Compared
Aluminium or wooden pergola?
Wood costs less: a timber kit is €428 to €733 against €1,886 to €2,998 for an aluminium louvred kit. Aluminium needs no painting, doesn't rot, and is what you need for a roof that opens and closes. If you want shade and climbers, go timber. If you want to sit out in the rain, go aluminium.
The four things that decide it: the roof, the upkeep, the wind and the look.
Free, no obligation. One local company prices it, not five.
Side by side
Wood and aluminium
| Wooden | Aluminium | |
|---|---|---|
| Guide price | €428 to €733 kit | €1,886 to €2,998 kit, from €2,500 fitted |
| Roof | Open rafters, or a fixed roof added | Louvred, motorised or retractable |
| Upkeep | A coat every year or two | A wash |
| Wind | Heavy posts, fixed well | Rated by the maker; ask for it |
| Look | Soft, planted, traditional | Clean lines, grey, black or white |
Which
Which one suits you
- Shade, climbers, a softer look: timber.
- Sitting out through a shower: aluminium with louvres.
- No upkeep at all: aluminium.
- Lowest cost: a timber kit, fitted on a sound patio.
Price guide
What a pergola costs in Ireland
Kit prices are delivered, not fitted. Made-to-measure prices include fitting.
| Job | Typical cost | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Timber pergola kit, 2.4 m square to a 3.4 m corner | €428 to €733 | Size and timber. Fitting and a base are extra |
| Steel louvred pergola kit, 3 × 3 m to 3 × 6 m | €1,075 to €2,155 | Length. Side screens from €265 a side |
| Aluminium louvred pergola kit, 3 × 3 m to 4 × 3 m | €1,886 to €2,998 | Size and maker. Blinds €408 to €489 a side |
| Aluminium pergola with built-in lights, 4 × 3 m to 6 × 3.6 m | €3,547 to €5,627 | Size, lights, privacy screens |
| Motorised louvred or retractable roof, about 3 × 4 m | €3,395 to €7,420 | Motor, rain sensor, lights. Needs an electrician |
| Made-to-measure aluminium pergola, supplied and fitted | from €2,500 | Size, roof, sides, base and fixings |
What's included
- A kit: the frame, the roof or louvres, and the fixings for the frame. Delivered, not fitted.
- Made to measure and fitted: a site visit, the frame made to your size, the roof, and fitting.
- Ask for in writing: the base, wall fixings, flashing, electrics, sides, VAT and the guarantee.
What pushes it up or down
- Size and span. Bigger spans need heavier sections.
- The roof. Open rafters cost least; manual louvres, motorised louvres and a retractable roof cost more, in that order.
- Sides. Screens, blinds or glass on the weather side.
- The base. A sound, level patio costs nothing extra. New pads or a slab do.
- The wall. Solid block is simple. Insulated render or timber frame needs the right brackets.
- Power. Lights, a heater or a motor need a qualified electrician.
Free quote
Get a pergola price in 4 taps
Tap what you want and leave your number. It goes to one vetted pergola company that covers your county, and they ring you back to arrange a look and a written price.
Questions
Questions people ask
Which lasts longer, wood or aluminium?
Aluminium, with no upkeep. Timber lasts well if the posts stay out of wet soil and it's treated every year or two.
Is aluminium worth the extra?
If you want a roof that closes, yes: that's what the money buys. For an open frame with climbers, timber does the job for less.
Can I get a wooden look in aluminium?
Some makers offer wood-effect finishes. Ask to see a sample in daylight.
Get a free quote for your pergola
One vetted company that covers your county rings you. Nothing is agreed until you accept a written price.