Free Pergola Estimate Template
A complete, line-item pergola estimate you can preview below — concrete footings, 6x6 posts, double beams, rafters and purlins, structural hardware, stain and labor — plus a plain-language code checklist for footing depth, post bases and lateral bracing.
| Line item | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete footings (6 @ 12in dia x 42in) | 6 ea | $720.00 |
| 6x6 posts + standoff post bases | 6 ea | $690.00 |
| Double 2x10 beams | 64 lf | $540.00 |
| 2x8 rafters & 2x2 purlins | 1 lot | $860.00 |
| Structural hardware & fasteners | 1 lot | $310.00 |
| Stain / sealer (2 coats) | 1 lot | $240.00 |
| Labor — carpentry crew | 28 hrs | $2,240.00 |
| Total | $5,600.00 | |
Payment schedule
How to measure and price pergola work
- Price footings per pier (dig + concrete + base), not as a lump sum — pier count drives most of the excavation labor.
- Take beams and rafters off in linear feet by member size, then add 10% waste for cuts and end details.
- Quote stain as a separate line with the number of coats; owners routinely ask to remove or upgrade it.
Pergola building-code guide
Pergolas look simple, but inspectors focus on three things: how deep the footings go, how the posts are anchored, and whether the structure can resist wind uplift and lateral movement.
- Footings must bear on undisturbed soil, minimum 12in below finished grade and below the local frost line
- Typical residential pergola: 12in diameter x 36–48in deep piers, sized up for large beam spans or heavy snow
- Slope or crown the top of the pier so water drains away from the post base
- Use galvanized or stainless standoff post bases — posts should never sit directly on concrete or soil
- Wood in contact with concrete must be pressure-treated, naturally durable (cedar/redwood) or separated by an approved barrier
- Fasteners and connectors in contact with treated lumber must be hot-dip galvanized or stainless (ACQ corrodes plain steel)
- Design for the local wind speed and, in snow country, for snow accumulating on closely spaced purlins
- Add knee braces or a moment connection at each post — open frames have no shear wall to resist racking
- An attached pergola must be ledger-bolted into the rim joist with flashing, exactly like a deck ledger (R507.9)
Drawings & details
Simplified section and plan views of the details inspectors look at most. Illustrative only — not to scale.
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Depth below grade — 36-48in / below frost line(36.00")
- 2 · Footing width — 12in dia pier(12.00")
- 3 · Height above grade — 6x6 post on standoff base(3' 0")
- Depth below grade: 36.00" · Footing width: 12.00"
- Height above grade: 3' 0"
- 36-48in / below frost line
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Member thickness — 2x8 rafters over double 2x10 beams(1.50")
- 2 · On-center spacing — 16-24in OC(16.00" OC)
- 3 · Member length — Plate to plate(8' 0")
- 4 · Overall run — Total covered by this layout(8' 1 8/16")
- On-center spacing: 16.00" · 7 members
- Overall run: 8' 1 8/16" · Member length: 8' 0"
- 2x8 rafters over double 2x10 beams
Code references are based on the 2021 IRC and related model codes. Local amendments, state codes and manufacturer instructions can be stricter — always confirm with your local building department before starting work.
Common pergola estimating mistakes
- Under-sizing the beam for a wide post spacing — a 16 ft span needs a real beam, not a doubled 2x8.
- Forgetting hardware cost: post bases, hurricane ties and structural screws add up fast on a 6-post frame.
- Leaving out permit and inspection time on attached pergolas, which are treated like deck ledger work.
Export a branded, client-ready PDF or send a sign-from-phone link.
Your client reviews and signs the estimate from any device.
IRC guidance for footing depth, standoff post bases, treated-lumber fasteners and lateral bracing.
Pergola estimate FAQ
What should a pergola estimate include?
A pergola estimate should list footings by pier, posts and post bases, beams, rafters and purlins, structural hardware, stain or sealer, labor hours, and the permit when required, plus a milestone payment schedule.
How much does it cost to build a pergola?
Most residential pergolas price out between $4,000 and $9,000 installed, depending on size, species (pressure-treated vs. cedar), whether it is attached or freestanding, and local labor rates.
Do pergolas need a permit?
Many jurisdictions require a permit for a pergola over a certain footprint or when it is attached to the house. Attached pergolas are usually reviewed like deck ledgers, so check your local amendments before quoting.
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