How much does it cost to build a pergola?

While the cost of pergola installation can fluctuate between contractors, it's usually the building materials that impact pergola costs the most.

Adding complex designs, flourishes, or luxury building materials can easily double the price of a patio cover. Redwood for example, is a commonly used wood thanks to its natural weather-resistance and rustic look. However, redwood costs nearly double the price of pressure-treated pine, another common building material.

Here are average prices for a 10x10 foot pergola out of the most common building materials:

National average cost of pergola building materials:

The overall size and footprint of the pergola, as well as any custom design elements—like trim, gables, sailcloth, or sealed roof—can add to the overall cost. The bulk of your budget will still go towards building materials.

Price isn't the only consideration when selecting material. Next, we'll break down additional factors to consider when choosing a material for your pergola.

Aluminium and vinyl

Vinyl (aka PVC) is one of the most affordable and easy to maintain building materials. Aluminum isn't always the cheapest option, but like vinyl, aluminum structures are incredibly cheap and easy to maintain. Once you build an aluminum or vinyl pergola, you can rest assured that they won't rot, warp, or degrade even in harsh weather.

Alumawood pergola cost

“Alumawood" is also a popular alternative patio cover material. It's often lighter and cheaper than standard aluminum while still equally weather-resistant. Alumawood is essentially just aluminum that's been manufactured to resemble painted wood (often cedar) without any of the drawbacks of building with actual wood.

Alumawood is even embossed to look and feel like wood grain, although most people won't be fooled at close range.

If you're looking to build an aluminum, vinyl, or alumawood patio cover, it pays to find a specialist that designs and installs the material of your choice. This will not only save you time and money on the installation, but also get the best results.

For example, a Thumbtack pro in Phoenix, AZ specializes in custom and standard alumawood lattice pergolas. They even complement patio designs with customized landscaping to take advantage of the new outdoor living space.

However, despite the savings and long-term maintenance benefits of synthetic materials, many homeowners still opt for a traditional wood pergola.

Cedar and pine pergola prices

Pressure-treated pine is the most budget-friendly wood pergola option. It's also one of the longest-lasting materials, thanks to pine's natural weather and even insect-resistance. However, it's tough to disguise the look and feel of pressure-treated pine.

One cost-saving idea is to build the pergola structure and supports with pine, then adding a veneer of another more attractive finish, like cedar or redwood.

Cedar is a slightly more expensive building material, and is often painted to disguise the way that cedar ages (it turns grey relatively quickly), but it's just as weather-resistant as pine, and can last for years in the right climate with the proper seal.

Example cost of a 12x14 foot cedar pergola (with a closed roof) by a Thumbtack pro in Kearny, MI:

• Total cost: $4,500
• Total labor: 48 hours (three-person crew working two days)
• Price per foot: $27 per foot

Redwood pergola cost

Redwood is another favorite pergola material. It's naturally weather-resilient and ages in natural, rustic way. Redwood costs more upfront than pine or cedar, but you also don't have to pay extra to stain and paint it to make it look great.

Teak, ipe, and specialized wood

Finally, teak and other specialized woods are often used in custom or luxury pergola builds. Prices vary depending on seasonal and regional availability, so ask your contractor if a premium wood makes sense for you.

Ipe, for example, is a tropical hardwood that holds up particularly well in the salty air of coastal environments, making it ideal for beach house pergolas and shelters.

Fiberglass

While not as common as wood or aluminum, due to the higher price tag, fiberglass patio covers and shades offer substantial long-term benefits over traditional pergolas.

Fiberglass is significantly lighter than even aluminum, which means it's much easier to install. Fiberglass pergolas also require practically no maintenance and last much longer than wooden or aluminum. Finally, fiberglass is ideal for larger pergolas (over 200 square feet) as it doesn't require nearly as many supports as heavier materials, so you can design a larger footprint for less.

Assess the pros and cons with the price of each building material with your contractor, based on your budget, design goals, and most importantly the weather conditions where you live.

Smaller free-standing vinyl DIY patio cover kits can cost as low as $600, although the average price for a standard 10x10 foot aluminum pergola kit can be anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.

Wooden DIY patio cover kits often start around $2,500 for pressure-treated pine, but quickly top $3,000 for precut cedar, with larger premium kits costing more than $5,000.

