How much does a pergola cost?

A DIY pergola kit costs $500-$6,000 depending on size and material. A professionally built 12x12 pergola costs $2,000-$5,000 (pressure-treated), $4,000-$8,000 (cedar), $5,000-$10,000 (vinyl), or $5,000-$12,000 (aluminum). Louvered pergolas with adjustable shade cost $8,000-$20,000. DIY kits save 40-60% over professional installation. What is the best material for a pergola?

What is the best material for a pergola?

Cedar is the most popular choice — naturally rot-resistant, beautiful, and lasts 20-25 years ($5-$15/linear foot). Pressure-treated pine is most affordable ($3-$8/linear foot, 15-20 years). Vinyl and aluminum are maintenance-free but cost more ($10-$25/linear foot, 25-30+ years). Choose based on your budget, desired look, and maintenance preference. What size pergola do I need?

What size pergola do I need?

A 10x12 or 12x12 is the most popular residential size — fits a dining table and chairs comfortably. For a small seating area, 8x10 works. For outdoor kitchens or large entertaining, go 12x16 or larger. Use 6x6 posts for most sizes (4x4 only for under 10 feet). Standard height is 9-10 feet. Do I need a permit for a pergola?

Do I need a permit for a pergola?

It depends on your local building codes. Many municipalities require permits for structures over a certain size (typically 120-200 sq ft) or height, or if attached to the house. Permits cost $100-$500. Check with your local building department before starting. HOAs may also have rules about pergola size, material, and placement.

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Outdoor Living

Pergola Guide: Types, Materials, Size, Cost & Building

Lumberama Editorial Team, Outdoor Structure & Carpentry Specialists Aug 29, 2026 9 min read

Types

Freestanding: Self-supporting on 4+ posts. Place anywhere in yard. No attachment to house. More flexible positioning. Requires deeper footings.

Attached (patio cover): One side attached to house via ledger board. Less material (3 posts instead of 4). Creates covered patio extension. Must be properly flashed to prevent leaks.

Arched: Curved rafters for decorative look. More complex construction. Premium appearance. 10-30% more expensive than flat.

Louvered: Adjustable slats for variable shade. Manual or motorized. Most expensive option. Cost: $5,000-$20,000+. Full rain protection when closed.

Sail shade/canopy: Fabric or retractable cover added to pergola frame. Cost: $200-$2,000 for shade addition. Replaceable (5-10 year lifespan for fabric).

Materials

Pressure-treated pine: Most affordable wood option. Cost: $3-$8/linear foot. Requires staining/sealing every 2-3 years. Can warp and crack over time. Lifespan: 15-20 years with maintenance.

Cedar: Naturally rot and insect resistant. Cost: $5-$15/linear foot. Beautiful natural color (weathers to gray). Requires periodic sealing (optional). Lifespan: 20-25 years. Most popular wood choice.

Redwood: Premium natural wood. Cost: $8-$25/linear foot. Excellent rot resistance. Beautiful color. Limited availability in some regions. Lifespan: 25-30 years.

Vinyl (PVC): Zero maintenance. Cost: $10-$20/linear foot. Won't rot, warp, or need painting. Limited color options (mostly white). Can look less natural. Lifespan: 25-30+ years.

Aluminum: Lightweight, strong, low maintenance. Cost: $10-$25/linear foot. Won't rust (powder-coated finish). Modern look. Lifespan: 30+ years.

Fiberglass: Strong, lightweight, low maintenance. Cost: $15-$30/linear foot. Won't rot or rust. Premium option. Lifespan: 30+ years.

Size

Common sizes: Small: 8x8 or 8x10 feet (intimate seating area). Medium: 10x12 or 12x12 feet (dining table, most popular). Large: 12x16 or 14x14 feet (full outdoor living). Extra large: 16x20+ feet (outdoor kitchen/entertaining).

Post sizing: 4x4 posts: acceptable for small pergolas (under 10 feet). 6x6 posts: standard for most residential (recommended). 8x8 posts: large pergolas and heavy loads.

Beam and rafter sizing: Beams: typically 2x8 or 2x10 (span dependent). Rafters: typically 2x6 or 2x8, spaced 12-16 inches apart. Cross pieces (purlins): 2x2 or 2x4, spaced 6-12 inches.

Height: Minimum: 8 feet (clearance under beams). Standard: 9-10 feet. Maximum: 12 feet (taller looks disproportionate). Attached: match or complement house roofline height.

Cost

DIY pergola kit: Small pressure-treated (8x8): $500-$1,500. Medium cedar (10x12): $1,500-$3,500. Large cedar (12x16): $2,500-$5,000. Vinyl kit (10x12): $2,000-$5,000. Aluminum kit (10x12): $2,500-$6,000.

Professional build: Pressure-treated (12x12): $2,000-$5,000. Cedar (12x12): $4,000-$8,000. Vinyl (12x12): $5,000-$10,000. Aluminum (12x12): $5,000-$12,000. Louvered (12x12): $8,000-$20,000.

Additional costs: Concrete footings: $100-$300 per post. Permits: $100-$500. Electrical (lights, fan): $500-$2,000. Shade canopy: $200-$2,000. Stain/seal (wood): $200-$500.

DIY savings: Save 40-60% vs professional installation. Basic carpentry skills sufficient for kit assembly. Most kits install in 1-2 weekends.