How much does it cost to build a pergola? 2024 cost guide

Pergolas are the ideal place to relax outside, whether it be just to read your favourite book with a cup of coffee or to entertain friends on the weekend. They’re a brilliant way to increase the value of your property. Here’s an idea of what it will cost to build a pergola in 2024.

What is a Pergola?

A pergola is a structure in a garden, backyard or park consisting of a (commonly wood) framework. Pergolas were originally designed to support climbing or trailing plants with rafters and wooden beams. Usually freestanding and decorative in nature, they can also be attached to the house. Pergolas can provide a relaxing, shaded and cozy outdoor area for your home. There are plenty of pergola ideas and top tips to give your backyard a makeover.

Pergola designs can come in a variety of shapes, including circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal.

How much does a pergola cost in 2024?

The cost of a pergola depends on several factors, most prominently materials and labour. The type of pergola you’re after will contribute to its cost, depending on factors such as the materials used and whether it has a roof or no roof. In addition, if you are wanting a more custom design, the costs will increase. Typically, the cost of a pergola installation will cost anywhere from $2000 for the most basic materials alone to $5000 for a full custom build with shade screens and the whole works. It will be installed by a professional carpenter or builder, depending on the regulations in your state.

Different designs will run you different costs. Before you get quotes from a carpenter, it is wise to decide on the design and style of pergola you're after by checking out a few different pergola design ideas.

Average Pergola Costs

• Timber/hardwood pergola: $5 - $25 per square metre
• Metal pergola: $20 - $30 per square metre
• Concrete pergola: $5 - $10 per square metre
• Stone/brick pergola: $10 - $15 per square metre

Depending on the type of pergola you want built, the basic material costs can vary greatly with options such as wood, brick and aluminium. As an alternative to buying the materials separately, with costs per square metre above, you can also buy all of the materials in a pergola kit.

Pergola Kits

Pergola kits provide all of the materials and components needed to build a pergola yourself. If you’re more of a do-it-yourself kind of person and have the skills to pull off a project on your own, then these pergola kits are just for you, or a skilled tradie can do it for you to make your life much easier! These are ideal for a simple pergola attached to the house. 

• Timber pergola kit, no roof: $2300 - $2600 
• Timber pergola kit, standard Colorbond roof: $2600 - $2900
• Timber pergola, kit insulated Colorbond roof: $3800

Another point to consider when building a pergola is flooring, which will be another more overlooked material cost. Depending on the type of flooring you’re after for the space, pergola flooring costs typically vary from $20 to upwards of $50 cost per square metre.

What are the different types of pergolas?

Some common pergola styles include:

• Open Pergola: Open-top pergolas do not have a roof and are usually used to improve the appearance of an outdoor space or provide structure to decorative features such as lights.
• Gable Pergola: Gable pergolas have a peaked roof, forming the shape of a triangle. They allow for plenty of airflow and for water to run off the roof, so they are a great option for locations with high levels of rainfall.
• Flat Pergola: As the name suggests, flat roof pergolas are not as pitched as a gable pergola but are still slightly angled to encourage enough drainage so they don’t cause issues when it rains.
• Sail Pergola: Sail pergolas are used to create shade in the yard by stretching out fabric sails between the posts. They’re perfect for a more casual design style.

As well as deciding on the roof design of your pergola, you will also need to decide if you want your pergola attached to your house or freestanding, depending on your budget and how much space you have to work with.

Pergola Installation Costs

The price for pergola installation by a skilled carpenter can cost from $50 to $90 per hour on average. 

1. Material Costs

You can either get all the materials in a kit form, as mentioned above, or you could shop for them separately. Kits are a bit more expensive than sourcing separate materials. Depending on the type of pergola you want to be built, the basic material costs can vary greatly with options such as wood, fibreglass and aluminium.

Another point to consider when building a pergola is flooring, which will be another more overlooked material cost. Depending on the type of flooring you’re after for the space, pergola flooring costs typically vary from $20 to upwards of $50 cost per square metre.

2. Site Preparation

The area where the pergola is built has to be prepared. If it is an attached pergola, the structure of the house needs to be kept in mind and adjustments and changes might be required. For a freestanding pergola, the preparation cost is higher which involves excavation tasks such as digging and levelling. If the area is small, it can be done by hand. However, if the area is larger, machines might have to be used. Get quotes from a local excavation professional to get an idea of the site preparation needed for your pergola installation.

3. Labour Costs

The right person to hire for this type of job would be a skilled carpenter with rates varying from $50 to $90 per hour on average. The best way to hire the best carpenter for the job is to view their past work on pergola installations specifically. If you like their previous work and they have solid reviews of past customers with reasonable rates, you've found your pergola installation expert.

4. Finishing Touches

You wouldn’t plan on just leaving your newly built, beautiful pergola without any finishing touches. Paint, garden lighting and some weather-resistant coating all add to the cost of building a pergola.

5. Permits

In many cases, a permit will not be required, but depending on the area and type of pergola, consult with your local council for the required permits for construction. Two main permits; the planning permit and construction permits are required and the council charges a fee for issuing them. Your licensed builder should be able to give you more information about the necessary permits.

Who to Hire to Install a Pergola?

As mentioned above, the installation of the pergola should be completed by a qualified carpenter or builder. The best way to hire the best carpenter or builder for the job is to view their past work on pergola installations specifically. If you like their previous work and they have solid reviews of past customers with reasonable rates, you've found your pergola installation expert.

The prices above are just a guide and subject to the time the article was made; if you want an accurate and up-to-date price, get quotes from local carpenters today. This is the best way to get a proper understanding of the processes and costs involved in completing your ideal pergola installation with all of the features and details you have in mind for the project. 

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Please note that all prices mentioned are to be used as an approximate guide only and are accurate at the time of writing. These prices may differ by location and at the discretion of each business.