How much does a Pergola cost?

A pergola is an excellent addition to a garden or patio. The cost of installing one can differ according to the materials that are selected and which extras you choose. Even though many factors can affect the price, in general, the average cost of a pergola ranges between $2,000 and $18,000, depending on location and materials chosen.

Originally, pergolas were a garden structure intended to support flowering vines and fruit, such as grapes. They are typically constructed without a roof, but nowadays, many people choose to add a roof to provide shade. Pergolas can be freestanding or attached to a building or deck.

Pergolas are an excellent addition to your home for many reasons. They are similar to a gazebo and share comparable prices. A comparison between pergola cost and gazebo cost takes into account many of the same factors.

Adding property value

You may be wondering how much value does a pergola add top a home? Pergolas add value to the property by increasing the amount of usable living space. The most important consideration when building a pergola to boost your property value is to choose one that matches the aesthetics of the home and the surrounding gardens.

Providing an area for entertainment and relaxation

A pergola provides an excellent area for entertaining, relaxation and family activities. For instance, you may use the pergola to create outdoor cooking and kitchen space, to use as an outdoor reading nook or as a place for gatherings.

Serving as protection against the weather

Pergolas allow you to enjoy the outdoors without concern over the weather. They provide shade from the hot sun, and you can add a roof to protect you from the rain. 

Helping vines grow

Of course, you could always take the traditional route and use it to support climbing plants. You could use it to grow fruits such as kiwis and grapes. 

Many factors affect the pergola cost per square metre. These include the materials, labour, type of pergola, whether a roof is included and extras that you may want to add. Here is some current information that can affect the cost. 

Materials: The material chosen is one of the most significant factors that affect the cost of the pergola. You can choose aluminium, wood-look vinyl, or wood. Steel pergola prices are dependent on current steel market prices.  

Labour: Labour and materials are the two most important factors in cost. Pergola installation cost varies significantly from region to region and from contractor to contractor. Labour tends to run between $40 to $60 per hour.

Types of Pergola: The kind of pergola will have an impact on the cost. Many types of pergolas are available today, including freestanding or attached to a house. They can have a roof and sides for a fully enclosed structure or have a more open plan that provides just a bit of protection from the sun.

Preparation of Site: Depending on your land, you may require an excavator or levelling of the area to ensure your pergola has a strong base foundation.

Roof or No Roof: Whether the pergola includes a roof or not will have an impact on the cost, for example, Colorbond roofs are an option that can inhibit fading from UV light. Colorbond pergola cost will affect the overall cost of the pergola. 

The Shape of the Roof: The structure of the roof will also have an impact on the cost of the pergola. A flat roof is the most efficient and cost-effective. A gabled or arched roof may increase the price of pergola installation.

Extras: Any extras, such as sunscreens, swings, and enclosed walls will also raise the cost of the pergola.

Outdoor pergola with dining entertainment space. | Source: Oasis Landscapes Victoria

The following table will give you an idea of what you might expect, depending on the materials chosen. For comparison, this estimate is based on Australian averages for a four-post pergola.

The following cost comparison represents estimates per square metre area of pergola. The prices below are estimates for a timber pergola cost that is 50 square metres. The primary price determiner was the materials used, rather than the location.

Tip #1: Have a clear idea of your design. The design of your pergola has a significant impact on the cost. Many contractors require you to have an idea of what you want before they can give you an estimate.

Tip #2: Know what materials you want and any extras such as aesthetics and roofing. In our research, this was found to be the most significant factor in the cost of the pergola.

Tip #3: Other things to consider include extras such as decking, enclosed areas, or hardscape patios. These factors will also have a significant impact on cost. For example, paving can add complement the pergola and ranges between $20 and $60 per square metre.

Perhaps the most critical question is who to hire to build your pergola. It is essential to hire a carpenter who is reputable and has the proper credentials to do an excellent job for you. Before you hire someone, be sure to check these two things at a minimum.

Licencing: Licencing requirements differ from state to state. Make sure that your contractor meets the licensing requirements required by your state and local law.

Do Your Research: It is essential to understand the factors involved in your project, including the environment. You should also check references on the contractor that you hire. Any reputable contractor will be happy to provide you with past references.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

What timber size is best for a pergola?

The timber size for a pergola depends on the spacing between the posts, the weight and span of the beams, and the load-bearing capacity of the timber. In many cases, 90mm x 90mm treated pine or hardwood posts are suitable for smaller pergolas and 140mm x 140mm or larger posts for larger structures. The size of the beams can also vary, ranging from 140mm x 45mm to 240mm x 45mm or larger, depending on the span and load requirements.

How far can timber pergola rafters span?

Rafter spacing of 900mm to 1200mm is typical for most residential pergolas. Based on these factors, the maximum span for timber pergola rafters can range from 1.5m up to 4m. Consult a professional builder or engineer to ensure that the pergola can safely support the weight of any roofing material and other attached fixtures.