How much does a pergola cost?
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The short answer: most pergolas cost $2,100 to $6,400 installed, with national averages of about $4,000 to $4,250. That works out to roughly $20 to $60 per square foot. A DIY kit can cost as little as a few hundred dollars for a steel frame with a canopy, while a large louvered aluminum pergola can pass $10,000.
National average pergola cost
Two of the main US cost guides land in almost the same place:
| Source | National average | Typical range | Per square foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| HomeAdvisor (updated June 2026) | $4,253 | $2,118 to $6,433 | $30 to $60, installed |
| Lawn Love (updated December 2025) | $4,000 | $2,100 to $6,000 | $20 to $60 (about $37 average) |
Lawn Love puts the extremes at about $1,050 for a small basic pergola and $11,000 for a large, high-end one. HomeAdvisor estimates that materials make up about 80% of the total, which is why material choice moves the price more than anything else.
Pergola cost by size
Lawn Love's ranges for professionally built pergolas, by footprint:
| Size | Area | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 8 x 8 ft | 64 sq ft | $1,280 to $3,840 |
| 10 x 10 ft | 100 sq ft | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| 12 x 12 ft | 144 sq ft | $2,880 to $8,640 (about $5,000 average) |
Size the pergola to the furniture underneath it, not to the patio. Our pergola guides explain how.
Pergola cost by material
| Material | Lawn Love (per sq ft) | HomeAdvisor (per 100 sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | About $20 | $1,000 to $3,000 | No painting; resists rot |
| Aluminum | About $20 | $1,000 to $3,000 | Light, rust-free; the usual base for louvered roofs |
| Pressure-treated pine | About $25 | $25 to $40 per sq ft | Cheapest wood; usually painted or stained |
| Cedar | About $30 | $2,500 to $3,500 | Naturally rot-resistant; the most common kit wood |
| Redwood | About $45 | $4,000 to $5,000 | Premium look, higher price |
| Fiberglass | About $60 | Not listed | Very durable, long spans |
Lawn Love gives typical lifespans of 15 to 20 years for vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass and 5 to 12 years for wood. Well-maintained cedar or redwood can last longer, which is why upkeep matters as much as the purchase price.
Kit vs professional install
Kits are where most homeowners save money. HomeAdvisor puts DIY kits at $600 to $7,500 or more depending on size and material, and Lawn Love at $550 to $4,000. HomeAdvisor estimates professional labor at $500 to $1,000 on average, more if the site needs clearing, grading or a new concrete pad.
Real kit prices we checked in October 2026:
| Kit | Size | Material | Price seen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunjoy steel arched pergola with canopy | 9.5 x 11 ft | Powder-coated steel, fabric canopy | $234 on sale ($390 regular) at Tractor Supply |
| Backyard Discovery Beaumont | 14 x 10 ft | Cedar | $1,599 at Overstock |
| Purple Leaf louvered pergola | 10 x 14 to 14 x 24 ft | Aluminum | From $2,513 at Overstock |
| Hansø Pro+ louvered pergola | 10 x 10 to 13 x 19 ft | Aluminum | $3,978 for the configuration shown, plus $395 shipping |
Prices checked October 9, 2026. They change often; check the retailer for today's price. Our full reviews are in the best pergola kits.
Roofs, canopies and louvers
The roof is the biggest optional cost. Lawn Love estimates:
- Retractable fabric canopy: about $4.50 extra per square foot.
- Louvered roof: $25 to $130 extra per square foot.
- Smart (motorized) pergola: $60 to $65 per square foot.
Not sure you need a roof at all? Compare your options in pergola vs gazebo.
Other costs to budget for
- Footings or a pad. Kits must be anchored to concrete, a deck or footings as the manual specifies. A new concrete pad is a separate project with its own cost.
- Permits. Lawn Love lists $30 to $150 where a permit is needed.
- Electrical. Lights, fans or outlets need an electrician; Lawn Love puts rates at $45 to $100 an hour.
- Delivery. Large kits ship in several heavy boxes; some brands charge separately for shipping.
- Finishing. Unfinished wood needs stain or sealer, and resealing every few years.
Ways to save
- Choose a pre-stained, pre-drilled kit and assemble it with a friend.
- Build on an existing patio or deck rather than pouring new concrete.
- Start with an open roof and add a canopy later.
- Pick a standard kit size rather than a custom build.
- Buy at the end of summer, when outdoor structures are often discounted.
Next steps
- See our picks: the best pergola kits.
- Still choosing a structure? Read pergola vs gazebo.
- Covering a cooking area? See outdoor kitchen cost.
Sources
- HomeAdvisor: How much does it cost to build a pergola? (updated June 20, 2026)
- Lawn Love: How much does a pergola cost in 2026? (updated December 27, 2025)
- Retailer product pages for the kits listed, checked October 9, 2026.
Common questions
How much does a 12x12 pergola cost?
A 12x12 pergola covers 144 square feet. Lawn Love puts a professionally built one at about $5,000 on average, with a typical range of $2,880 to $8,640 depending on material. Kits of a similar size can cost far less if you build them yourself.
Is it cheaper to build a pergola yourself?
Yes. Labor is a smaller share of a pergola's cost than materials, but a DIY kit or self-built frame still saves the installer's fee, which HomeAdvisor puts at $500 to $1,000 on average. You will need at least two people, the right tools and a level, solid base.
Do I need a permit for a pergola?
It depends on your town and the structure. Attached pergolas, large footprints and solid or louvered roofs are more likely to need a permit. Lawn Love lists permit fees of $30 to $150 where they apply; check with your local building department.
What is the cheapest pergola material?
Steel kits with fabric canopies and basic vinyl or aluminum pergolas are usually the cheapest to buy. Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest wood. Cedar and redwood cost more but look better and resist decay.
How much does a louvered pergola cost?
Louvered roofs add significantly to the price. Lawn Love estimates an extra $25 to $130 per square foot for a louvered roof. Ready-made aluminum louvered kits we checked started around $2,500 and went up to about $4,000 before shipping for a mid-size model.