Pergola Cost Calculator
This free pergola cost estimator prices your size, material and shade options line by line. Adjusted for your state.
- Prices reviewed September 2026
- Adjusted for all 50 states
- No sign-up to see your number
Step 1 of 4
Your pergola
Size, material and build.
Labor costs differ a lot by state. This adjusts every line.
A 10 × 12 pergola is 120 sq ft. A 12 × 12 is 144. A 14 × 20 is 280.
Material
How is it built?
Estimated pergola cost
$9,300
$5,900 – $12,600
How we calculate your pergola cost
We price the project line by line: demolition, cabinetry or fixtures, finishes, labor, permits, and a contingency buffer. Every line has its own low and high unit price, so the range you see comes from real spread in the market, not a flat percentage. Labor is then adjusted by state, and materials move far less by location than labor does.
Unit prices are national benchmark ranges last reviewed September 2026. Treat the result as a planning number for setting a budget and judging contractor bids. It is not a quote. Read our full methodology.
What a pergola estimate includes
- Posts, beams and rafters
- Footings and anchoring
- Canopy or roof panels (optional)
- Lighting, fan or heater, curtains (optional)
- Stain or paint for wood (optional)
What the pergola estimate leaves out
- Patio or deck under the pergola
- Electrical service to the site
- Outdoor kitchen or furniture
- Landscaping
Pergola cost FAQs
How much does a pergola cost?
A cedar pergola around 12 by 12 feet often costs $5,000 to $12,000 installed. Aluminum and motorized louvered pergolas cost several times more.
What is the difference between a pergola and a gazebo?
A pergola has an open slatted roof and open sides. A gazebo has a solid roof. Adding solid roof panels to a pergola blurs the line and changes the structural load.
Do I need a permit for a pergola?
It depends on size, whether it attaches to the house, and local rules. Many cities require one for larger or attached structures.
Freestanding or attached?
Attached pergolas save a row of posts but need a properly flashed ledger board. Freestanding ones are simpler on the house but need more footings.
Is a louvered pergola worth it?
It gives adjustable shade and rain protection, but costs 3-4 times an open wood pergola. It suits people who want to use the space in more weather.
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