How Much Do Pergolas Cost: A Comprehensive Guide

Pergola costs differ depending on material and size, but they will all enhance your outdoor space. Pergolas are perfect at mixing nature and construction, with their vertical posts or pillars supporting cross-beams and an overhead lattice creating a shaded walkway or a sitting area. They can also be used to support climbing plants.

But how much does a pergola cost? In this article, we will break down the average costs sorted by material, including labour costs, design choices and more.

How much does a pergola cost on average?

The following is a breakdown of the average pergola costs:

Factor	Average Cost Range (GBP)	Notes
Materials
Wood (softwood/hardwood)	£1,500 – £3,000	Popular natural look; hardwood (e.g. oak) at upper end, softwood at lower end
Metal (aluminium/steel)	£2,000 – £3,500	Low-maintenance, modern aesthetic; aluminium is often slightly cheaper than steel.
Vinyl/PVC (DIY kits)	£600 – £1,800	Maintenance-free; limited bespoke options; kits include all materials.
Labour
Professional installation	£200 – £300 per day	1–2 days typical; total labour ~£500 on a standard install.
Overall Structure Cost
Standard freestanding pergola	£2,300 – £2,500	~3 m × 4 m or 6 m × 3 m.
Basic DIY pergola kit	£400 – £600	Pre-cut components for self-assembly; labour cost saved.
High-end luxury pergola	£6,000 – £10,000+	Custom designs, retractable/fully waterproof roofs, bespoke frames.
Other Relevant Factors
Planning permission & permit fees	£200 – £250 per application	Required in conservation areas or if height/footprint exceeds local council limits.
Retractable roof add-on	£1,000 – £2,000	Adjustable louvres to enable shade.
LED lighting, integrated speakers	£500 – £1,500	Depends on several fixtures and wiring complexity.
Raised platform or glass infill panels	£800 – £2,500	Adds structural work and high-quality materials

What materials for pergolas are the best?

Material is a major factor in pergola cost, and each one has its benefits. Below is a breakdown of the different traits each material has:

Wooden pergolas – Wood is the most traditional choice amongst pergolas, its natural material complements the climbing plants and brings a sophisticated feel to your space. There are several types:
- Softwoods – Softer wooden pergolas are the cheapest amongst wood, typically costing between £15 – £25 per square foot, being lightweight, easy to work with, and easy to stain/paint.
- Mid-range hardwood – Wooden pergolas of this range, such as cedar, come in at around £20 – £30 per square foot, resisting insects and decay naturally. This kind is beloved for its rich grain that weathers to a silvery patina. Unlike softwoods, mid-range hardwoods are low-maintenance.
- Premium hardwood—Oak, iroko, or tropical hardwoods are among the premium wooden pergola options. This category has the widest price range, with typical prices between £35 and £60. However, due to carvings, finishes, and joint complexity, premium wood pergola frames can reach more than £100 per square foot.
Metal pergolas – Made of aluminium or galvanised steel, these pergolas offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that requires less maintenance:
- Steel pergolas – Metal pergolas with steel frames are available for as low as £14 per square foot for basic power-coated kits. Structural-grade or decorative steelwork pushes closer to £18 – £25 per square foot.
- Aluminium pergola – Aluminium is similar to high-quality steel in price, around £18 – £25 per square foot. They also benefit from corrosion resistance, lightweight handling and the ability to incorporate integrated gutters and hidden fixings.
Vinyl/PVC pergola kits – The cheapest of all pergola types. It requires minimal maintenance, coming pre-formed and pre-painted. It snaps together for a straightforward DIY install, with material costs ranging from £6 to £18 per square foot. The kit comes with all rails, uprights and hardware, and costs around £600 for a 10 x 10 ft model. For larger configurations, it costs around £1,800.

Pergola kits vs bespoke pergola – which is best?

Choosing between pergola kits and the bespoke kind is a tradeoff between speed and creative freedom on top of price.

Pergola kits come in pre-cut posts, beams, rafters and fixings in a single delivery – ready for self-assembly. They typically come in three fixed footprints, 3×3 m, 4×3 m and 6×3 m. Roof options come as open slats or a bolt-on fabric shade.

Custom pergolas are designed from scratch by a specialist and manufactured to exact specifications in footprint, height, or shape. The roof can come in anything from insulated aluminium panels to motorised louvres or retractable glass.

As for timing:

	Pergola Kit	Custom Pergola
Lead time	1-2 weeks.	4-12 weeks.
On-site build	4-10 hours with two people and basic tools.	2-5 days, but may take longer if footings, electrics, drainage or other factors that contribute to complex installation are required.
Life expectancy	Lifespan 10-15 years for softwood, 20 + years for powder-coated aluminium.	25–30+ years life expectancy due to engineered connections, heavier timbers or metals, factory-applied coatings.

What are the labour and professional installation costs?

Costs for a tradesperson working on a pergola project is typically based on a day rate, with most standard projects never taking more than two days. The standard day rate is around £250. Since £250 – £500 is around 20 – 30% of the bill, many consider performing a DIY installation. There are multiple reasons you shouldn’t do this:

Peace of mind – Installers understand the local council rules on height restrictions, boundary distances and conservation area restrictions. If planning permission is required, they can prepare drawings and handle all the paperwork. Failure to comply with the local authority could mean fines or forced removal.
Structural integrity – Posts must be set to the correct depth and fixings rated for wind load, and any concealed drainage or wiring is routed safely. This is crucial for heavy hardwood pergolas or aluminium systems with motorised louvres.
Warranty and insurance – Reputable firms offer covers and warranties for around 5-10 years. Furthermore, any warranty on the pagoda itself may be void if installed to a non-professional standard.

