Custom Wood & Cedar Pergolas in Jacksonville & the First Coast

Western red cedar & pine pergola installation, built to last

As a Jacksonville pergola contractor, we design, engineer, permit and install custom wood pergolas across the Jacksonville metro — warm, natural western red cedar and budget-friendly pressure-treated pine, built to Florida wind code with a free in-home estimate to start.

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5.0★ Google · 13 reviewsLicensed & insuredDetailed design plan
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Powder·coated aluminum Won’t rot or rustMaintenance-free30+ year lifespanSalt-air proofFlorida wind-rated

Why Wood

Natural Wood & Cedar Pergolas Built for the Jacksonville Backyard

Nothing matches the warmth and grain of a real wood pergola. We are a local custom builder, not a kit seller, crafting western red cedar and pressure-treated pine pergolas in attached or freestanding configurations to fit your yard. Cedar brings rich, natural color, a tight grain and built-in resistance to rot and insects; pressure-treated pine delivers the same classic look at the lowest up-front cost. We build open-top (fixed-slat), solid-roof and gable styles — all engineered and stamped for Florida code so your structure stands up to First Coast heat, humidity and storms. Wood does ask for periodic sealing or staining, and we’ll tell you exactly what to expect. Every project starts with a free in-home estimate across Duval, St. Johns, Clay and Nassau.

Natural Warmth & GrainA wood pergola brings warmth, texture and a timeless look that metal simply can’t copy.
Cedar’s Built-In ResistanceWestern red cedar contains natural oils and tannins that help it resist rot, decay and insects better than…
Pine Keeps It AffordablePressure-treated pine is the budget-friendly path to a real wood pergola.
Stain or Paint, Any ColorUnlike a fixed factory finish, wood is fully customizable.
Freein-home estimate
FL codeengineer-stamped
Permitpulled for you
Own crewnever subbed out

Compare materials

Cedar, pine or aluminum — which is right for you?

All three are real options we build. If you want genuine, natural wood warmth that lasts, here’s where we usually point First Coast homeowners.

★ Our Pick · Natural wood
Western Red Cedar
For homeowners who want real, natural wood, cedar is the classic choice — rich grain, a warm reddish tone, and natural oils that resist rot. A little seasonal upkeep keeps it beautiful for decades.
✓Rich, natural grain & warm color
✓Natural oils resist rot & insects
✓Decades of beauty when sealed
MaintenanceRe-seal 1–2 yrs
Lifespan15–20+ years
ResistsRot & insects
UpfrontFrom ~$8,900
Powder-Coated AluminumZero upkeep

The zero-maintenance modern option — never needs sealing, won’t rot, rust or warp, with a 30+ year lifespan. More up-front, but no upkeep.

No maintenance30+ yrsFrom ~$12,500
Pressure-Treated PineBudget wood

The budget-friendly path to a real wood pergola — takes stain or paint. Re-seal every 1–2 years; about a 10–15 year lifespan.

Lowest cost~10–15 yrsReal wood

Why Wood

Wood & Cedar Pergolas — built your way

Pergolas

Western Red Cedar Pergolas

Our premium wood choice. Western red cedar has natural oils that resist rot and insects, a stable grain that resists warping, and a warm reddish tone you can leave natural, seal clear, or stain. It’s the cedar pergola homeowners picture — built to your space and engineered for Florida code. Cedar projects start around $3,500.

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Shelters

Pressure-Treated Pine Pergolas

The lowest-cost way into a real wood pergola. Pressure-treated pine is chemically treated to fight rot and termites, takes paint and stain beautifully, and gives you the same classic look as cedar for less money up front. It does move a little more in our humidity, so we detail and fasten it to last — a smart pick for budget-minded First Coast yards.

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Groundwork

Open-Top, Solid-Roof & Gable Styles

Choose the roofline that fits how you’ll use the space: a classic open-top pergola with fixed slats for dappled shade, a solid-roof cover that keeps the rain off your patio, or a gable design with vaulted character. Every style is drawn in your detailed design plan and engineered for your footing and wind load.

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Ready when you are

Start your wood & cedar pergolas with a free on-site estimate

We bring measurements, material options, and a detailed design plan of your build — then a free, itemized estimate with no pressure.

Licensed & insured · We pull the permit · 5.0★ on Google
Book my free estimate → (904) 529-0624

What homeowners say about our wood & cedar pergolas

5.0 ★★★★★ · 13 Google reviewsRead all reviews on Google →
★★★★★

“The wife loves the new pergola we put in for her birthday. The team did a wonderful job – great service and price.”

RRay OlsonGoogle review
★★★★★

“Their customer service was outstanding, and the quality of work exceeded our expectations!”

MMoGoogle review
★★★★★

“Big shout out! The team was attentive to every detail – exactly what my husband and I envisioned. And it wasn’t costly whatsoever!”

NNina HollinsGoogle review
★★★★★

“Estimate, installation, and cleanup all done by Jacksonville Pergola Builders. I’d use them again – 100% recommend.”

JJessica DavisGoogle review
★★★★★

“They built a gazebo next to my garden so I could read outside in the shade – and came out the very next week. Such a good addition!”

SSophie PhillipsGoogle review
★★★★★

“Our gazebo came out better than I imagined. So much character, and the perfect shaded space. My family loves it and so do I!”

SSamantha MarshallGoogle review

Pergola configurations

Pergola styles — attached, open & roofed

Attached or freestanding, open-slatted or full-roof, flat or gable — we engineer the configuration that fits your yard, your shade, and your style.

