Austin summers push past 100 degrees for weeks at a time. A custom pergola from Red Agave transforms unshaded backyards into the most used area of your home using heavy-gauge steel, Western red cedar, or Brazilian IPE hardwood — engineered for Central Texas heat with integrated FCOB lighting that works after dark. We handle all permitting, site plans, and structural calculations so you never visit the permit office. Most projects range from $12,000 to $45,000 depending on size, materials, and integrated features like ceiling fans and shade sails. Typical project timeline is 3 to 5 weeks from design through final inspection. Explore our Signature Projects to see completed builds, or request a free consultation to get started.
Red Agave Landscape · Austin, TX
Custom Pergola Builder Austin TX
Pergola Construction
Shade Structures Built for Texas
Styles
Pergola Styles We Build
01
Steel Frame Pergolas
Custom-fabricated mild steel frames with powder-coat finish. Modern clean lines, zero maintenance. Can span wider than wood without intermediate posts. Designed for decades.
02
Steel + Cedar Hybrid
Mild steel structural frame with Western Red Cedar rafters and slats. Best of both worlds: the permanence of steel with the warmth of natural wood. Our most popular style.
03
Attached Pergolas
Connected to your home's structure for seamless indoor-outdoor transition. Covers patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens. Requires engineering for proper load transfer to existing structure.
04
Freestanding Pergolas
Independent structures positioned anywhere in the yard. Perfect for garden focal points, hot tub covers, or creating separate outdoor rooms. Footings poured to Austin code.
05
Louvered Pergolas
Motorized adjustable louvers that rotate from full shade to full sun. Rain-sensing auto-close option. Premium shade control for Austin's intense summers.
06
Pavilions
Fully roofed shade structures with solid top instead of open slats. Standing seam metal roof or cedar shingle. Complete weather protection for outdoor kitchens and living rooms.
Compare
Pergola Materials Compared
The material you choose determines how your pergola looks, how long it lasts, and how much maintenance it demands. Here is how the three most common pergola materials compare across the factors that matter most in Austin.
| Feature | Mild Steel | Western Red Cedar | Aluminum (Kit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (10x12 pergola) | $12,000–$20,000 | $8,000–$14,000 | $6,000–$10,000 |
| Lifespan | 30–50+ years | 15–25 years | 15–20 years |
| Maintenance | Minimal (powder coat) | Stain/seal every 2–3 years | None |
| Strength | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
| Customization | Fully custom | Fully custom | Limited to kit sizes |
| Wind Rating | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
| Aesthetic | Modern industrial | Warm natural | Generic/thin profile |
Red Agave builds with mild steel and cedar exclusively. We do not install aluminum pergola kits. Aluminum is too thin, too light, and too generic for the custom work our clients expect. Our mild steel frames are fabricated in-house, welded to exact specifications, and powder-coated to any color. They will be standing long after kit pergolas have been replaced.
Investment
How Much Does a Pergola Cost in Austin?
Cedar Pergola — $8,000–$14,000
10x12 to 12x16 Western Red Cedar pergola with 6x6 posts, 2x8 rafters, and 2x2 shade slats. Stained to client specification. Includes footings and installation.
Steel Frame Pergola — $12,000–$22,000
Custom mild steel frame with powder-coat finish. Clean modern lines, wider spans. Includes engineered footings, fabrication, and installation.
Steel + Cedar Hybrid — $14,000–$28,000
Mild steel structural frame with cedar rafters and slats. Our signature look. Combines the permanence of steel with the warmth of wood.
Louvered / Motorized — $20,000–$40,000+
Motorized adjustable louver system on a mild steel frame. Full shade to full sun at the press of a button. Rain sensors available. Premium option for outdoor kitchens and living rooms.
Pavilion — $25,000–$50,000+
Fully roofed structure with standing seam metal or cedar shingle. Includes engineered plans, permit, and full weather protection.
Pricing includes design, engineering, materials, fabrication, footings, and installation. Attached pergolas that tie into existing roof structures require additional engineering ($500–$1,500) to verify load capacity. Electrical for fans and lights adds $1,500–$3,000.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your project and get a detailed estimate.
How It Works
From Design to First Shade
01
Consultation
Free on-site visit. We assess your space, discuss shade coverage goals, review material options, and establish budget. We bring material and color samples.
02
Design
Custom pergola design with exact dimensions, material selections, and attachment details. Engineering drawings for permit submission. 3D renderings for complex projects.
03
Build
Steel frames fabricated off-site, delivered, and assembled. Cedar cut and installed on-site. Footings poured to Austin code. Most pergolas complete in 1–2 weeks.
04
Enjoy
Final walkthrough, electrical testing (if applicable), and care guide. Your pergola is ready for the first evening out.
Our Work
Recent Projects
Common Questions
Pergola FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a pergola in Austin?
In most cases, yes. The City of Austin requires a building permit for pergolas and shade structures over 200 square feet or any structure attached to the house. We handle the full permitting process as part of our design-build service, including site plans and structural calculations, so you never have to deal with the city directly.
What materials hold up best in Austin's climate?
Steel and IPE are the most durable options for Central Texas. Powder-coated steel resists UV, heat, and moisture without any maintenance. Brazilian IPE is one of the hardest woods available and naturally resists rot and insects. Western red cedar is a beautiful mid-range option that performs well when properly sealed and maintained every 2 to 3 years.
How much does a custom pergola cost in Austin?
Cedar pergolas start at $8,000–$14,000. Steel frame pergolas run $12,000–$22,000. Steel + cedar hybrids range from $14,000–$28,000. Louvered/motorized systems run $20,000–$40,000+. Pavilions start at $25,000–$50,000+. Pricing includes design, engineering, materials, fabrication, footings, and installation. We provide detailed estimates during your free on-site consultation.
Do I need a permit for a pergola in Austin?
The City of Austin requires a building permit for pergolas attached to a home and for freestanding structures over 200 sq ft. Our design-build process includes all permitting: engineering drawings, site plans, permit applications, and inspections. Permit fees are included in project pricing.
Steel or wood — which is better for an Austin pergola?
For longevity and zero maintenance, mild steel wins. A properly powder-coated steel pergola will last 30–50+ years in Austin's climate with no upkeep. Cedar is beautiful and warm but needs staining every 2–3 years to prevent graying and UV damage. Our most popular option is the hybrid: a steel structural frame with cedar shade slats. You get the permanence of steel where it matters (the structure) and the natural beauty of wood where you see it (the top).
How long does pergola installation take?
Most pergolas take 1–2 weeks from the start of on-site work. The steel frame is fabricated off-site during the design phase, so installation day is mostly assembly and welding connections. Cedar pergolas are cut and assembled on-site and take slightly longer. Footings need 3–5 days to cure before we load the structure.
Can you attach a pergola to my house?
Yes, if the attachment point has adequate structural support. We engineer every attached pergola with proper ledger board connections, flashing, and load transfer to your home's framing. This requires removing a section of siding or stucco, installing a ledger board with lag bolts into the rim joist or wall studs, and weatherproofing the connection. We handle all of this as part of the build.
What about fans, lights, and outlets?
We install ceiling fans, LED downlights, string light hooks, and weatherproof outlets on most pergola projects. Electrical is run through the pergola's posts and beams so there are no visible conduits. We coordinate with a licensed electrician for the panel connection. Budget $1,500–$3,000 for a typical fan + lights + outlet package.
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