The good news is that DIY kits are usually cheaper to assemble and install than the cost to build a custom patio cover from scratch. In fact, many contractors offer a flat rate for pergola installations if you use a kit. Below are the average pergola kit prices (before installation):

National average pre-made pergola prices

Once you've purchased your materials or a pre-cut kit, expect to pay between $500-$1,500 for pergola installation. However, labor costs can double if you add custom elements like a new or raised deck, sealed roof, or other flourishes like rounded edges, gables, or latticework.

A Thumbtack pro and experienced carpenter in Snellville, Georgia, typically charges between $20–$50 per square foot for materials and labor to build a pergola, depending on the complexity of the build.

For example, they recently built a 480-square-foot, pressure-treated pine deck topped with an 8x10 pergola. It included a custom roof and handrails on one side and the total cost was $6,500. That price included:

• Materials cost: $3,750, including wood, concrete, posts, fasteners, and screws
• Labor cost: $2,750, which included ground prep and construction
  • Design work: Six hours in total
  • 42 hours total of labor: Three-person crew, for two days

However, this Georgia-based pro said that a standard pergola on a traditional deck (if it meets all local code requirements) generally costs about $25 per square foot.

And it can be even cheaper to install a DIY pergola kit. A Thumbtack pro in Costa Mesa, CA offers 2-day pergola and gazebo kit assembly for the flat rate of $600.

Regardless of whether you opt to build a pergola from scratch or assemble one using a prefabricated kit, it takes at least two (often three) qualified professionals to assemble and install even the simplest structures.

Labor costs can also vary depending on where you live, and the time of year (summer is a busy time for outdoor contractors). So always get multiple quotes before you hire a contractor.

Other common labor costs and add-ons include:

• Custom designs. Custom designed pergolas typically cost an additional $500-$600.
• Extra features. Adding non-traditional elements, like sail cloth roofs, curving edges, gables, or custom supports instead of a typical square design, will add significantly to your budget.
• Adding a roof. A pergola is an open-roof structure. The loose slatted cover provides shade and support for plants of vines, but isn't a water-tight structure. Adding a sealed roof will significantly change the design, feel, and function. It can also increase the cost of construction, materials, and even the need for building permits.
• Unforeseen construction problems. Installing a pergola on an older deck or uneven ground can lead to added labor costs and additional structural support.
• Attaching a pergola to an existing structure. Building a lean-to pergola instead of a freestanding structure requires slightly different building permits. It can actually be cheaper than a standalone design, but often requires HOA approval and additional planning.

The quickest way to save money on a pergola is to use less expensive materials. Opt for vinyl, PVC, alumawood, or pressure-treated pine instead of high-end woods like redwood or cedar. However, if you're not willing to compromise on building materials, there are still a few ways you can save on costs.

Get multiple quotes. Get at least 3-5 estimates before hiring any contractor to assess material and labor rates in your area. You can also ask for a quote on a project basis or an hourly rate if you want to save money on a simple install.

Ask for advice. (Hopefully) this isn't the first time your contractor is installing a pergola or a deck cover. Discuss your design and ask questions at the outset to take advantage of their years of expertise, specifically which materials work best in your climate, and how different materials handle aging.

Opting for something as simple as screws vs. nails or a coat of sealant may cost a little more upfront, but can add years to the structure in the long run.

Build your pergola in the fall. You can get discounts if you construct your pergola in an off-season. Contractors are much more likely to negotiate rates, if not material costs, when they have fewer clients.

Use a pergola kit. If you want something simple, a vinyl DIY pergola or patio cover kit is a cost-effective option. It's still worth hiring a contractor to install it, but the price of installation should be under $1,000 when you're working with smaller step-by-step kits.

Build a pergola on existing flooring. Building a new deck or pouring concrete for the foundation of your pergola can double your costs. Use your existing deck or concrete space and you can save thousands on materials and labor.

A pergola may seem like a simple DIY project you can knock together over the weekend, but it's worth getting a professional involved if you want safe, secure results that last for years. Ask your contractor about the best style, size, design, building materials, and any custom extras they specialize in to ensure you get the best overall look for your home improvement project at the best price.

The right pergola can extend your outdoor space, protect your garden and prized plants, serve as a centerpiece for your BBQ or landscaping project, or simply add resale value to your home.