How Much Does a Pergola Cost to Build?
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A pergola is a simple structure that can transform a bland backyard into a relaxing retreat. Total pergola cost varies by build, but homeowners can expect to pay between $2,138 and $6,341, or an average of $4,241.
Highlights
- The typical cost to build a pergola is between $2,138 and $6,341, and the national average cost is $4,241.
- Several factors can influence the total cost of a pergola, including its size, material, shape, style, and brand; the type of roof; the cost of labor and permits; the geographic location; and the installation location.
- Pergolas offer many benefits, including additional outdoor living space, increased shade and privacy, and improved curb appeal.
- A homeowner may be able to build a pergola themselves using a DIY kit, though it’s an involved project that can take time. To build a custom pergola, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional.
A pergola adds great style (and cool shade) to outdoor living spaces. But how much is a pergola? There are many factors to consider when estimating pergola cost, but according to Angi and HomeAdvisor, homeowners pay $4,241 on average for a new backyard structure, though the price can be as low as $2,138 or as high as $6,341 depending on the project.
Other factors to consider include whether a DIY approach will be taken to pergola construction or if a professional contractor will handle the build. Homeowners will also want to give some thought to the pergola’s design and whether they want additional features such as electrical wiring and lighting. For homeowners who are hesitant about the final price tag, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to save on a pergola build.
Learn how pergola size, material, and style affect the overall cost while determining whether the benefits of building a pergola make the investment worthwhile.
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Factors in Calculating Pergola Cost
Unless they’re built from a pergola kit or common design, all pergolas are unique. Their size, materials, shape, and style all influence the average cost of pergola builds. Below are some of the most important factors homeowners will want to focus on when trying to determine the final cost of pergola construction.
Pergola Size
Pergolas are often priced by the square foot. This means that the size a homeowner chooses for their pergola will have the biggest effect on the overall cost. A smaller pergola may measure 10 feet by 4 feet and cost between $1,200 and $2,400 to build, including materials and labor.
But as the pergola grows in size, so does the price. A larger pergola measuring 10 feet by 20 feet can cost between $6,000 and $12,000. It’s important for homeowners to choose a pergola size that matches their needs without going overboard to avoid paying for space that won’t be put to good use.
Pergola Material
Besides size, the material used to build a pergola also plays an important role in determining the final cost of construction. Some materials are more affordable, like pine, aluminum, and vinyl. There are materials that quickly grow the average pergola build cost, such as teak and fiberglass. But more expensive materials tend to be more durable and offer other benefits like low maintenance requirements.
When choosing materials for a pergola build, it’s important for homeowners to consider not only aesthetics but also how much maintenance they want to put into their pergola’s upkeep. Longevity should also be considered. A pergola that’s a more affordable option today could be in for expensive repairs or even a full replacement tomorrow.
Pergola Shape and Style
Pergolas come in a variety of shapes and styles, allowing homeowners to customize the look and feel of their outdoor space. A modern design features a traditional box shape and may include aluminum or even stone. A contemporary style is great for a poolside environment. Wood or vinyl in light colors are both great options for a contemporary feel. Finally, a rustic look is always a great choice. Made from pine, cedar, or even reclaimed wooden beams, a rustic pergola offers a ton of style bang for the buck.
While style can have an influence on price, shape is likely to be a bigger determinant of construction cost. A classic box shape features simple cuts and a straightforward design, making it on the lower end of the cost range. But an oversize pergola with multiple defined spaces or a design that features curves or detailed carvings will raise the average cost of a pergola build. The added cost can be well worth the investment, though, especially if an outdoor space is uniquely shaped and requires a pergola to match. Trying to save money by choosing a more basic design can result in an awkward appearance and even cut off otherwise usable space. For example, a square pergola on a deck with a circular shape can make it difficult to enjoy the entire space.
Pergola Brand
There are multiple pergola kit manufacturers. As with other types of kits or appliances, some brands have reputations that earn them higher sale prices, while some brands are considered to be more budget-friendly. A more affordable brand isn’t necessarily low quality, and a more high-end brand doesn’t necessarily make it the best option. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to research all the brands in their price point to make sure they’re not just getting a great price but a good value.
