How much does a louvered pergola cost? (Motorized vs. manual)
How much does a louvered pergola cost? (Motorized vs. manual)
$45 – $110 per square foot to install a manual louvered roof
$6,500 – $15,800 average cost of a manual louvered roof (12’x12’)
$55 – $125 per square foot to install a motorized louvered roof
$7,900 – $18,000 average cost of a motorized louvered roof (12’x12’)
Louvered pergola cost
Installing a louvered pergola costs $6,500 to $18,000 on average or $45 to $125 per square foot. A motorized pergola costs $55 to $125 per square foot installed or up to $175 per square foot for automated smart models. A manually adjustable pergola roof costs $45 to $110 per square foot.
| Pergola roof size | Manual system cost* | Motorized system cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 8’x8’ | $2,900 – $7,000 | $3,500 – $8,000 |
| 10’x10’ | $4,500 – $11,000 | $5,500 – $12,500 |
| 12’x12’ | $6,500 – $15,800 | $7,900 – $18,000 |
| 12’x14’ | $7,550 – $18,500 | $9,200 – $21,000 |
| 12’x20’ | $10,800 – $26,400 | $13,200 – $30,000 |
| 14’x18’ | $11,300 – $27,700 | $13,850 – $31,500 |
| 16’x16’ | $11,500 – $28,150 | $14,100 – $32,000 |
| 16’x20’ | $14,400 – $35,200 | $17,600 – $40,000 |
| 20’x20’ | $18,000 – $44,000 | $22,000 – $50,000 |
*Total installed cost, including the roof and columns installed on an existing base.
Pergola roof costs by type
The following table shows the cost to install a pergola roof by type. Total costs depend on the design, material, and features. Prices include the complete system with pillars and roofing.
| Roof type | Cost per square foot | Average total cost installed* |
|---|---|---|
| Louvered - manual | $45 – $110 | $6,500 – $15,800 |
| Louvered - motorized | $55 – $125 | $7,900 – $18,000 |
| Louvered - motorized & smart | $75 – $175 | $10,800 – $25,200 |
| Wood lattice | $25 – $50 | $3,600 – $7,200 |
| Solid pavilion roof | $35 – $60 | $5,000 – $8,600 |
| Retractable canopy roof | $4 – $10 | $575 – $1,450 |
*For a 12’x12’ size roof.
Manual / adjustable louvered pergola cost
A manual adjustable louvered pergola costs $6,500 to $15,800 or $45 to $110 per square foot installed. These complete pergola systems come with a hand crank that someone turns manually to open or close the louvers. Exclusive models come with built-in gutters.
Motorized louvered pergola cost
A motorized louvered pergola costs $7,900 to $18,000 on average or $55 to $125 per square foot installed. Motorized pergola prices are $6,500 to $14,000 for materials alone in a complete kit. These prices include remote controls but no weather sensors or automated features.
Smart automatic pergola cost
A smart automated pergola costs $10,800 to $25,200 or $75 to $175 per square foot installed. A smart pergola system opens and closes automatically based on weather sensors. Remote opening and closing also works through a smart phone, mobile device, or remote control.
Fees increase for accessories like:
Multiple sun, rain, or wind sensor integrations
Mobile device interface systems
Wall switches
Pergola wood lattice roof installation cost
A pergola wood lattice roof costs $3,600 to $7,200installed for a 12’x12’ size, or $25 to $50 per square foot on average. Custom hardwood pergola roofs cost $100+ per square foot. Total prices depend on the wood type and beam thickness.
A wood lattice design has fixed rafters or beams for partial shade.
Wooden pergola roofing is not a louvered roof type. Pergola wood lattice roofs are typically best for hanging plants and vines.
Solid pavilion roof cost
Installing a pavilion costs $5,000 to $8,600 for a 12’x12’ model or $35 to $60 per square foot. A pavilion typically has a solid shingled roof in a long rectangular or square shape on a wooden frame. Pavilions are more durable and provide more shade than louvered pergolas.
