How Much Does a Pergola Cost?

Highlights

• Building a custom pergola requires professional expertise to ensure high-quality results. The average cost for a pergola ranges from $2,000 to $6,000, with materials making up $1,000 to $5,000 of that cost.

• Pergola cost factors include material type, size, labor rates, and whether it's standalone or attached.

• Common pergola materials include aluminum, vinyl, cedar, redwood, Trex, pine, teak, and fiberglass.

• The cost to build a pergola ranges from $2,127 and $6,422 or $4,260 on average. Custom designs with high-end materials can reach $12,000 or more.

Highlights were summarized from this existing cost guide text using automation technology and were thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Pergola Material Prices

Pergola prices can vary considerably based on the type of material chosen. Here are the average costs for the most common pergola materials.

Aluminum 

A 100-square-foot aluminum pergola usually runs from $1,000 to $3,000. This is one of the cheaper pergola building materials.

Vinyl

Vinyl pergolas usually run from $1,000 to $3,000 for a 100-square-foot model. This material is popular thanks to its low-maintenance nature.

Cedar

Like redwood, cedar pergolas are also insect and rot resistant and usually run from $2,500 to $3,500 for a 100-square-foot model.

Redwood

A 100-square-foot pergola made of redwood can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $5,000. This popular material is insect- and rot-resistant. 

Trex

A Trex pergola costs from $50 to $60 per square foot on average. Check with a manufacturer for a quote on your project.

Pine

Pressure-treated pine is a common pergola choice, running between $25 to $40 per square foot. This material naturally resists rot and insect damage. However, it’s a softer wood that may not stand as long as hardier materials. 

Teak

Teak goes for upwards of $55 per square foot or more. Teak comes at a premium cost, but these materials may last around four times as long as pine. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass goes for $60 per square foot or more. This is an extremely strong and easy-to-maintain material. 

Pergola Cost per Square Foot

You can expect to pay around $30 to $60 per square foot on average to build a pergola, including the cost of materials and installation. Prices may vary based on materials, size, and labor rates in your area.

Pergola Prices by Roof Type

Pergola prices vary widely based on the type of roof you choose. Cloth roofs are the most budget-friendly, while smart options that adjust to the weather cost considerably more. Some pergolas, however, don’t have any roof at all with only a trellis on top.

Louvered

A louvered pergola costs roughly $20 to $55 per square foot on average for an automatic system. The roof can open and close to suit the sun, rain, or other weather conditions.

Smart Pergola

A smart pergola runs about $60 to $65 per square foot. These pergolas open and close according to the weather. You can control them by either a remote control or your smartphone.

Retractable

A retractable roof costs a total of $900 to $3,000 or more. Retractable roofs for pergolas come in many sizes. Talk to a pro to see what size works best for your structure.

Cloth

Cloth pergolas are an extremely budget-friendly option, costing an average of $30 to $40. However, these will not last nearly as long as other roof types.

DIY Pergola Costs

DIY pergola kit prices range from $600 to $7,500 or more. Costs vary depending on the size of the structure and the materials used.

When building a custom pergola from scratch, it’s a good idea to hire a pergola builder near you to ensure professional results.  Here are some important questions for vetting your pro before you hire:

• What’s your experience level?

• Do you have references I can contact?

• What will this job entail?

• Can you give me a cost estimate for this project?

• What are your payment terms?

• How long will this job take?

Pergola Cost Factors

The total installation cost for a pergola ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 on average, and materials make up roughly $1,000 to $5,000 of that cost. Labor typically runs from $500 to $1,000 but can cost more depending on the project’s complexity. Below are some of the major factors that will impact your budget.

Standalone vs. Attached Pergolas

Standalone pergolas may carry higher material costs than those attached to a house. This is because standalone options require four posts to stand, while attached options only need two posts.

Building Over a Patio or Deck

Building a pergola over a patio or deck will be slightly more expensive than building a standalone structure. You’ll need to pay the added cost for wood ties, metal brackets and/or plate anchors to make sure the structure is stable.

Pergola vs. Arbor vs. Trellis Cost Comparison

Adding a trellis to a pergola runs from $400 to $2,350 on average. You can find a prefabricated kit at local home improvement stores or find a pro to build a custom trellis. Custom builds will be more expensive but they allow you to design the perfect structure to build your space.

Arbors cost from $100 to $15,000 or more. High-end options like custom wood arbors with a gable or other decorative accessories can cost as much as $15,000. A simple prefabricated metal arbor kit costs far less, ranging from $100 to $500 on average.