whether you own a heritage cottage in Mittagong or a modern architectural home in Bowral, we design custom pergolas & gazebos that respect the character of your property.

Modern Alfresco Pergola attached to home

The Modern Alfresco

An attached pergola with a lined ceiling and downlights, creating a seamless flow from your indoor living room to the outdoors.

The Modern Garden Gazebo

A sophisticated, freestanding structure with clean lines and a flat roof, perfect for a quiet retreat or poolside entertaining.

Rustic Timber Pergola

Open rafters using chunky hardwood timber. Perfect for growing vines and adding a Tuscan or country feel to your patio.

TRUSTED BY LOCALS

Happy Clients With New Pergolas & Gazebos

We are proud to be one of the highest rated builders in the Southern Highlands. Our reputation is built on transparency, cleanliness, and premium communication. We don't just say we're good; our clients do.

Read our 5-Star Reviews on Google

Carsten Prien

★★★★★

"Flynn and the team were so easy to deal with and the quality of the work and attention to detail was exceptional for our new pergola and studio. Highly recommended."

Michael Archer

★★★★★

"We cannot recommend Hessie Homes highly enough. Flynn and his team of all trades were a dream to have around. They completely renovated our house in less than 3 months - from top to toe! Amazing effort."

Trista Valk

★★★★★

"Flynn & his team were excellent in our recent external renovation. Great communication, punctual and excellent workmanship. Would use them again in a heart beat."

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Outdoor Living FAQs: Permits, Materials & Pricing

We know that building an outdoor structure involves many decisions, from local council rules to material durability. Here are common questions our Southern Highlands team receives about pergolas and gazebos.

What is the difference between a pergola and a gazebo?

A pergola is a permanent, four-sided structure typically with an open roof, offering partial shade. A gazebo traditionally has a solid, pitched roof providing full shelter and is often a freestanding, more ornamental structure.

What happens if you build a pergola without a permit?

If your pergola or gazebo requires approval but is built without a permit, the Wingecarribee Shire Council may issue a fine or demand the structure be demolished. We always check local rules and manage the approvals process for you.

Does a pergola need footings and concrete?

Yes. As a permanent structure, pergola posts must be secured to footings, usually concrete, set below ground level. This ensures structural integrity against the Southern Highlands wind and weather.

Which is better: a wooden or aluminium pergola?

Aluminium offers longevity and is maintenance-free, while wooden structures (like Merbau or Spotted Gum) provide classic warmth and charm. We recommend wood for heritage homes and aluminium/steel for modern alfresco designs.

How much does a custom pergola installation cost?

Costs vary significantly based on size, materials (timber vs. steel), and roofing choice. Installation by a licensed builder typically starts higher than a DIY kit but guarantees compliance and durability.

How high should a pergola be?

Most pergolas are designed to match the gutter height of the adjoining house (around 2.4m to 2.7m). Height is often governed by Council rules, particularly if the structure is close to a boundary line.

Does a pergola keep rain out?

A traditional pergola with open rafters offers only partial sun screening. To keep rain out, we install solid roofing, such as insulated panels or Colorbond sheeting, transforming it into a true alfresco area.

What is the difference between a gazebo and a cabana?

A gazebo is typically a freestanding garden shelter. A cabana is specifically a poolside structure often featuring screening, walls, or change rooms, offering greater shelter and privacy near the water.

What is the best roof for a pergola?

Insulated Colorbond roofing is the best option for year-round use. It provides shade, fully blocks rain, and, most importantly, reduces heat transfer better than single-skin metal or polycarbonate, keeping your area comfortable.

What are the maintenance requirements of a timber pergola?

Timber pergolas require cleaning every six months (a quick hose down) and resealing or restaining every 1–3 years, depending on sun exposure. We recommend low maintenance materials for hassle free ownership.

What materials do you use that resist termites?

We eliminate termite risk by building with termite resistant materials, such as powder coated steel posts and framework, or using H3 treated pine timber for structural elements.

Can I put a pergola over an existing deck or patio?

Yes, this is very common. We bolt the pergola posts to the existing deck frame or patio footings, ensuring the entire structure is stable and properly integrated with your home.

How long does a permanent gazebo last?

A permanent, custom built timber or steel gazebo should last 20 years or more with minimal maintenance. This is significantly longer than temporary, off the shelf canvas or soft roofed structures.

Where should a backyard pergola be placed?

Placement should be driven by purpose. Attached structures near the kitchen are best for dining, while detached structures in a far corner are better for secluded relaxation or poolside lounging.

Is it cheaper to buy or build a pergola?

A store bought kit is initially cheaper, but a custom built pergola uses stronger materials, perfectly fits your space (avoiding costly modifications), and lasts far longer, providing better long term value.

How do I protect a gazebo in the Southern Highlands winter?

If you have a custom, solid roof structure, no winter protection is needed. If you have a temporary fabric gazebo, we recommend disassembling it before frost or severe winds arrive.