Not all Pergola structures are created equal. The material (e.g., wood, vinyl, concrete, aluminum) used in constructing it will affect it’s total cost.
When it comes to wooden Pergolas, there are different types of wood you can use; Cedar, redwood, Acacia, etc.
So, how much does a Cedar Pergola cost?
A typical cedar pergola costs about $3,500 when purchased new. If you buy a used one, make sure there aren’t any major structural defects. This type of project averages about $3,500 when it is bought new.
Costs vary significantly depending on what you want to do with the pergola. If you are simply looking for something that provides shade, then you can invest in one that is made of less expensive materials.
Your cost also depends on how much work you are willing to put into it yourself. Once complete, a cedar pergola will provide years of enjoyment with little maintenance required.
If you’re looking to buy a cedar pergola, there are two types of cedar pergolas available; fixed and freestanding.
Fixed Pergolas
Fixed pergolas will make your patio or deck feel like an outdoor room. These structures will give shade, allow for the breeze to flow through, and create an inviting environment for friends and family.
The price of fixed pergolas varies based on size and how intricate the design is. With simple designs running as low as $1,000 and more complex ones costing as much as $10,000+, this structure provides many options starting from just a few hundred dollars.
Freestanding Pergolas
The other option, and one that is very popular with homeowners, is a freestanding pergola.
Constructed out of cedarwood, the materials needed for this type of pergola can cost as little as $500 or as much as $10,000+.
Freestanding pergolas will give your outdoor area an instant face-lift and help you to maximize your backyard or patio space.
Approximates costs for this project are:
- Simple structure – $300-$900
- Moderately elaborate structure – $400-$1,200
- Very ornate structure – $700-$2,000+
Cedar Pergola Cost Breakdown
A cedar pergola will likely cost anywhere between $1,000 and upwards of $10,000, depending on its size and design aesthetics.
For instance, simple pergolas can be purchased for as little as $300, while those with elaborate and unique designs may cost upwards of $5,000.
The total cost will depend on the specifications and customization options you choose.
With that said, pergolas tend to average around $3,500 when they are bought new. If you decide to purchase a used one instead, make sure there aren’t any major structural defects in the wood nodes or anywhere else.
This is important because cedar tends to rot rather quickly when it is exposed to moisture. You’ll also want an architect’s opinion on its condition if possible before purchasing it.
When comparing prices between two different builders, it is best to consider all aspects of their offers in order to ensure that everything is fairly priced and comparable.
This means you’ll need to compare the base price of the pergola as well as any other additional fees that may apply such as delivery, installation, removal, or various design elements.
Pergola material
The price will also depend on what type of wood you choose for your pergola’s material. Pine tends to be more affordable than cedar, but it isn’t quite as strong and durable overall.
Cedar is a traditional choice and is typically used for outdoor structures like these because it holds up well over time despite exposure to weather conditions.
It’s important to know how much each option costs so you can make an informed decision about which one you think will work best with your needs and preferences.
You can then use this information to help you find reliable local builders that offer competitive prices.
Determining the price range of a cedar pergola
To determine the price range of a cedar pergola, start by deciding which size and style you want.
Cedar can be purchased in 8×8 posts for the corners and 4×4 posts for the posts holding up each bench seat.
You can also choose from different styles such as Classic Wood Pergola, Wood A-Frame Pergola, Post and Beam Timber Frame Cedar Arbor, Frontier A-Frame with a Truss System, etc.
Once you have picked out your design or designs, the installation of a cedar pergola can be done by anyone who knows how to use an electric drill and saw.
Price for installation
The price for the installation of a cedar pergola is determined by the size of the project. In addition to the area covered by the structure itself, it may be necessary to incorporate electrical outlets into your pergola plans.
If this becomes part of your project then you will need to factor in the cost of hiring an electrician as well as supplies such as wire and cable if needed. These costs can add up and can cost an extra $1,000 depending on the size of the project.
The low end for a cedar pergola is around $3,500 and that is for a small installation with no electrical needs.
If you want to add in any type of lighting such as rope lights or other special features such as speakers it will make your project more expensive.
The high end could be over $10,000+ but if you are looking to fully enclose your area with a wood structure then this price may not be too shocking for you.
Cost to build a cedar pergola
National average cost | $3,500 |
Average range | $1,900-$6,500 |
Minimum cost | $1000 |
Maximum cost | $10,000 |
Cedar Pergola Pricing Guide
The cost for a cedar pergola is dependent on the size you want, your location, and of course, the type.
