Pergola Cost per Square Foot (2026)
A professionally installed pergola costs $35–$60 per square foot for wood, vinyl, and standard aluminum in 2026. Premium motorized louvered systems run $90–$125 per square foot. Your exact rate depends on material, size, add-ons, and where you live.
Pergola Cost per Square Foot by Material
| Material | Installed $/sq ft | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | ~$37/sq ft | 10-15 years | High |
| Cedar | ~$46/sq ft | 15-25 years | Medium |
| Redwood | ~$55/sq ft | 20-30 years | Medium |
| Vinyl / Composite | ~$46/sq ft | 25-30 years | Low |
| Aluminum | ~$60/sq ft | 30+ years | Very Low |
| Aluminum Louvered | ~$92/sq ft | 30+ years | Very Low |
National average installed rates including labor and overhead. Adjust for your region below.
Total Cost by Common Pergola Sizes (Cedar)
| Size | Area | Typical Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10' x 12' | 120 sq ft | $4,692 – $6,348 |
| 12' x 14' | 168 sq ft | $6,569 – $8,887 |
| 16' x 20' | 320 sq ft | $12,512 – $16,928 |
Pergola Cost per Square Foot by US Region
| Region | vs National Average | Cedar Installed $/sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| South / Southeast | 10% below national average | ~$41/sq ft |
| Midwest | National average | ~$46/sq ft |
| Northeast | 25% above national average | ~$58/sq ft |
| West Coast | 35% above national average | ~$62/sq ft |
| Mountain West | 5% above national average | ~$48/sq ft |
What Changes Your Cost per Square Foot
Material is the biggest factor. Pressure-treated pine is roughly half the price of aluminum, but needs re-staining every 2–3 years. Cedar and vinyl sit in the middle and are the most popular choice for a reason — good looks, reasonable price, manageable upkeep.
Attached vs freestanding. A pergola attached to your house needs fewer posts and less material, typically saving 10–15% per square foot versus a freestanding structure with four or more footings.
Add-ons stack up fast. A motorized canopy ($2,200), LED lighting ($800), and privacy walls ($700) can add $10–$20 per square foot to a mid-size pergola. Budget the structure first, then decide which extras earn their keep.
DIY saves 30–40%.If you build from a kit or plans yourself, you skip most labor cost — but you'll need a helper, a weekend or two, and concrete work for the footings.