Retractable canopy pergola roof cost
A retractable canopy pergola roof costs $500 to $1,750 installed or $4 to $10 per square foot. A retractable canopy is a synthetic waterproof fabric, supported by cable wires, that opens and closes like an overhead curtain when pulled by ropes.
A motorized retractable awning costs $1,000 to $6,000 installed and is ideal for small pergolas attached to the home.
Louvered pergola costs by brand
Louvered pergola cost varies by brand and model. Most louvered pergolas have slats that open and close, with higher prices for motorized models.
Azenco pergola roofs cost $80 to $120 per square foot installed.
Equinox louvered roofs cost $65 to $100 per square foot installed.
| Brand | Cost per square foot installed |
|---|---|
| Apollo | $80 – $120 |
| American Roof Systems | $40 – $70 |
| Azenco | $80 – $120 |
| Equinox | $65 – $100 |
| Luminox | $50 – $65 |
| Outdoor Elements | $50 – $90 |
| Solara | $30 – $60 |
| Struxure / Arcadia | $60 – $120 |
Louvered roof system cost factors
Cost factors for a louvered roof system include:
Roof size – Bigger systems cost more for materials, labor, and reinforced designs to support the extra weight.
Material – Aluminum frames are cheapest while hardwood designs cost the most.
Color – Most manufacturers have 4 to 6 color options. Custom colors cost up to 50%more.
Brand / manufacturer – Luxury brands offer higher-quality products with longer warranties at higher prices.
Custom-build vs. prefab – Fixed sizes are cheaper than custom designs built onsite.
Automatic motorized vs. manual – An automatic or motorized system costs more to install and maintain than a manually opening system.
Installation labor – Complex smart roof designs need more experienced technicians and more time to install.
Options & upgrades – Adding accessories like rain sensors, built-in gutters, lighting, and privacy sliding screens adds to the total cost.
Install location – Places with high wind loads require stronger systems and extra reinforcing, increasing the material costs.
Base – Most pergola roof systems attach easily to decks. However, heavier roof designs require cementing the posts for extra strength.
Permits – A pergola permit costs $60 to $150 on average. Some building departments don’t require one unless it’s larger than 200 square feet.
Delivery – Companies offer discounted or free delivery depending on where the home is. Extra fees apply for shipping over long distances.
Louvered pergola options & upgrades prices
Common upgrades for motorized louvered pergolas include larger posts, extra remote controls, speakers, and automated roller shades.
Other options include:
Gutter installation costs $5 to $15 per linear foot.
A rain or wind sensor costs $125 to $175 for triggering automatic roof closing.
A gas heater costs $200 to $500.
An electric heater costs $150 to $300.
Ceiling fan installation costs $150 to $400 per fan.
Outdoor lighting installation costs $80 to $300 per fixture.
A misting system costs $500 to $2,000.
Pergola roof FAQs
Are louvered pergolas waterproof?
Adjustable louvered pergolas are waterproof since the slats close to block out the rain. However, rainwater will fall through ordinary fixed pergola beams unless you add an awning or canopy cover.
Can a pergola have a solid roof?
A pergola can have a solid roof, and retractable roofs are popular to adapt to the weather. Most pergolas have an open-slatted roof design. A pergola with a fixed and solid roof is typically called a “pavilion.”
Getting estimates from louvered pergola installers
Before hiring a pergola installer near you, be sure to:
Compare multiple bids from companies with at least 5 years of experience.
Check that they have licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed estimate and contract before the work starts.
Beware of the cheapest quotes that typically result in low-quality work.
Give the final payment only after the job is complete.
Questions to ask
How many years of experience do you have in building louvered pergola roofs?
Can I see your reference list and project photos?
How long will the pergola roof construction take?
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
Which pergola roof type do you recommend?
What’s the price difference between mechanized and manual models?
How many people will work on my property?
What’s the best way to contact the project supervisor?
Will you pull all permits needed?
Does this estimate include all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup fees?
Which types of unexpected costs are common on a job like this?