Materials Compared
| Material | Look | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar or redwood | Warm, natural grain | Stain or seal every few years. Naturally rot-resistant |
| Pressure-treated pine | Paint or stain to taste | Can check, twist and crack as it dries. Needs regular finish |
| Vinyl | Clean white or tan | Wash it. No painting |
| Aluminum | Slim, modern lines | Very low. Powder-coated finish |
HomeGuide notes aluminum and vinyl are the least expensive materials and fiberglass and hardwood the most.
Kit or Custom?
A kit has pre-cut parts in set sizes. A custom build is designed for your patio, which matters when the slab is an odd shape or you want the pergola to line up with windows and doors. HomeGuide lists a 12′ × 12′ prefab kit at $1,450–$5,750 installed and a custom wood pergola the same size at $4,300–$9,350. Angi reports a U.S. average of $4,253 across 757 projects (updated Sep 23, 2026).
Getting More Shade From a Pergola
An open pergola blocks some sun, depending on rafter spacing and direction. To get more:
- Run the top slats east to west so they block more of the midday sun.
- Add a shade sail or retractable canopy under the rafters.
- Plant vines such as wisteria or grapes. They take a few seasons to fill in.
- Upgrade to a louvered roof if you want full shade and rain cover. See louvered pergolas.
Freestanding or Attached
A freestanding pergola needs four or more posts and can sit anywhere: over a fire pit, beside a pool, at the end of a garden path. An attached pergola uses a ledger board on the house wall and saves two posts. Both should be anchored to concrete footings or a slab that can carry them, because a pergola acts like a sail when shade cloth is added in high wind.
Questions to Ask
- What lumber or material grade, and what fasteners?
- Post size and footing depth?
- Is staining or sealing included for wood?
- Does the size need a permit in Broken Arrow, and who handles it?
Request a Patio Cover Quote
Tell us about the patio. A local Broken Arrow-area builder will call or text you back to look at the space and give you a written estimate.
Please note: Broken Arrow Patio Covers connects homeowners with independent local patio cover and pergola builders. We are not a contractor and do not do the work.