A simple outdoor DIY improvement home project such as planting shrubs, adding concrete, or fixing your lawn can cost anywhere between $500 to $2,000.
If you’re looking for a bigger project that adds more home value, a pergola installation might be the right decision. These additions are designed to add shade and style to a backyard space.
How much does a pergola cost exactly? Calculating the price isn’t a one size fits all process. Keep reading to learn more.
How Much Does a Pergola Cost?
On average, it can cost anywhere between $30 to $60 per square foot to build a pergola. This average includes the cost of a pergola with a standard louvered roof and installation, but the style, choice of materials, and local labor rates might increase the price.
Prices by Material
So, how much does a pergola cost for certain materials? Aluminum and vinyl are the cheapest materials to use. Per square foot, opting for these materials will cost you between $10 and $30.
A 100 square foot aluminum or vinyl pergola costs around $1,000 to $3,000 total. Vinyl is one of the more popular materials because it is low maintenance and affordable.
Redwood is the most expensive material costing between $40 and $50. A 100 square foot redwood pergola can cost between $4,000 and $5,000. People opt for this expensive material because it is rot resistant and insect resistant.
Cedarwood is a safe middle ground costing around $25 to $35 per square foot. Like redwood, cedarwood is rot and insect resistant but comes at a more affordable price.
A 100 square foot pergola model made of cedarwood can cost around $2,500 to $3,500.
Prices by Type
The most common types of pergolas are standard, louvered, smart, and retractable. The price of a residential pergola will also vary based on these different types.
Standard pergolas can cost $30 to $60 per square foot while louvered pergolas cost $20 to $55 per square foot. A louvered pergola can open and close with an automatic system.
A smart pergola is a bit more expensive ranging from $60 to $65 per square foot.
Retractable pergolas are by far the most expensive types. They can cost anywhere between $900 and $3,000 or more per square foot.
Prices by Labor
Labor costs for a home pergola usually cost around $500 to $1,000. However, you can expect to pay more for custom designs, larger structures, busy seasons, etc.
Pergola prices by installation range from $2,000 to $6,000 total. The larger the project, the more money you can expect to spend.
Other Cost Factors
The pergola designer and installer that you choose might have different pricing points to build and install a pergola. This and the following additional factors can impact the cost of your project:
- Stand-alone vs. attached pergola
- Building over a deck or patio
- Custom builds
- Permits
If you plan on having an attached pergola design, you’ll need a permit before the building can begin which will affect the total cost.
Is a Pergola Right for You?
Money is a huge factor for any project you plan to take on. Now that you know the answer to, “how much does a pergola cost?”, you can decide if one is right for you.
If you want a great way to style your yard and shade certain areas, pergolas are the way to go. Choose a size, material, and type that fits within your budget.
For additional articles that focus on home improvement projects and more, check out the other posts on our blog.
