Two Pergola Roof Types, One Simple Pricing Structure
For 2026, we price pergola roof coverage two ways: lattice-style at $90 per square foot, and fully covered at $125 per square foot. Everything else in a pergola project — posts, footings, beams, accent walls — is additional to this base coverage rate.
Lattice Pergola: Partial Shade, Lower Cost
A lattice pergola uses spaced slats (fixed, not motorized louvers) to filter sunlight while still letting light and air through. At $90 per square foot, it's the more budget-friendly option for yards that want definition and partial shade without blocking the sky entirely.
- Best for climates where full sun protection isn't the primary goal
- Lower material cost since there's no solid roof deck or drainage system
- Pairs well with string lighting and climbing vines for a softer aesthetic
Fully Covered Pergola: Complete Protection
At $125 per square foot, a fully covered pergola has a solid roof deck — protecting furniture, outdoor kitchens, and TVs from direct sun and rain. This is the structure of choice when the pergola is covering an outdoor kitchen, bar, or media area that needs year-round protection.
- Protects appliances, electronics, and cabinetry beneath it
- Includes drainage/waterproofing detailing not needed on lattice designs
- Higher cost per square foot, but often eliminates the need for a separate patio cover
What 'Louvered' Really Means in 2026 Bids
Homeowners often use 'louvered pergola' to describe any slatted-roof structure, but true motorized-louver systems (adjustable aluminum blades) are a different, higher-tier product than either lattice or fully covered wood structures. If a bid uses 'louvered' loosely, ask the contractor to specify: fixed lattice, solid roof, or motorized aluminum louvers, since the cost difference is significant.
- Confirm square footage of coverage needed
- Decide fixed lattice ($90/sqft) vs. fully covered solid roof ($125/sqft)
- Ask if 'louvered' in a bid means motorized aluminum — a separate, premium product
- Factor in accent walls ($12,500) if you want a defined backdrop
💡 Pro Tip
For a 300-square-foot pergola, the difference between lattice and fully covered is roughly $10,500 in coverage cost alone — worth mapping to how you'll actually use the space before deciding.
Pricing It Out With Moda
We quote pergola coverage with exact square footage and material specs — no bundled 'patio cover allowance.' Use the /estimate tool to model both lattice and fully covered pricing for your footprint, and read the /backyard-blueprint guide for how pergolas fit into a full backyard plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a louvered or covered pergola cost in 2026?
Lattice-style pergola coverage costs $90 per square foot, while a fully covered solid-roof pergola costs $125 per square foot in 2026 Southern California pricing.
What's the difference between lattice and fully covered pergolas?
Lattice pergolas use spaced slats for partial shade and airflow; fully covered pergolas have a solid, waterproofed roof deck for complete sun and rain protection.
Are motorized louvered pergolas the same price as lattice pergolas?
No. True motorized aluminum louver systems are a premium product priced separately from fixed lattice or fully covered wood/steel structures — confirm which product a bid describes.
Do I need a fully covered pergola over an outdoor kitchen?
It's strongly recommended. A solid roof protects appliances, cabinetry, and electronics from direct sun and rain, which a lattice structure only partially does.
Does pergola pricing include posts and footings?
The $90–$125 per square foot rate covers roof coverage; posts, footings, and beams are priced as part of the overall structural design based on your layout.
