How much does a pergola cost in Madison, WI?
4-post pergola with rafters and optional slats. Priced against Wisconsin material costs, a typical DIY pergola in Madison runs about $1,588 in materials, right at the national average. These are estimates only, not a quote — enter your real dimensions in the free calculator for a shopping list matched to your build.
Estimates only — not a quote.
Madison cost breakdown
| Estimate | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison (DIY materials) | $1,350 | $1,588 | $2,144 |
| National average | $1,350 | $1,588 | $2,144 |
Priced from the Wisconsin material index — currently even with the national average. Based on a common-size pergola; enter your own dimensions for an exact number.
DIY materials estimate: $1,588. A contractor in the Madison market (materials plus about 33 labor hours at ~$57/hr) estimates to $3,424–$4,591. Estimated DIY savings: $2,303 (59%).
Freestanding pergolas are often treated as accessory structures, with footings specified to a 48 in frost depth. Attaching to the house usually triggers a permit.
Outside city limits, Dane County is typically the permitting authority.
Get your exact Madison price
Enter your dimensions for a materials list and cost estimate matched to your build.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pergola cost in Madison, WI?
Materials typically run $1,350–$2,144 for a common-size project using Madison-area pricing. That is an estimate, not a quote — our free calculator prices your exact dimensions.
Is it cheaper to DIY or hire a contractor in Madison?
DIY materials estimate to about $1,588. A local contractor estimates to $3,424–$4,591 at the Madison-area labor rate of roughly $57/hr, so DIY could save an estimated $2,303 (59%).
Do I need a permit for a pergola in Madison?
Freestanding pergolas are often treated as accessory structures, with footings specified to a 48 in frost depth. Attaching to the house usually triggers a permit. Dane County and the City of Madison rules can be stricter than the state baseline — run the free permit lookup for your ZIP before buying materials.
Why is Madison pergola pricing different from the national average?
We apply a regional material cost index for the Madison market, which currently sits at the national average. Labor is indexed separately at about $57/hr for the contractor comparison.
Other projects in Madison
Pergola cost in nearby cities
Looking at the whole state? Pergola cost in Wisconsin.