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Written by
Sarah Noel
November 28,
Edited by
Tara Farmer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
A prefabricated pergola costs $1,450 to $5,750 installed on average or $10 to $40 per square foot. The cost to build a custom pergola is $30 to $65 per square foot installed. DIY pergola kit prices are $700 to $4,000. Pergola installation labor costs $50 to $120 per hour.
The total cost for a pergola depends on the size, material, and design complexity.
Adding a floor, roof, and extra features increases the cost to build a pergola.
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Custom-designed wood pergolas cost 2 to 3 times more than a prefab kit assembled on-site.
Average cost of a pergola by type - ChartAverage cost of a pergola by type Pergola design type Average cost installed* Prefab pergola kit (DIY installation) $700 $4,000 Prefab pergola kit installed $1,450 $5,750 Custom wood pergola $4,300 $9,350*For a 12x12 size pergola made with standard wood.
Pergola installation costs are cheapest at $10 to $40 per square foot for a contractor to assemble a basic kit on an existing foundation. Total project fees vary greatly according to site conditions and the pergola type.
Pergola installation cost Type Cost per square foot Average total cost installed* Kit installed $10 $40 $1,450 $5,750 Onsite custom-built $30 $65 $4,300 $9,350*For a 12x12 size pergola.
Cost factors include:
Size, shape, brand, & style Larger and complex pergolas cost more for materials and longer labor time.
Prefab vs. custom Pergolas custom-built on the property take longer to install than prefabricated types.
Attached vs. freestanding Pergolas attached to the home have less columns, reducing material costs.
Material Aluminum and vinyl pergolas are cheapest while fiberglass and hardwood cost the most.
Labor Hourly labor rates vary by location, job complexity, and site accessibility.
Garden base Extra anchors for hard and rocky ground increase overall costs.
Permits A pergola permit costs $60 to $150 on average. Some cities dont require one unless its larger than 200 square feet.
Delivery Pergola companies offer discounted or free delivery depending on the home's location. Extra fees apply for long distances.
Foundation A new foundation costs $4 to $30 per square foot extra for building a deck or concrete slab to support the pergola.
Roof style / cover type Adding a roof costs $45 to $125 per square foot, depending on the type, material, and design.
Finish A pergola kit is typically pre-painted or stained. Custom-built pergolas may need finishing. Staining or painting a pergola costs $2 to $5 per square foot.
Customizations
Designer features Add a trellis for climbing plants, built-in seating for party guests, or a privacy wall.
New outlet Installing an outdoor outlet costs $180 to $350 each.
Electric work An electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour.
Lights Outdoor lighting installation costs $80 to $300 per fixture.
Retractable shade Various prices apply for fabric canopies, curtains, or transparent-plastic sheeting.
A louvered pergola roof costs $45 to $125 per square foot on average, depending on the type, design, and features. An automatic and motorized louvered roof costs $75 to $175 per square foot installed with Wi-Fi connections and sensors.
Pergola roof cost Roof type Cost per square foot* Details Louvered - manual $45 $110*Total installed cost.
Most pergola materials cost $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the material type, design complexity, and whether its a premade kit or custom build. Aluminum or vinyl pergolas are cheapest at $10 to $30 per square foot for materials.
Pergola material calculator Pergola material Cost per square foot* Aluminum / metal $10 $30 Vinyl $10 $30 Cedar $25 $40 Fiberglass $50 $70 Pine $20 $40 Redwood $40 $50 Teak & other hardwoods $55 $100 Trex $50 $60*Material prices only.
Pergola installation labor costs $600 to $1,500 for assembling a pre-made kit less than 16 feet long. The labor cost to build a custom pergola is $2,000 to $7,000 or $50 to $120 per hour. These prices are for pergola construction on an existing deck or prepared base.
Building a deck or concrete slab for a pergola costs $600 to $4,300, depending on the size, material, and finish. Installers can cement pergola posts into the concrete slab for maximum durability. Otherwise, bolt the posts down with brackets onto wooden decks.
The cost to build a deck is $25 to $50 per square foot.
Pouring a concrete slab costs $5 to $10 per square foot.
A 12x12 DIY pergola kit costs $700 to $4,000, depending on the size, material, and design. Common sizes range from 10x10 to 12x20.
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Make sure to plan carefully for the size and location.
An existing strong and level patio is necessary for the base.
Basic tools needed include a hammer, saw, drill, and a level.
Follow local building codes and check if permits are necessary.
Hire a professional in case of doubt.
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The cost to repair a pergola depends on the extent of the damages:
The cost to paint a pergola is $2 to $6 per square foot.
The cost to stain a pergola is $4 to $6 per square foot.
Simple deck repair costs $100 to $750 while more complex repairs can cost $2,500 to $10,000+.
A pergola canopy replacement costs $80 to $250.
Removing an old pergola costs $150 to $700.
It is cheaper to buy a pergola kit than to have a professional build a custom pergola on-site. However, building your own custom pergola from wood without a kit is the cheapest choice.
A pergola kit costs $700 to $4,000.
A DIY wooden pergola costs $200 to $500 minimum to build a lean-to model from standard plywood that attaches to the home. Prices increase for sizes bigger than 10 to 16 long with 4 pillars and high-quality wood types.
Home Depot pergola installation costs $5,800 to $7,200 on average for a wood design up to 12x12. This price includes all materials and installation labor.
A pergola adds the most value to a home in a warm climate on a deck or stone patio. A well-maintained pergola increases curb appeal and may help sell the home faster.
A home appraisal costs $350 to $600.
A pergola is used for creating a partially shaded walkway or sitting area outdoors while still allowing enough sunlight to fill the space. However, pergolas dont provide full shade unless they are louvered models.
A pergola is worth it for these benefits:
Creating more space for plants with climbing vines
Increasing outdoor privacy (if screens are included)
Improving curb appeal
Adding a lounge area outdoors with a retractable shade
People who can build or install a pergola include:
Installers from a pergola building company
Carpenters
Experienced handyman contractors
Builders from home improvement stores
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*Fees excluding ground prep & foundation costs.
Before hiring a pergola builder near you, be sure to:
Compare multiple bids from companies with 5+ years of experience.
Check that they have licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed estimate and contract before work starts.
Beware of the cheapest quotes that typically result in low-quality work.
Give the final payment only after the job is complete.
How many years of experience do you have in building pergolas?
What are my options to anchor the posts?
Can I see your reference list and photos of past projects?
Which designs are strong enough to withstand storms in my area?
How long will the pergola construction take?
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
What are the maintenance requirements for this material?
Which pergola style suits my yard best?
What type of wood do you recommend?
How many people will work on my property?
Does this estimate include all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup fees?
Which types of unexpected costs are common on a job like this?
Will you handle permits and zoning requirements?
Pergola prices can vary considerably based on the type of material chosen. Here are the average costs for the most common pergola materials.
A 100-square-foot aluminum pergola usually runs from $1,000 to $3,000. This is one of the cheaper pergola building materials.
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.
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.
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.
A Trex pergola costs from $50 to $60 per square foot on average. Check with a manufacturer for a quote on your project.
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, its a softer wood that may not stand as long as hardier materials.
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 goes for $60 per square foot or more. This is an extremely strong and easy-to-maintain material.
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.
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