What is the Rough Cost of a Pergola? [2024]

A pergola can be a brilliant way to make your yard look better and make more use of your outdoor space. Originally, pergolas were timber structures without a roof that used climbing plants to make a shady area for relaxing. Today, pergolas can have roofs and may be enclosed or semi-enclosed.

Whichever type of pergola you choose, it's important to have a rough idea of the cost of a pergola so you can budget for it. Read this guide to find out:

• What is the average cost of a pergola in Australia?
• How much does a metal pergola cost?
• How much does a timber pergola cost?
• Should I choose a timber or metal pergola?
• Other pergola costs to consider
• Getting quotes from pergola builders

What is the average cost of a pergola in Australia?

The cost of a pergola depends on its size, materials and other factors. On average, expect to pay between $100 and $500 per square metre or $2,000 for a basic installation to $12,000 for a large, custom pergola. Pergola costs can be higher for a more complex project.

Breaking down rough pergola costs:

• Concrete - $5 - $10 
• Timber - $5 - $25
• Stone or brick - $10 - $15 
• Metal - $10 - $30 

Professional installation of a pergola can cost between $50 and $80 per hour, depending on your location.

As a pergola gets larger the costs will go up. For different sizes of pergola expect to pay in the region of:

• 8 X 8 - $2,000
• 10 X 10 - $3,000
• 12 X 12 - $4,300
• 20 X 20 - $12,000

How much does a metal pergola cost?

Metal pergolas usually come in kit form and most are aluminium. This type of pergola will have a flat roof and may be available in a choice of powder-coated colours. These kits may be installed DIY but it’s always better to hire a professional. In most cases, the installer can provide the kit or will custom-make the pergola for you.

The total cost of installing a metal pergola might be:

• Flat roof  - $185
• Gabled - $550
• Curved - $565
• Complex and custom designs - $700+

These prices are approximate and depend on the area you live, the type of pergola you choose and the installer's costs. To find out how much a pergola will cost to install:

• Measure the area
• Choose a pergola design
• Choose a roof
• Decide if you want it enclosed or semi-enclosed

 

How much does a timber pergola cost?

Timber pergolas also come in kit form or can be custom-made for you. As a rough guide, a 5x3 metre (15m2) timber pergola kit might cost:

• Treated pine (no roof) - $2,300
• Treated Pine (with Colorbond roof) - $2,900
• Hardwood (no roof) - $2,600
• Hardwood (with Colorbond roof) - $3,800

These prices are also approximate and are for the kit alone, not including installation. In some states, you will need a licensed builder to install a timber pergola.

Treated pine is the least expensive timber and is treated for inground or above-ground applications. Hardwoods will cost more, depending on the hardwood you choose, which needs to stand up to rain and sun. A pergola builder can suggest hardwoods that will be suitable for your area and their prices.

A custom-made pergola will cost more than a timber kit pergola. The cost will depend on the:

• Complexity of the design
• Size of the pergola
• Type of timber used

Treated pine is the least expensive timber and is treated for inground or above-ground applications. Hardwoods will cost more, depending on the hardwood you choose, which needs to stand up to rain and sun. A pergola builder can suggest hardwoods that will be suitable for your area and their prices.

Should I choose a timber or metal pergola?

Both timber and metal pergolas are beautiful and will last a long time, so you might find it hard to decide which one to choose beyond comparing the cost. There are a couple of pros and cons to each type of pergola:

Maintenance - timber pergolas will need more maintenance than metal ones as the wood needs to be taken care of to stop it from rotting. 

Look – a timber pergola can give your yard a natural look and can be painted if you choose to. Metal pergolas can be powder coated in any colour to match or complement your home and they can give your yard a modern look. 

Size – metal pergolas can span a wider area than timber pergolas, so you'll have fewer upright posts and a more open feel.

Another option is to combine materials. A metal pergola with a timber slat roof can give you the best of both worlds, as you can enjoy the natural appearance without the extra support structure.

Do I need council approval to build a pergola?

One important thing to know before you start your pergola project is whether you need council approval. Unfortunately, this isn't always easy to determine, and regulations vary from state to state, so you should check with your council or pergola builder.

Depending on where you live, you may need council approval or a permit based on:

• The size of the pergola
• Whether it's attached, freestanding or has a roof
• How close the pergola is to the property boundary
• If you live in a conservation or bushfire-prone area

Find out more about council approval for building a pergola.

Other pergola costs to consider

A pergola is not a stand-alone structure, and at the very least it will require pavers or a deck. These will add to the cost of the project if they're not already installed.

In general, outdoor paving costs between $20 and $50 per square metre, but some can cost more than $50 per square metre.

Decking cost depends on the material it's made from:

• Treated pine is the least expensive option at around $200 per m2
• Hardwood decking starts at around $320 per m2 and goes up depending on the species
• Composite decking costs around $350 per m2

If hardwood or composite decking are too expensive, treated pine can be stained to look like hardwood as a cheaper alternative. Composite decking can be worth the extra cost because it requires little maintenance, only requiring an occasional washing down to remove dirt.

In some climates, it's a good idea to enclose or semi-enclose a pergola, which will help to keep the rain out. In some locations, a roof can also keep the sun from shining into the pergola area. An enclosure can also be a privacy screen, or you may want to completely enclose the pergola so you can use it throughout the year. 

Add up all the costs to find out how much the pergola is really going to cost. Some features such as privacy screens can be added later if they're outside your current budget.

Getting quotes from pergola builders

If you want a professional to install your pergola, get quotes from at least 3 local builders so you can compare pergola costs. You should also check their background to make sure they're a company you can trust.

Give as many details to pergola installers as you can, including any access problems and if the land is sloping or level, as these will affect the cost. When you give pergola installers accurate information, your online quote will be close to the final quote after the installer inspects the property.

You really can't lose with a pergola. It's a beautiful structure that will add charm and appeal to your backyard and can even add living space to the home at a far lower cost than a home extension.