Some popular pergola brands include Backyard Discovery, Paragon Outdoor, and Lawn Master. If having a kit professional installed, homeowners can ask their contractor for a brand recommendation based on price, value, and longevity. If choosing to build a pergola from a kit, the brand chosen by the homeowner will have a large impact on the final price.
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Roof Type
Despite their simple appearance, pergolas have multiple options when it comes to their roofs. And like other options and features, each option can affect the total construction cost. A traditional pergola roof has slats, and the more slats the design requires, the more materials are needed. This can increase the cost of a pergola roof compared to one with fewer slats.
Additionally, pergolas can feature a manual retractable roof. This allows homeowners to manually open and close their roof as needed depending on the weather and personal preference. This type of roof typically costs between $10 and $30 per square foot to install.
An automatic pergola roof costs a bit more. For about $20 to $55 per square foot, an automatic roof lets homeowners enjoy the convenience of controlling their pergola roof with a remote. Finally, smart pergolas can be programmed to open and close on their own based on weather conditions. Smart pergolas can also be controlled with a smartphone app. These roofs are the most expensive to install at $60 to $65 per square foot.
Labor
The average labor cost to build a custom pergola ranges from $500 to $1,000. But there are other factors to consider rather than hours put into a job. For example, materials can affect labor cost. More common and easier-to-work-with materials like cedar and redwood are more likely to come with a lower labor cost. Materials that require more expertise, like teak, can warrant a higher labor cost from professionals.
The design of the pergola can also affect labor costs. A more straightforward design like a box with simple slats is more likely to come with competitive labor costs, while a more detailed design that includes a unique shape or custom carvings can easily increase hourly labor costs.
A simple metal structure can be built with a labor cost as low as $100, but a more complex design can come with a labor price tag in the thousands. For example, a cedar pergola can cost up to $6,500 with materials costing as little as $1,400. The distance between materials and labor costs isn’t always this big, but it’s important that homeowners understand how choices on pergola materials, size, and design can greatly influence labor costs and the total overall.
Permits
Not all pergola builds require permits, but it’s a good idea to factor in the price so it’s not a surprise if needed. A pergola installation permit runs anywhere between $30 and $150, depending on the municipality. If homeowners are concerned about this additional cost, it may help to know that the best pergola kits rarely require a permit or approval. And since pergolas don’t have covered roofs, roofing permits aren’t required either. But homeowners may need local clearance to install lighting or electrical wiring in their pergola build.
Geographic Location
Geographic location affects total pergola costs for multiple reasons. First, the price of materials can vary greatly depending on how far it has to travel from where it was produced. Additionally, labor fees tend to be more expensive in heavily populated areas and less expensive in rural towns.
For example, a 100-square-foot wood pergola in Fargo, North Dakota, costs between $3,000 and $4,000. A pergola in Pleasanton, California, can be as high as $30,000 if a solid roof is requested, though some designs can be as affordable as $3,000. In Fort Wayne, Indiana, it’s difficult to find a pergola builder that charges less than $4,000, and pricing can go as high as $20,000 for custom builds.
As a general rule of thumb, homeowners can evaluate their local economies to get an idea of pergola cost. If coffee, dining, and entertainment costs more where a homeowner lives compared to other nearby towns, they can expect the average cost of a pergola to follow suit. The opposite is true as well. For towns with a lower cost of living average, pergola rates are likely to be on the lower end too.
Installation Location
Pergolas are often installed on concrete slabs, decks, or patios. Where a pergola is installed can affect the final price for several reasons. If the space is in good condition and up to code, a pergola can easily be installed, resulting in minimal additional costs. But if a homeowner wants to install a pergola on a deck that has rotten boards, a patio with bricks caving in, or a concrete slab with multiple cracks and a lot of crumbling, repairs are going to have to take place before the build can begin.
Whether this raises the cost of a pergola built by several hundred or several thousand dollars depends on the types of repairs needed. Homeowners should understand that not only are these repairs necessary for safety, they’re also likely to be required when permits are involved. So while the additional costs can be a difficult financial pill to swallow, repairs are often the only way to safely and legally install a pergola.
What if a homeowner first wants to install a new deck, patio, or concrete slab before installing a pergola? The average cost to install a new deck is $7,913, while a new patio can cost about $3,662.
Keep in mind that a pergola can be installed in a grassy lawn, but the area may need to be leveled before the structure can be safely installed. This may be another additional cost.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Once the size, material, style, and installation location for a pergola has been determined, it’s time to consider additional costs and features, like electrical wiring and customizations. Here are a few considerations for pergola costs homeowners should know about.
Prefabricated vs. Custom
When it comes to prefabricated versus custom, how much is pergola installation? It depends on how extreme a homeowner goes with either option. For example, a prefabricated kit isn’t always inexpensive. Certain brands, shapes, and designs can still be on the higher end of a price range, even when mass-produced. A custom pergola isn’t always out of budget, either. If a homeowner chooses a smaller size, simple design, and low-cost materials, they can still enjoy a custom pergola at an affordable price.
A prefabricated pergola kit can cost between $600 and $7,500. This includes the cost of professional installation. A pergola kit can be found in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. Most of the time, a prefabricated pergola can be put up without a permit, saving the homeowner some money. But other factors, such as the addition of electrical wiring or the installation of a new surface for the pergola, may require a permit.
A custom pergola costs an average of $1,700 to $15,000. A custom pergola means that it’s designed to a homeowner’s preferences. This includes size, shape, and customizations like carvings into wooden posts, the addition of stonework, or built-in seating. A custom pergola can certainly cost more than a prefabricated kit, but size and material are really the defining factors between the two options.
Electrical Wiring
Adding electrical components to a pergola can make it more relaxing and functional. For example, having ample lighting for the evening hours means the extended living space can be enjoyed past sundown. This is ideal for parties or romantic evenings spent watching the stars. Having lighting installed in a pergola also means it can be enjoyed more throughout the entire year, even during colder months when the sun retreats much earlier in the day.
Electrical wiring also allows a pergola to serve up additional entertainment, like a surround sound system for enjoying favorite playlists or a television for watching sports. Wiring also allows homeowners to set up an outdoor office on the fly with plenty of charging capabilities for their devices. Maintenance can also be simplified with electrical outlets that accommodate leaf blowers or sanders for wood pergola upkeep.
But how much for pergola electrical wiring? A high-quality electrical kit runs about $310 and includes one switch, one ceiling pigtail, and one receptacle. Multiple kits can be combined to provide enough outlets for lighting, entertainment, and other electrical needs. Unless a homeowner is an experienced electrician, it’s recommended that these kits be installed by a professional. This can cost another $310 or more, depending on the number of kits being installed.
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Customizations
An elaborately designed pergola will almost always cost more than a basic structure. But these customizations are what can make a pergola worth the investment to a homeowner who knows what they want.
What type of customizations can be added to a pergola? There really is no limit to the number of customizations pergolas can have. They can have space or trellises built for vines, which not only offer a more natural look but can add privacy as well. Curtains are another customizable feature. Curtains offer both shade and privacy and can even be updated for different seasons. Retractable covers are another customization to consider. This allows an operator to control how much sunlight is coming through the pergola roof. These can be affordable manual covers or automatic, which tend to run a bit higher in cost. Pergolas are also a fun place to feature hammocks or swings, especially around a fireplace or where a television is in the line of sight for those enjoying the structure. Finally, many pergola owners have custom seating installed. This may be space for a few people or feature an elaborate seating arrangement for socialization or dining.
In the end, any customization added to a pergola beyond its basic design will raise the cost. The good news is that customizations are completely optional and can even be added to an existing pergola structure down the road as funds become available.
Pergola Cost by Material Type
There are plenty of factors that influence the final cost of a pergola build. But when it comes down to the final cost for pergola construction, different types of materials can make all the difference. Here are some of the most common pergola materials and how they affect the total cost.
Aluminum
Aluminum is an affordable material for a pergola. It offers the stability of a wooden pergola while of