Pergola Cost Calculator
Estimate pergola cost from size, wood, cedar, vinyl, or aluminum, roof style, and DIY vs pro labor. Free pergola cost calculator with post layout.
How to use this pergola cost calculator
A pergola cost calculator turns a patio footprint into a budget: lumber or aluminum, how the top is covered, and whether you are paying a crew. Attached kits cost less than custom louvered structures. Permits, footings, and electrical for lights or heaters are extra.
Use pressure-treated for value, cedar for looks, vinyl for low maintenance, and aluminum for long span and powder-coat color. Open rafters are the cheapest roof; a canopy is a modest add; louvered roofs drive the price up because of the mechanism.
Formula
Worked example
A 12×12 ft wood open pergola, 8 ft tall, pro-installed typically lands around the mid four figures once posts, beams, rafters, and labor are included.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a 12×12 pergola cost?
DIY wood kits often run $1,500–$4,000 in materials. Pro-built cedar or louvered aluminum commonly runs $6,000–$15,000 depending on city and footings.
Do I need footings?
Yes for a lasting build. Posts usually sit on concrete piers below frost depth. This estimate folds basic hardware in, not engineered frost footings in every climate.
Attached vs freestanding?
Attached uses the house for one beam line and can be cheaper. Freestanding needs a full post grid, which this calculator assumes.
Is a permit required?
Often if it is over a size threshold or attached to the house. Check the building department; we include a small allowance only when noted on other tools.
Wood or aluminum?
Wood is cheaper up front. Aluminum costs more and needs less yearly staining. Vinyl sits in between on maintenance.
How much does a pergola cost in 2026?
U.S. homeowners often spend $2,000–$6,000 DIY on wood and $6,000–$15,000+ for pro cedar or louvered aluminum, before unusual site work.
Is this pergola cost calculator free?
Yes. It runs in your browser with no account. Treat the total as a planning range and get local bids for footings and permits.
Results are estimates for informational purposes and are not financial, legal, or professional advice. Last reviewed 2026-08-20.