Written by
Sarah Noel
Edited by
Tara Farmer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Cost to build a pergola
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.
| Pergola size | Kit installed | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| 8’x8’ | $650 – $2,550 | $1,900 – $4,150 |
| 10’x10’ | $1,000 – $4,000 | $3,000 – $6,500 |
| 12’x12’ | $1,450 – $5,750 | $4,300 – $9,350 |
| 12’x14’ | $1,700 – $2,700 | $5,000 – $10,900 |
| 12’x20’ | $2,400 – $9,600 | $7,200 – $15,600 |
| 14’x18’ | $2,500 – $10,000 | $7,500 – $16,400 |
| 16’x16’ | $2,550 – $10,250 | $7,700 – $16,650 |
| 16’x20’ | $3,200 – $12,800 | $9,600 – $20,800 |
| 20’x20’ | $4,000 – $16,000 | $12,000 – $26,000 |
| 24’x24’ | $5,750 – $23,000 | $17,900 – $37,400 |
| 30’x30’ | $9,000 – $36,000 | $27,000 – $58,500 |
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Average pergola cost calculator by type
Custom-designed wood pergolas cost 2 to 3 times more than a prefab kit assembled on-site.
| 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 12’x12’ size pergola made with standard wood.
Pergola installation costs
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.
| 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 12’x12’ 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 don’t require one unless it’s 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.
Cost of a pergola roof
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.
| Roof type | Cost per square foot* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Louvered - manual | $45 – $110 |
|
| Louvered - motorized | $55 – $125 |
|
| Louvered - motorized & smart | $75 – $175 |
|
| Wood lattice | $25 – $50 |
|
| Solid pavilion roof | $35 – $60 |
|
| Retractable canopy roof | $4 – $10 |
|
*Total installed cost.
Pergola material cost calculator
Most pergola materials cost $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the material type, design complexity, and whether it’s a premade kit or custom build. Aluminum or vinyl pergolas are cheapest at $10 to $30 per square foot for materials.
| 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 cost
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.
Build pergola on deck or concrete slab cost
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.
DIY pergola prices
A 12’x12’ DIY pergola kit costs $700 to $4,000, depending on the size, material, and design. Common sizes range from 10’x10’ to 12’x20’.
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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.
Cost to repair a pergola
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.
Pergola FAQs
Is it cheaper to build or buy a pergola?
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.
How much does Home Depot charge to install pergola?
Home Depot pergola installation costs $5,800 to $7,200 on average for a wood design up to 12’x12’. This price includes all materials and installation labor.
Does a pergola add value to a home?
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.
What is a pergola used for, and is it worth it?
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 don’t 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
Who can build or install a pergola?
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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What is the difference between a pergola and a gazebo?
| Type | Average cost per square foot* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pergola cost | $10 – $65 |
|
| Gazebo cost | $30 – $100 |
|
*Fees excluding ground prep & foundation costs.
Getting estimates & quotes from pergola installers
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.
Questions to ask
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?
