Pergola Cost Calculator

A pergola costs $1,600–$18,000+ installed depending on size and material. Pressure-treated wood runs $25–$50/sq ft, cedar $35–$65/sq ft, vinyl $40–$70/sq ft, and aluminum $50–$90/sq ft. A standard 10x12 ft (120 sq ft) cedar pergola costs $4,200–$7,800 installed. Add $500–$1,500 for a shade canopy, $300–$800 for lighting, and $500–$1,000 extra for freestanding versus attached mounting.

Attached pergolas mount to your house, cost $500–$1,000 less (one fewer support side), and create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. Best for patios adjacent to the house. Freestanding pergolas stand on 4+ posts anywhere in the yard, offer more placement flexibility, and don't require structural attachment to the home. Freestanding costs more due to additional posts, footings, and bracing. Choose attached for deck/patio extensions; freestanding for garden features or pool areas.

Most municipalities require a building permit for pergolas over 120–200 sq ft or those attached to the house. Permits cost $50–$500 depending on location. Freestanding pergolas under 120 sq ft may be exempt in many areas. Check local setback requirements (typically 5–10 ft from property lines). HOA rules may also restrict pergola height, style, and placement. Always check local codes before starting — unpermitted structures can cause problems at resale.

Cedar ($35–$65/sq ft) is the most popular — naturally rot-resistant, beautiful grain, lasts 15–25 years with maintenance. Pressure-treated wood ($25–$50/sq ft) is the budget choice, requires staining every 2–3 years, lasts 15–20 years. Vinyl ($40–$70/sq ft) is maintenance-free, never needs painting, but limited styles. Aluminum ($50–$90/sq ft) is the premium choice — zero maintenance, won't warp/rot, modern look, lasts 30+ years. Best value: cedar. Best longevity: aluminum.

Professional installation takes 1–3 days. A small attached pergola (64 sq ft) takes 1 day. A standard 120 sq ft pergola takes 1–2 days. A large freestanding pergola (200+ sq ft) with lighting and canopy takes 2–3 days. Add 1–2 days if footings need to be dug and cured (concrete needs 24–48 hours). DIY projects typically take 2–4 weekends depending on experience and complexity.

Yes, DIY saves 40–60% on labor ($1,000–$5,000). You need: post hole digger or auger ($50–$100 rental), concrete for footings ($50–$100), lumber, post brackets, lag bolts, and a level. Basic carpentry skills required. Kits from big-box stores ($1,500–$5,000) simplify the process with pre-cut lumber and hardware. DIY works best for small attached pergolas with 2 posts. Leave complex freestanding designs and attached pergolas requiring ledger board connections to professionals.

A standard open-rafter pergola provides 25–50% shade depending on rafter spacing and sun angle. For more shade, add: retractable canopy ($500–$1,500) for 80–95% shade on demand, shade cloth ($100–$300) for 50–80% shade, climbing plants like wisteria or grape vines (free shade in 2–3 years). Louvered pergolas ($8,000–$20,000) have adjustable aluminum slats that rotate from full sun to full shade.

A well-built pergola adds $2,000–$10,000 in home value, returning 50–80% of investment at resale. Outdoor living spaces are consistently among the top features buyers want. A pergola with lighting and comfortable outdoor furniture creates additional living space that photographs well for listings. ROI is highest in warm climates where outdoor living is year-round. Keep design consistent with home style — a pergola that clashes with the house can actually hurt value.