How much does a metal pergola cost? [2024]

There was a time when most people snubbed metal pergolas in favour of timber pergolas. That time has passed, as metal pergolas today are stylish and come in a range of colours, making them a popular choice over traditional timber pergolas.

If you're considering a metal pergola for your home, you're probably wondering how much does a metal pergola cost? Read this guide to find out:

• Why choose a metal pergola? 
• How much does a metal pergola cost?
• Cost to install a metal pergola
• Choosing the perfect pergola
• Custom pergola or kit?
• Can I build a pergola myself?
• Do I need council approval for a pergola?
• Getting quotes from pergola builders

Why choose a metal pergola?

If you imagine metal pergolas to be a featureless pergola made with galvanised steel, you've only seen the most basic styles. Metal pergolas today come in a range of powder coated colours, designs and sizes, and can be a stylish addition to your yard.

A pergola can have benefits all year round. It can provide shade that keeps the house cooler in summer. In winter, a pergola gives you a place to enjoy the outdoors even when it's raining. It can be the perfect spot for a barbecue and you don't have to rely on good weather to enjoy a barbecued meal.

A metal pergola is an inexpensive way to improve your home and it will add value if you decide to sell your home later. As a bonus, a metal pergola is easy to maintain. Just wash it down if it gets dirty. There's no need to refinish it every few years as you would have to do with a timber pergola.

How much does a metal pergola cost?

Metal pergola costs can vary depending on the size of your pergola, the type of roof you have and whether you choose a custom build or pergola kit.

At the lower end of the scale, a small 3 metre deep by 6 metre long metal pergola can cost around $1800, or $100 per square metre. This type of pergola will have a flat roof and come in kit form. For comparison, a timber kit of the same size might cost up to $3000.

This price is for the kit only. If you want to have your pergola professionally installed, expect to pay around:

• $185 per square metre for a flat roof
• $550 per square metre for a gabled roof
• $565 per square metre for a curved roof
• $700+ per square metre for a complex design

Cost to install a metal pergola

Unless you're choosing an easy to assemble kit, you also need to factor in the cost of installing a pergola. Pergola builders charge around $20–$30 per square metre or $45–$60 per hour to install a metal pergola.

Don't forget that you may also need paving, lighting and other features for your pergola. These will all cost extra and should be included in your budgeting.

Choosing the perfect pergola

If you imagine metal pergolas to be a featureless pergola made with galvanised steel, you've only seen the most basic styles. Metal pergolas today come in a range of powder coated colours, designs and sizes, so there are plenty of options to choose from.

Once you've decided on a metal pergola, the other main decision is what roof structure you want. Do you want a flat roof, a pitched roof or a gabled roof? These are just three of your choices.

A flat roof can be a good idea in some situations, or you may want to have a single pitch to allow water to run off the roof into gutters. A gabled roof costs more, but it can be a stunning addition to your backyard.

You're not limited to angled roofing, either. Pergolas today can have curved roofs. Because they are made from aluminium or lightweight steel, they can span a greater distance than a timber pergola, which could make a curved pergola perfect for a larger area.

As well as the roof profile, you also need to decide on a material. Colorbond roofing and polycarbonate roofing are both popular options.

Some say polycarbonate roofing is more in keeping with the style of original pergolas, which often didn't have roofs. Polycarbonate roofing is clear or tinted, which can make the pergola area feel like an open air area. Another option is to have a retractable awning installed with the pergola. You can open the awning up when you want the sun to shine in or close it when you want shade.

These are just some of the decisions you will have to make when selecting your pergola. Your pergola builder will have ideas and photos to share with you. 

Custom pergola or kit?

Pergolas are available in kit form, or you can have a metal pergola custom made for you.

A kit pergola will cost less than a custom made pergola, but when you look at pergola kits more closely, you'll discover that there are ways to customise them. You can choose different colours or add extra features to make a kit pergola as stunning looking as a custom made pergola.

The one drawback can be if a kit pergola doesn't quite fit the required space. Fortunately, pergola kits are available in a range of sizes and shapes to suit most backyards. If you choose a pergola kit, look at prices from several sources before you make a decision. Kits can be shipped, so you don't have to choose a kit made at a nearby facility.

Can I build a pergola myself?

While it might be tempting to attempt to erect a kit pergola yourself, it may not be a good idea. A kit comes with all the necessary parts, but it's not as easy to erect as it may seem. At least two people will be needed to assemble it and you have to work on ladders, which can involve risks.

Needless to say, a custom made pergola is not a DIY job. A custom made pergola requires cutting, bending and creating fixing points. Unless you're a fully qualified pergola builder with all the necessary tools, trying to build a metal pergola from scratch will be virtually impossible. It will probably cost more too, after you add in the costs of the tools you need.

Do I need council approval for a pergola?

A larger pergola will require council approval. In some states, a building permit is needed for all outdoor structures, while in other states, the need for a permit may depend on the cost of the structure, including construction costs.

The size of the pergola can be another determining factor. In Victoria, a permit is needed to build a pergola that extends more than 2.5 metres from the side of the house.

Your council is more likely to approve a pergola that is going to be installed by professionals than a DIY pergola. If you do choose to go that route, you may need to take an owner builder course, which will add to the cost and timeline of your project.

Getting quotes from pergola builders

To find out how much your pergola is going to cost, first measure the area to be covered and decide on a design and roofing material. Be as specific as possible so pergola builders can give you more accurate quotes.

It's recommended to get quotes from 3 local companies to get a better idea of prices and so you can choose the best service for your needs.

Some pergola builders can do everything for you. In other cases, you may also have to hire someone to do the paving for you first and an electrician to install the lighting.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces