How much does a 12×12 pergola cost?
Sarah Duran
Updated on May 07, 2026
How much does a 12×12 pergola cost?
How much does a 12×12 pergola cost? A typical 12×12 pergola will cost between $4,320 and $8,640 depending on your choice of materials and style.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a pergola?
The cost of building a pergola is cheaper than buying a pre-fabricated one or hiring a professional to construct one. However, you will need the tools, expertise, and time to properly execute the project to ensure that it lasts and adds maximal value.
What is a good size for a pergola?
So, What is a good size for a pergola? For large decks, a common size is 16×24 feet. For backyard or free standing pergolas, about 12×16 works well. And for a small backyard patio, you’re looking at around 12×12 as a common size.
What is the best wood to use for a pergola?
Western Red Cedar and Redwood are the two most commonly used woods for pergolas, aside from pressure-treated wood. Western Red Cedar (WRC) and Redwood are both naturally stunning woods and often lumped together.
Does a pergola add value to a home?
Here’s what we tell our customers: yes, a pergola will add market value to any house. Since outdoor living has become more popular than ever, the value of properties with a pergola or a comfortable outdoor space has been on the rise. A safe gauge for a deck or backyard improvement is about 50% — 80% for your ROI.
How much does it cost to build a pergola yourself?
The cost to build a pergola usually ranges between $2,200 and $5,900, or $4,000 on average. You could spend as little as $1,300 on a basic build while you may pay as much as $10,000 for a custom design.
Do pergolas add value to home?
Are pergolas easy build?
A pergola is basically an open roof, set on posts or columns. You can buy pergolas in kit form, but they’re quite easy to build from scratch using treated softwood. Make sure you paint the cut ends of the timbers and the feet of the posts with wood preservative before you start.
How far apart should rafters be on a pergola?
16 to 20 inches apart
Spacing of the rafters will vary according to your visual preference and the size of the pergola. Spacing the rafters 16 to 20 inches apart is common. The most important rule in spacing is to keep the distance consistent between all the rafters.
How far can a pergola beam span without support?
There’s not quite enough information here to give a definitive answer, but for decks, a rule of thumb is when supporting joists that span 12 feet, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches. Thus, a double 2×12 beam could span 12 feet – with 20′ beams, posts at 10′ might look the best.
Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 for pergola?
To adequately support the lumber overhead as well as give the pergola a sturdy look, you’ll probably need to use 6×6 for the support posts. For a very small pergola with only 4 to 6 feet between posts, 4×4 supports will work. Most pergolas are constructed square to the nearest building structure.
Can I use treated pine for a pergola?
The types of timbers that are suitable for your pergola are hardwoods, treated pine or cypress pine. The majority of pergolas are made using treated pine. Treated pine timber should have an H4 rating for on, or below ground, application and an H3 rating for above ground.