How Much Does a Pergola Cost in 2023?

The average cost to have a pergola built on your property is $5,000, with a range between $3,100 – $7,000. High-end custom pergolas can cost as much as $15,000+ while low-end structures may cost as little as $2,050. The entire cost varies on numerous aspects, including size, material, Accessories and features.

Your outdoor living area should reflect your distinct style, and pergolas are a terrific way to offer seclusion and increase your curb appeal. If you’re searching for a method to cover your outdoor living space but don’t know how much you should pay for a pergola, we’ve broken down the typical pricing and the elements determining your ultimate cost.

Average pergola costs in 2023

These prices are subject to change dependent on your pergola’s size, the material you pick, where you install the pergola on your property, and any added services like adding a roof.

Several factors, aside from size, impact the cost of a pergola. These factors include:

• Building material
• Style
• Custom vs. prefabricated
• Roof type
• Add-ons

Let’s discuss these factors together.

Pergola Cost Estimator By Size

The size of your pergola will effect the pricing because pergolas are normally charged by the square foot. The larger the pergola, the more material you’ll need, and the labor cost will climb as well. Most pergolas cost $20 – $60 per square foot.

Remember, the cost per square foot depends on the material your pergola is built of.

Pergola Cost Estimator By Material

Your choice of material for your pergola can make the biggest difference in your final price. Please see the table below.

Wood pergolas

Hardwood pergolas are the most popular because they are strong with a natural aesthetic that may match any outdoor décor. Price varies on the type of wood. Pine, cedar, redwood, and teak are typical options. Pine and cedar pergolas are inexpensive, while redwood and teak have a longer lifespan.usually costing between $2,450 – $3,250 or $25 to $35 per square foot. 

Pros:

• Traditional look
• Insect and rot-resistant
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Requires re-painting and re-staining
• Prone to cracks
• Loses its color over time.
• Wood can be susceptible to decay and infestation

Aluminum pergolas

Aluminum is one of the cheapest materials to create your pergola,it is as durable as wood but less subject to deterioration from the environment. costing between $10 – $30 per square foot or $1,500 – $3,500 for a 10×10 pergola, aluminum pergolas are economical and low-maintenance that stands up well to inclimate conditions, making it both durable and budget-friendly.

Pros:

• Rust-free
• Low-maintenance
• Durable in any climate
• Malleable

Cons:

• Loses its color over time

Vinyl pergolas

Vinyl is another budget-friendly pergola material. Like aluminum, Although vinyl doesn’t decay like wood, it is more subject to weight from snow or debris.. Nevertheless, vinyl pergolas don’t often survive as long as aluminum pergolas.
Reinforcing a vinyl pergola with aluminum boosts its resilience and longevity. It normally costs from $10 to $30 per square foot to create a vinyl pergola. Because vinyl pergolas are UV- resistant, they are a perfect shaded addition for houses across the South.

Pros:

• Low maintenance
• Inexpensive
• UV resistant
• Best material for large pergolas

Cons:

• Limited colors
• Flimsy

Fiberglass pergolas

Fiberglass is one of the strongest pergola materials and also the most costly. The average price of a fiberglass pergola is $60 per square foot. Fiberglass pergolas are adaptive to varying temperatures, and the durability of fiberglass also makes this the finest alternative for big pergolas. Sadly, fiberglass pergolas lack the natural wood look, so they don’t fit into a rustic landscape design.

Pros:

• Modern
• Durable
• Best material for large pergolas
• Lightweight, so it’s best for attaching

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited availability

Pergola Cost Estimator By Style

From thatched to classic, pergolas come in many various forms and colors, and the correct type for your home might effect the price.

Some pergola styles that might effect your costs include:

• Curved roof pergolas (which are built of wire and covered with vines and flowers) are more expensive than smaller round pergolas and are comparable to gazebos.
• Remote-controlled roof pergolas require wiring and electrical installations, increasing the expense.
• Pergolas linked to your roof or deck might significantly boost your expenditures.

