Book Service

How much does pergola roofing cost? [2025]

When it comes to pergola roofing costs, the material you choose is the biggest factor driving the price. As a general guide, here’s what you can expect to pay:

  • Polycarbonate roofing: $16 – $23 per metre
  • Colorbond or Zincalume roofing: around $18 per metre
  • Double-sided Colorbond roofing: around $24 per metre
  • Thatch roofing: $14 – $22.50 per sheet

Whether you’re having a pergola custom-built or putting together a pergola kit yourself, the roof is one of the most important decisions you’ll make — and often one of the most significant costs involved. Getting a handle on pergola roofing prices early in the planning process means fewer surprises when the quotes start coming in.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including:

  • How much does pergola roofing cost?
  • The different types of pergola roofing materials
  • Pergola roofing profiles and what suits different styles
  • How to go about getting quotes from pergola builders

How Much Does Pergola Roofing Cost?

While you can pick up a basic pergola without a roof for less, adding one transforms the whole structure. A solid pergola roof gives you shade, shelter from the elements, and the ability to actually use your outdoor space year-round — rain or shine. When working out your pergola roofing cost, you’ll need to factor in both the price of materials and the labour to install them.

The cost of pergola roofing per metre varies depending on the material you go with. Here’s a practical breakdown of what to expect:

  • Polycarbonate roofing: $16 – $23 per metre
  • Colorbond or Zincalume roofing: around $18 per metre
  • Double-sided Colorbond roofing: around $24 per metre

If you’re open to alternative roofing options, there are a couple of other directions worth considering:

  • Thatch roofing: $14 – $22.50 per sheet
  • Shade sails: from $150 for a 3m x 5m rectangular sail

On the labour side, pergola builders typically charge between $45 and $60 per hour, though rates can vary depending on where you’re located.

Types of Pergola Roofing Materials

Here’s the humanised and SEO-optimised rewrite:

Types of Pergola Roofing Materials

Choosing the right pergola roofing material isn’t just about finding the cheapest option — it’s about finding the right fit. You’ll want something that can hold up against the weather, complements your pergola’s style, and ties in naturally with your home and landscaping.

While pergolas can technically be roofed with conventional materials like tiles, most modern pergolas use low to mid-priced roofing products designed specifically for pergolas, patios, and similar outdoor structures. Because these roofs don’t have a ceiling to hide the underside, the material needs to look good from both above and below.

Here’s a rundown of the most popular pergola roofing materials available in Australia:

Polycarbonate Roofing

Polycarbonate is one of the most versatile options going around. It can be fully transparent, opaque, or completely light-blocking — so you can tailor how much sun filters through. In the past, polycarbonate had a reputation for trapping heat and amplifying the sound of rain, but modern noise-dampening and insulated versions have largely solved both of those problems, keeping your pergola comfortable even on hot or stormy days.

It’s also the most affordable of the solid roofing materials. Standard 2.4 metre lengths start from around $38, while 3 metre lengths start from around $68.

Colorbond and Zincalume Roofing

Colorbond and Zincalume are tried-and-tested metal roofing materials widely used across pergolas, patios, and residential homes throughout Australia. Both come in a range of colours and can be installed flat or curved to suit different designs. They can also be powder coated for a more polished finish — with Colorbond offering the added option of powder coating on both sides, making the interior of your pergola just as attractive as the exterior.

Single-sided Colorbond and Zincalume roofing costs around $18 per metre, while double-sided Colorbond comes in at around $24 per metre.

Thatch Roofing

For a more rustic, natural aesthetic, thatch roofing is a budget-friendly option worth considering. Sheets are available for between $14 and $22.50, depending on size and shape. Thatch is an eco-friendly way to add shade to a pergola, but it does come with a couple of trade-offs — it will need replacing after several years, and it carries a higher fire risk than other materials, which is worth keeping in mind depending on where you live.

Shade Sails

If a fixed roof isn’t what you’re after, a shade sail is a popular and cost-effective alternative. A quality 3 metre x 5 metre rectangular shade sail can be picked up for under $150, making it one of the most affordable pergola roofing solutions available.

One practical tip: if you’re planning to go with a shade sail, choose the sail before you finalise your pergola design. For the best result, shade sails should be anchored between posts that are firmly set in concrete — so it pays to plan ahead.

Pergola Roofing Profiles

The material and size of your pergola roof aren’t the only things that affect the final cost — the roof profile you choose plays a role too. Each style has its own look, structural requirements, and price point, so it’s worth understanding your options before committing to a design.

The main pergola roofing profiles to choose from are:

  • Flat roof — clean, minimal, and straightforward to install
  • Skillion roof — a single sloping side that allows for natural water runoff
  • Gable roof — two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, offering a more traditional, house-like appearance
  • Curved roof — a sweeping, architectural profile that adds visual interest but comes at a higher cost

As a general rule, a flat or skillion roof is the most budget-friendly option and a great choice if you’re keeping a close eye on costs. A gable roof sits in the middle of the price range, while a curved roof is typically the most expensive of the four — reflecting the additional materials and craftsmanship involved.

Getting Quotes from Pergola Builders

When you’re ready to move forward with building a pergola or adding a roof to an existing one, the next step is reaching out to local pergola builders or roofers to compare prices. Getting multiple quotes gives you a clearer picture of what the market looks like in your area and helps ensure you’re not paying over the odds.

As with any trade work, price isn’t the only thing worth checking. Make sure any builder you’re considering is appropriately licensed for the work and has hands-on experience with pergola roofing projects specifically. A tradie who knows this type of job inside out will not only deliver better results — they’re far less likely to run into costly surprises along the way.

Costs and prices throughout this article are indicative and should be used as a guide only. Prices vary by location and are subject to change based on market conditions.

Frequently asked

How much does it cost to roof a pergola?

Browse the local directory for Pergolas

  • Roof Repairs - Sydney
  • Roof Restoration - Sydney
  • Roof Cleaning - Sydney
  • Roof Replacement - Sydney
  • Painters - Sydney
  • Guttering - Sydney

You may also be interested in these...