For instance, if you are looking for an aluminum pergola, it will be quite expensive as compared to one made from wood. Aluminum ones are more durable but they really can’t compare to wooden ones in terms of natural beauty.
If you are interested in having your very own cedar pergola, then expect it to cost anywhere between $2,000 and close to $5,000 including materials and installation fees.
Of course, the price does not end there since once installed it will require maintenance which means that you will have to shell out even more at some point down the line.
Size and type of the pergola
The cost of a cedar pergola can be easily determined by first looking at the size and type that you want.
For instance, if you choose to have 20 feet long by 14 feet wide structure made out of cedar wood then it will cost around $4,000. On the other hand, if you want something smaller that is 10 feet long by 8 feet wide then it could possibly be sold for as little as $1,500 or just under.
Keep in mind though that these prices are subject to installation fees. They should not really serve as reference points unless the issue has already been settled with your installer/contractor beforehand.
Locating a contractor
Locating your contractor is also essential because many contractors charge different amounts for the same service or product.
This is why it is important to always get at least three estimates before settling on the one you want to hire for your project. Doing so can save you time and money, and most importantly allow you to enjoy your new cedar pergola as soon as possible.
Make sure to ask how long it will take to finish the project once you’ve hired someone for this type of work. This is important because installation can take anywhere from one to four days, depending on its size and complexity.
Other variables may also affect the total time frame, including local weather conditions and structural design elements.
You’ll need to factor in all relevant costs when considering factors like these so that you can get a full estimation of what you’re dealing with overall before deciding on the best builder for your needs.
The average cost of pergola building materials
Building material | Average cost per foot | Average cost of a 100 square foot pergola |
Alumawood | $10-20 | $1,000-2,000 |
Vinyl or PVC | $10-25 | $1,000-2500 |
Aluminum | $20-30 | $2,000-3,000 |
Wood (Pine) | $22-30 | $2,200-3,000 |
Wood (Cedar) | $25-40 | $2,800-4,000 |
Wood (Redwood) | $40-50 | $4,000-5,000 |
Wood (Teak or Ipe) | $55+ | $5,500 and up |
Fiberglass | $50-70 | $5,000-$7,000+ |
Cedar pergola distinguishing characteristics
The cedar pergola is a gazebo-type56 structure that sits on the patio, deck, or yard. Traditionally, it comprises wooden slats which have been cut to interlock at its edges and then supported by a metal framework that also acts as a beam for the structure.
In recent years, these structures have been built from other materials such as aluminum. This design has proved to be much lighter compared to its predecessor and can be easily assembled without much effort
A cedar pergola is quite distinct from other types of gazebos due to some unique features described below:
Designs
The basic design typically incorporates a roofing system made from overlapping wooden slats which provide shade to the structure underneath.
However, some newer models may be designed differently with perhaps a skylight or larger openings for greater wind flow.
The design may also include lattice walls made from wooden beams that are interlocked at their ends and then finished off with screening material.
The cedar pergola is generally built on the patio, deck, or garden area of an individual residence.
It will normally extend beyond the boundaries of the house itself but this doesn’t detract from its beauty since it adds to the design of landscape architecture around the home.
It can be used in conjunction with other features like brick paver paths to create a courtyard gardening feature while still providing extra shade for outdoor activities like entertaining.
Features
This lesser-known kind of gazebos has a lot of features that are quite unique to them. These include:
- It provides shade for the patio area underneath
- It is built using durable, strong materials that can withstand winds and weather conditions
- It is low cost since it’s not made from metal or lesser quality wood, but cedar which is easy to find and cut into slats for this purpose
- The long-lasting wooden slats have been proven to be resistant to rot and decay even if they are always exposed under damp conditions.
This means they don’t require much maintenance unlike other kinds of roofing materials.
Typical uses
Since this structure does not provide any protection from rain then it isn’t normally used for sleeping and for this reason, it has been used more as a decorative feature that also provides outdoor shade.
This structure can be combined with other features such as brick paver paths to create a courtyard garden setting.
It is usually located in the patio, deck, or backyard area of an individual home and not on major highways due to safety concerns.
Conclusion
Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture damage and insect infestation.
It’s easy to see why cedar wood is becoming one of the most popular choices when choosing a material for any building project.
Especially something that needs superior protection against weathering like a wooden pergola.