Custom vs. prefabricated

A bespoke design pergola costs more than mass-produced prefabricated ones. Many homeowners still prefer a bespoke pergola design because:

• Handcrafted pergolas typically survive longer
• You have more choice over your pergola’s style and materials
• Bespoke designs generally add more to your house value

Pergola Cost Estimator By Roof Type

The pergola’s roof construction also determines the pricing. Here are some of the many alternatives to examine.

• Traditional pergola roof

The typical pergola roof style comprises wooden slats that give partial shade. The more slats utilized, the more your pergola will cost. Some homeowners wrap a typical pergola roof with fabric to exclude extra sunlight and give the pergola a fresh appearance.

• Manual Retractable roofs

You may purchase a retractable roof to install on top of your basic pergola. They normally cost approximately $4.50 per square foot.

• Automated Louvered Roofs

Like manual retractable roof pergolas, automated louvered pergolas also have a retractable roof, but it’s operated by an automatic system that allows you to retract the roof using a remote. It costs from $20 to $130 per square foot to create an automatic louvered pergola.

• Smart pergolas

Smart pergolas are the most costly and also the most high-tech. The typical cost of a smart pergola is $60 to $65 per square foot. You may automatically configure them to open and close according on the weather or operate them from a phone app.

Pergola Cost Estimator By Add-ons

These typical pergola add-ons will also enhance your installation cost if you need them:

• Curtains：Outdoor curtains may be a wonderful method to give even more seclusion to your pergola. The style of rod and curtain you pick can effect the price, and integrating them in your pergola construction can boost labor expenses
• Electricity: Electricians normally charge $45 to $100 per hour, or you may buy an electric DIY kit for $30 to $120.
• Lighting: If you want to hang out outside on a warm summer night, you undoubtedly want to acquire lights for your pergola area. Chinese lanterns and string lights are popular, economical alternatives.
• Furniture: Chairs, tables, and ottomans give comfort and function to family and guests.
• Hot tub: Placing a hot tub beneath a pergola extends the tub’s longevity.
• Outdoor USB plug: In today’s digital world, USB plugs are always useful, and you may want to add a couple to your covered outside hang-out place.
• Outdoor grill or kitchen: Pergolas are great for covering an outdoor cooking or dining place. Please keep in mind that the expense of creating an outdoor kitchen might be extremely costly.

FAQ About Pergola Cost

Is it cheaper to build or buy a pergola?

Constructing a pergola yourself will be more cost-effective than buying one because you only have to pay for supplies and not labor. The national average cost to build a 10 ft. classic wooden pergola yourself is around $3,500; however, it varies based on the project and the area.

How much does a 12×12 pergola cost?

A average pergola cost is from $2,124 and $5,968 or between $30 and $60 per square foot. This implies a 12ft*12ft pergola would cost between $4,320 and $8,640. This makes it a more expensive size for homeowners to choose, while picking a less expensive material can help lessen the entire cost.

Does a pergola add value to a home?

While there are many limitations, in brief, the answer is yes. A pergola has the ability to add value to your property, with many estimates estimating the return on investment at anywhere around 50% to 80%. It makes pergolas one of the more valuable improvements homeowners can place on their houses.

Do you still get sun under a pergola?

Indeed, sunlight penetrates through the roof beams of a pergola, which is meant to produce variable levels of shade, depending on the structure’s style and construction. A popular addition to outdoor living areas, pergolas shade your deck or patio without hindering vistas or breezes.

What are the cons of a pergola?

1. Pergolas require some maintenance

2. Your pergola might look different over time

3. Beware of termites

4. Not everyone is a fan

5. They probably won’t increase your property value

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, if a pergola is the solution to your mental backyard vision board, you now have all of the knowledge to decide if constructing or buying one is the appropriate option for you.

Are you ready to host friends and interact with family beneath the partial shade of a pergola?it’s time to contact highly-rated pros . We will assist you select a design you like that is also within your budget. and learn more The Ultimate Pergola Guide.