OUTDOOR LIVING
How Much Does a Pergola Cost?
Estimate pergola cost per square foot — wood, aluminum and louvered — with the free calculator.
A pergola turns a bare patio into a shaded living space. The price depends on size, material and whether the roof is louvered. This guide covers the cost per square foot and a calculator.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Pergolas run $15–$60 per sq ft installed. A typical 10x10 to 12x16 ft pergola costs $2,000–$8,000. Wood kits are budget; aluminum is maintenance-free; motorized louvered roofs cost $8,000–$15,000.
Types and costs
Wood kits are the budget standard at $15-$25 per sq ft but need staining. Aluminum is durable and maintenance-free at $30-$50. Louvered bioclimatic roofs with adjustable blades control light and heat at $50-$100 per sq ft.
- Wood kit: $15–$25 per sq ft
- Aluminum: $30–$50 per sq ft
- Louvered (motorized): $50–$100 per sq ft
- Installation: $10–$20 per sq ft
Permits and anchoring
Attached or tall structures often need permits. Anchoring matters — concrete footings are standard for freestanding pergolas; attached ones bolt to the house with proper flashing.
The louvered upgrade
Motorized louvered roofs let you open, close and angle the blades to control sun, rain and airflow. They cost 2-3x a fixed roof but transform the space and add real outdoor living value.
Try the calculator with your patio
Enter the covered area, material price per sq ft and installation per sq ft to see the total.