Cedar
Premium softwood with natural weather resistance. Warm honey color that greys beautifully if left unsealed.
Cost
$7,000 – $18,000 installed
Lifespan
20–25 years
Pros
- ✓Natural weather resistance
- ✓Beautiful grain
- ✓Ages to silver-grey if unsealed
Custom Pergolas — Wood, Aluminum, Steel & Motorized Louvered
One Stop Outdoor Construction builds custom pergolas — wood, aluminum, steel and motorized louvered — across Richmond, Katy, Sugar Land and Houston, TX. Attached or freestanding, with integrated lighting and fans. Free on-site estimates: (832) 945-8084.
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Licensed & Insured
15+ Years
Free Estimates
A pergola is the most versatile outdoor structure you can build. It defines a space, filters sun, anchors a seating area, and can carry lighting, fans, privacy panels and climbing plants. Done in the right material and scale, it transforms a featureless yard into an outdoor room — without the cost of a full patio cover. Not sure which structure fits your yard? Our pergola vs patio cover comparison for Houston homeowners walks through cost, shade and rain trade-offs.
We build pergolas in four structural materials (cedar, pressure-treated pine, aluminum and powder-coated steel) and every common style — attached to the house, freestanding over a patio, freestanding over a kitchen, or motorized louvered for programmable shade. Every build is engineered for Gulf-coast wind loads and permitted through your local jurisdiction. If you live in a Fort Bend HOA community, see our step-by-step HOA approval guide for Fort Bend County — most of the same ARC rules apply to pergolas.
Materials & options
Every pergolas starts with picking the right material for your budget, climate and HOA. Here's what we install and honest pros/cons for each.
Pressure-treated pine
Most affordable wood option. Pre-treated against rot and insects.
Cost
$5,000 – $12,000 installed
Lifespan
15–20 years
Pros
- ✓Lowest cost wood option
- ✓Easy to paint or stain any color
- ✓Wide availability
Aluminum
Powder-coated aluminum — zero maintenance, never rusts or rots.
Cost
$8,000 – $20,000 installed
Lifespan
25+ years
Pros
- ✓Zero maintenance
- ✓Clean modern look
- ✓Available in any color
Motorized louvered aluminum
Programmable tilting louvers — open for sun, close for shade or rain. Top-of-line.
Cost
$18,000 – $45,000+ installed
Lifespan
20+ years with motor service
Pros
- ✓Adjustable shade
- ✓Rain-proof when closed
- ✓Integrated lighting and screens available
How we build your pergolas
Every project follows the same proven process — so you always know what's next.
- 1
Site measurement + design
Walk the space, confirm material, sketch scale and post placement.
⏱ 1 visit
- 2
HOA + permit
Attached pergolas and detached structures over 120 sq ft typically require both.
⏱ 2–6 weeks
- 3
Foundation
Concrete footings or anchor-bolt plates into existing slab.
⏱ 1–2 days
- 4
Frame + roof slats
Posts, beams, rafters and top slats assembled on-site.
⏱ 2–5 days
- 5
Electrical + finish
Ceiling fans, lighting, staining/sealing.
⏱ 1–2 days
Pergolas pricing
Real ranges from projects we've actually built across Fort Bend and west Houston. Every quote is itemized — no surprises.
| Tier | Range | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic pine pergola (10'×12') | $5,000 – $9,000 | Pressure-treated pine frame, standard stain, basic footings |
| Cedar or aluminum (12'×16') | $8,000 – $18,000 | Premium framing, lighting pre-wire, ceiling-fan mount, premium stain or powder coat |
| Custom with fans, lighting, screens | $15,000 – $30,000 | Larger scale, integrated lighting, ceiling fans, privacy screens, HOA submission |
| Motorized louvered | $18,000 – $45,000+ | Programmable louvers, integrated LED lighting, optional screens, smart-home integration |
Pergolas FAQ
How much does a pergola cost in Texas?+
Basic pine pergolas start around $5,000 for a 10'×12'. Cedar and aluminum builds typically run $8,000–$18,000. Motorized louvered aluminum pergolas run $18,000–$45,000+ depending on size and features.
Wood or aluminum — which pergola is better?+
For warmth and traditional curb appeal, cedar wins. For zero maintenance and longevity in Gulf humidity, powder-coated aluminum wins. If you want adjustable shade or rain protection, motorized louvered aluminum is the only real option.
Do I need a permit for a pergola?+
Usually yes. Attached pergolas, detached structures over 120 sq ft, and any pergola with electrical require a permit in Fort Bend County and the City of Houston. We pull it.
Will a pergola provide real shade?+
A traditional open-slat pergola filters sun but isn't fully shaded — about 40–60% shade coverage. For full shade, we either tighten the slat spacing, add a polycarbonate roof panel, or build a motorized louvered pergola that closes completely.
Can a pergola support a ceiling fan?+
Yes — we engineer the main beam for fan load and pre-wire during construction. Adding a fan to an existing pergola costs more because of the rework.
Can you build a pergola over an existing patio slab?+
Yes — if the slab is in good condition, we anchor posts directly with engineered plates. If the slab is cracked or undersized, we extend or re-pour.
What's the difference between a pergola and a patio cover?+
A patio cover has a solid (or nearly solid) roof — full shade, full rain protection. A pergola has an open slat roof — partial shade, not rainproof. Pergolas are usually less expensive and look more architectural; covers are more functional.
How long does it take to build a pergola?+
After permit: 3–7 working days for most builds. Motorized louvered pergolas take 5–10 days because of the motor commissioning.
Quick Details
- Typical Range
- $5,000 – $9,000
- Coverage
- Fort Bend &
West Houston - Consultation
- Free On-Site
- Warranty
- Included
Pergolas gallery
Recent projects across Fort Bend and Harris County.
Where we build pergolas
We serve five core Texas markets. Pick your city for local pricing, neighborhoods and HOA details.
Often paired with
Ready to start your pergolas project?
Free on-site estimate. Honest pricing. 15+ years across Fort Bend & Harris County.