How much does pergola roofing cost? [2024]

When you're having a pergola built or assembling a pergola kit, one of the most important considerations is the roof. A pergola roof can be a major part of the cost of a pergola, so you'll naturally want to know how much a pergola roof costs.

Here's what you need to know about:

• How much does pergola roofing cost?
• Types of pergola roofing materials
• Pergola roofing profiles
• Getting quotes from pergola builders

How much does pergola roofing cost?

The cheapest pergolas come without roofs, but adding a roof will give you shade and shelter from the elements and make your pergola useable all year round. When you're calculating pergola roofing cost, you need to account for the cost of materials and labour to install it.

The cost of pergola roofing per metre largely depends on the material you choose. Expect to pay around:

• $16–$23 per metre for polycarbonate roofing
• $18 per metre for Colorbond or zincalume roofing
• $24 per metre for double-sided Colorbond roofing

Other options include:

• Thatch roofing from $14–$22.50 per sheet
• Shade sails from $150 for a 3m x 5m rectangular sail

Pergola builders charge $45–$60 per hour, depending on rates where you live.

Read more: Council approvals for building a pergola

Types of pergola roofing materials

There's more to consider than cost alone when choosing pergola roof materials. You also need to consider how well they will stand up to the elements and whether they match the rest of your pergola, your home and your landscaping.

Pergolas can have conventional roofs similar to a house, including tiles, but most pergolas today are made with low to moderately priced roofing materials designed specifically for pergolas, patios and other structures that don't have ceilings to conceal the underside of the roof.

A few of the most popular materials include:

Polycarbonate roofing

Polycarbonate roofing can be as clear as glass, opaque or block light completely. A drawback to this type of pergola roofing in the past was that they overheated in the sun and were noisy in the rain, but today noise-dampening and insulated polycarbonate roofing can keep your pergola comfortable even on hot and rainy days.

Of the solid pergola roofing materials, polycarbonate is generally the least expensive. It comes in standard sizes, with 2.4 metre lengths costing from $38 and 3 metre lengths from $68.

Colorbond and zincalume roofing

Colorbond and zincalume are popular metal roofing materials for pergolas, patios and homes. They come in a range of colours and can be flat or curved. Both options can be powder coated, though Colorbond can be powder coated on both sides. This can make it as attractive from inside the pergola as on the outside.

Single sided Colorbond and zincalume roofing cost around $18 per metre. Double sided Colorbond costs around $24 per metre.

Thatch roofing

A budget option for a rustic pergola, thatch roofing can be bought for between $14 and $22.50 per sheet, depending on the size and shape. These roofs are an eco-friendly option for shading a pergola, but they will need to be replaced after several years and can be a fire risk.

Shade sails

Shade cloth or a shade sail is a popular alternative to a fixed pergola roof. Shade sails can be very inexpensive, starting at under $150 for a 3 metre x 5 metre rectangular sail.

If you're considering a shade sail, pick the sail before you build your pergola. Ideally, a shade sail should be hung between posts that are firmly cemented into the ground.

Pergola roofing profiles

As well as its size and material, the type of roof profile you choose can also impact on your pergola roofing cost. The main options are:

• - Flat roof
• - Skillion roof (one sloping side)
• - Gable roof (two sloping sides that meet in a ridge)
• - Curved roof

Generally, a flat or skillion roof is the cheapest option, followed by a gable roof, with a curved roof being the most expensive type of roofing.

Getting quotes from pergola builders

When you're ready to start building a pergola or add a roof, get quotes from local pergola builders or roofers so you can compare market rates. You should also check that builders are appropriately licensed and have experience with this type of project.

*Cost 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.