True Cost Guide Outdoor Living Build a Pergola

How Much Does a Pergola Cost?

Q: How much does a 12x12 pergola cost?

A typical 12x12 pergola will cost between $4,320 and $8,640 depending on your choice of materials and style.

Q: Is it cheaper to buy or build a pergola?

Premade pergola kits cost between $600 and $7,500 on average and are typically less than a custom-built option, which may reach as high as $10,000 .

Q: How much does it cost to paint or stain a pergola?

The cost to paint a pergola runs from $2 to $5 per square foot . You’ll pay from $2 to $4 per square foot to stain a pergola.

Typical Range:

$2,125 - $6,422

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 730 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

How We Get This Data

Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

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When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

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We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated April 12, 2024

Reviewed by Ezra Laniado, Expert Contributor.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

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 $2,125 and $6,422 or $4,262 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.

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National Average	$4,262
Typical Range	$2,125 - $6,422
Low End - High End	$600 - $12,000

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 730 HomeAdvisor members.

Top Factors That Affect Your Pergola Cost

Labor and roofing and structural materials account for most of your budget. Whether you choose an attached or detached structure will also impact how much you pay.

How Your Pergola Costs Break Down

See the estimated average percentages your factors contribute to your total cost.

Materials

80%

Labor

20%

1. Materials

Materials comprise about 80% of your pergola’s cost. You have a variety of material choices to choose from, including aluminum, vinyl, cedar, redwood, Trex, pine, teak, and fiberglass. However, your price may fall outside of the range, depending on which materials you choose.

2. Labor

Budget about 20% for labor if you don’t plan to DIY your pergola project. Labor typically runs from $500 to $1,000 but can cost more depending on the project complexity. For example, standalone pergolas will cost more than one attached to your home, and a pergola over a deck will be more costly than a standalone structure.

What Your Pergola Budget Gets You

The average pergola costs $4,262, but this depends on several factors, including materials, labor, and complexity.

My budget is

Materials

Stick to the basics.

Choose a prefab kit for the most affordable option, starting at around $500.
Use aluminum or vinyl to stay within your budget.

Average Price:

$1,600

Labor

DIY if you can.

Expect to pay about $300 or more for labor, depending on your project’s complexity and location.
DIY only if you have experience or purchase an easy-to-assemble prefab kit.

Average Price:

$400

Materials

Splurge a bit.

Expect to pay about $3,200. Pick aluminum, vinyl, or cedar to stick within your budget.
Cedar is the best material for this price range.

Average Price:

$3,200

Labor

Hire a pro.

Plan to spend about $600 on labor, depending on your project’s complexity and location.
Don’t DIY larger, more expensive projects unless you have extensive experience; it costs more to fix mistakes than to hire a pro.

Average Price:

$800

Materials

Elevate your space.

Expect to pay $4,000–$8,000 or more, depending on your materials and complexity.
You can choose any material at this price, including: aluminum, vinyl, cedar, redwood, Trex, pine, teak, and fiberglass.

Average Price:

$6,000

Labor

Don’t DIY.

Budget around $1,130 for labor, depending on your project’s complexity and location.
Expect to spend more than $1,000 for the largest pergolas.

Average Price:

$1,500

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 costs compared per square foot, with a 12 by 12 ranging $4,320 to $8,640 — Photo: JamesBrey / iStock / Getty Images

Compare Quotes From Local Pergola Builders

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.

Hire a Pergola Builder Near You

FAQs

How much does a 12x12 pergola cost?

A typical 12x12 pergola will cost between $4,320 and $8,640 depending on your choice of materials and style.

Is it cheaper to buy or build a pergola?

Premade pergola kits cost between $600 and $7,500 on average and are typically less than a custom-built option, which may reach as high as $10,000.

Is a pergola worth the money?

Pergolas are a great way to add shade and style to your yard, so the extra enjoyment makes them well worth the cost. They’re great for accenting a garden, pond, vegetable patch, or another area that isn’t the main gathering spot. For a patio, deck, or other entertainment areas, full shade structures such as umbrellas or awnings are usually a better fit.

Pergolas may also add value to your yard depending on where you live. Consider getting a home appraisal to see how building a pergola may affect your ROI.

How much does it cost to paint or stain a pergola?

The cost to paint a pergola runs from $2 to $5 per square foot. You’ll pay from $2 to $4 per square foot to stain a pergola.

What’s the difference between a pergola and a gazebo?

The roof’s design and purpose are the main distinctions between a pergola and a gazebo. Gazebos have a solid roof for full shade from the sun, while pergolas typically let in partial sunlight through a slatted roof.