Cedar, Aluminum or Fiberglass? Comparing Pergola Materials

HomeGuide lists material-only prices at $10 to $30 per square foot for aluminum or vinyl, $25 to $40 for cedar and $50 to $70 for fiberglass. HomeAdvisor puts a 100-square-foot cedar pergola at $2,500 to $3,500 and an aluminum one at $1,000 to $3,000. Cedar needs stain or sealer every few years, at about $4 to $6 per square foot. See material selection for the trade-offs, and ask for the manufacturer's warranty on whichever material is quoted.