Factors that may drive the cost of labour up:

Raised platform or decking interface – Extra joists, levelling and flashing add half a day.
Uneven or sloping ground – Requires groundwork, concrete pours or adjustable post shoes.
Year-round use features – Installing heaters, LED lighting, and cabling can double the on-site time.
Fully waterproof roof – Motorised louvres or retractable mechanisms need precise alignment.

How much do size and design complexity increase pergola costs?

Bigger pergolas increase costs at a predictable rate as the footprint increases:

Footprint	Area	Typical cost band	Cost per m² (rounded)
3m x 3m “bistro”	9 m²	£600 – £1,800 (kit)	£65 – £200
4 m × 5 m family deck	20 m²	£1,600 – £3,500 (kit)	£80 – £175
6 m × 4 m outdoor party zone	24 m²	£2,000 – £4,500 (kit)	£85 – £190

What are the planning permissions and regulations surrounding pergola projects?

The majority of garden pergolas do not require formal planning permission. However, three trigger points can prompt an application:

Protected Area – If the property’s land is in a conservation area or the curtilage of a listed building, it automatically requires approval, regardless of height or footprint.
Height restriction – If the structure exceeds 2.5m within 2m of a boundary, you’re outside permitted development.
Roof usage – If you attach a pergola to the back of a house, but treat the roof as an extension, you may push into full planning territory.

The standard household application fee costs £200 – £250, but additional services, such as professional drawings and possible design tweaks, can add 10-15% to the overall project budget. Most councils quote an eight-week determination period and two weeks drawing preparation, totalling up to three months before ground can break.

What are some additional features and add-ons that could add to the price?

There are some common additional features available for pergolas that add to the overall cost:

LED lighting and integrated speakers – You can order low-voltage LED lights to be added to the rafters for £300 at the lowest (four spot kit), with it rising to £1000+ when you add dimmers, colour control and weather-sealing cabling.
Raised platform and glass panels – Building your new pergola with a decking platform or porcelain-paved plinth will improve drainage and level uneven ground at a higher cost of £80 – £150 per square meter for joists, posts and surface boards.
Custom colours, finishes and custom detailing – Adding power-coating aluminium pergola posts in a RAL colour that is outside of the standard palette costs £200 to £400 per frame. Every detail (such as carved hardwood knee-braces, hidden guttering, laser-cut steel infill screens, etc.) adds 10 – 25% uplift on the base price.

Conclusion

BPS has the right pergola for you. Whether you’re looking for maximum aesthetic appeal or the creation of an entertaining space, we have a variety of pergola sizes available.

FAQ – Will a pergola add to my property’s value?

Yes. Pergolas give extra living space in your garden by adding functionality and favourable aesthetics. So long as the pergola is installed professionally, meaning it adheres to local council guidelines and overstep height limits, and has designs that do not block light nor clash with the garden’s proportions.

Various research has suggested that adding a pergolas can be beneficial in the following ways:

Property value – Property value could increase by up to 5%. The actual figure varies depending on the project’s complexity, size and materials.
Return on spend (ROI) – Upon sale of your property, you effectively get between 50 – 80% of the build cost recouped at sale, if maintained in its installation state.

FAQ – What prep work needs to be done before installing a pergola?

When it comes to prep work, how much does a pergola take to prepare? The following is a checklist you should make regardless of whether you’re planning DIY or professional work:

Confirm council parameters – Measure the proposed height and distance from all the dividing boundaries of your garden. If you want to remain within permitted development, your freestanding, single-storey pergola typically must stay equal to, or smaller than 2.5m if it sits within 2m of a boundary.
Set out the footprint accurately – Square the corners using the 3-4-5 rule (also known as the right-angle check), or use a diagonal tape measure, and ensure you make the measurements accurately. Any fault you make on the ground will multiply across the rafters, meaning you’ll find yourself with a skewed roof line.
Ground investigation and foundations – Scan for any underground services, such as gas, water and electricity. If you’re unsure, you may want to book a utility locator, which will cost you around £60 to £100. Specify post-footing depth (600 – 750mm) in concrete, adjusted for soil load-bearing capacity.
Structural and electrical drawings – Produce some calculations for wind/snow loads, especially if you’re allowing for adjustable louvres or glass roofs. Mark a cable run for LED lights, heaters or speakers.
Production and factory QA – Order timber or aluminium to length. If you live within 5m of the coast, specify marine-grade powder coat.
Access and waste plan – Arrange a skip to be rid of excess or generated waste, costing between £150 to £200. Ensure you protect lawns or pavings with plywood runners, and schedule all deliveries to minimise garden disruption.
Weather-window scheduling – Target a 48-hour dry spell above 5 Celsius so that the concrete cures properly, and the timber stays dimensionally stable.
Compliance pack handover – Provide signed drawings, footing photos and (if required) the council approval letter.

Pre-construction services (survey, drawings, council liaison) typically add between £400 to £800 to a standard pergola. From the first survey through to the concrete pour, you can expect 3-4 weeks if permission is not required, and 10-12 weeks if accounting for the application process.