Attached
Attached pergola sketch

Ledgered to your house on one side — a seamless extension off a back wall or patio.

Freestanding
Freestanding pergola sketch

Four posts, standing on its own anywhere in the yard — pool, garden, or dock.

Open-top
Open-top pergola sketch

Classic slatted rafters for airy, dappled shade and a breeze that moves through.

Solid roof
Solid roof pergola sketch

A closed roof for full sun-and-rain cover — pavilion-style outdoor living.

Gable
Gable pergola sketch

A peaked, pitched roof for a taller ceiling and a more architectural look.

Investment

How Much Does a Wood or Cedar Pergola Cost in Jacksonville?

$3,500Honest numbers: a custom western red cedar pergola starts around $3,500, while pressure-treated pine is our lowest-cost option and comes in below that — making real wood one of the more accessible ways to shade a patio. For comparison, our maintenance-free aluminum pergolas start around $12,500.

What moves the price? Species (pine vs. cedar), size (a 10×10 costs less than a 12×12 or a full patio-spanning span), roof style (open-top fixed slats vs. a solid roof or gable), finish (natural, sealed, stained or painted), and add-ons like lighting or fans. A custom, engineer-stamped and professionally installed pergola is a different product from a DIY wood pergola kit off a store shelf — you get Florida-code engineering, a pulled permit, our own install crew and a warranty, not a flat-pack you assemble and hope passes inspection. Your in-home estimate is free; the detailed design plan is included as part of a paid project, not a free standalone service. We confirm your exact figure per address and lot — no invented quotes.

Materials we build in

Aluminum, wood & cedar pergolas

Hover a material to explore
01 · Pressure-Treated
Southern Yellow Pine
Natural tan wood — the affordable, built-strong workhorse for Northeast Florida yards.
15–20
Years
2–3 yr
Reseal
$
Cost
See pine builds →
02 · Premium Wood
Western Red Cedar
Warm reddish grain — naturally rot- and insect-resistant for wooded & waterfront lots.
15–25
Years
2–4 yr
Seal
$$
Cost
See cedar builds →
03 · Powder-Coated
Aluminum
Maintenance-free metal — won't rot, rust, or fade. The favorite for low-maintenance & waterfront lots.
30+
Years
Rinse
Upkeep
$$$
Value
See aluminum builds →

Backyard pergola ideas

Patio, poolside & backyard pergolas

A pergola does more than shade a patio. Here's where Northeast Florida homeowners put them to work.

Poolside shade

Cool, dappled cover over the pool deck that still lets the breeze through.

Outdoor kitchen

A defined roofline over the grill, bar, or a full built-in cook space.

Lakeside & dock

Waterfront shade structures along the Intracoastal, St. Johns River & area lakes.

Waterfront

Patio dining

An outdoor dining room your family actually uses three seasons a year.

Front entry

An entry pergola or portico that lifts curb appeal and frames the door.

Spa & hot tub

A cozy, private cover that turns a hot tub into a year-round retreat.

Also: commercial & restaurant patios across Northeast Florida

Hurricane-rated pergolas

Pergola permits & Florida code, handled for you

Most permanent pergolas in Jacksonville need a Northeast Florida building permit, and attached builds need engineer-stamped drawings. Our pergola company files it all through the county's online portal — so you don't have to.

Northeast Florida
A permit is required
Most permanent pergolas need a permit through the Northeast Florida Building Division — attached ones always, freestanding ones in nearly every case. We file it through the county's online portal.
Wind zone
Coastal wind code
The First Coast runs roughly 130–150 mph design wind (ASCE 7-22) — higher the closer you sit to the ocean. Aluminum framing is engineered with rated connectors & footings for your exact address.
Attached builds
Sealed engineering
A pergola attached to your home ties into the structure — so it gets engineer-stamped drawings to pass Northeast Florida plan review.
Waterfront
Setbacks & lake rules
Property-line setbacks — and Intracoastal, river & oceanfront shoreline rules — are checked before we ever break ground.
The good part
We handle the heavy lifting.
  • Permits pulled
  • Stamped engineering
  • County plan review
  • Final inspection
Serving Jacksonville · Ponte Vedra · St. Augustine · Orange Park · Fernandina Beach
Start my permitted build →
Free estimate · we pull every permit

Pergola installation process

Your pergola installation, step by step

No surprises, no scope creep. Here's exactly what happens between your first call and the night you light it up in Jacksonville.

01
On-site estimate
A free in-home visit, about 60 minutes. We measure, photograph, and walk material + budget options with you.
Week 1
02
Detailed design plan
A detailed design plan of your build — plus a free, itemized estimate.
Week 1–2
03
Permits & engineering
We pull the permit through the online portal and provide engineer-stamped drawings to Florida code.
Week 2–5
04
Build & enjoy
Most installs take 1–3 days. We finish, pass final inspection, and hand you back the yard.
Week 5–6

Wood & Cedar Pergolas FAQs

Common questions

Does a wood pergola rot in Florida's humidity?
It can if it's built from the wrong wood or never maintained — but the right material and care prevent it. Western red cedar has natural oils that resist rot and insects, and pressure-treated pine is chemically treated to do the same. We detail the joints for drainage, keep wood off the ground, and recommend a sealing schedule. Maintained properly, a wood pergola lasts for many years even in our humid First Coast climate.
Cedar vs. pressure-treated pine: which should I choose for my pergola?
Cedar is the premium choice — richer natural grain, naturally rot- and insect-resistant, more dimensionally stable, and it starts around $3,500. Pressure-treated pine is the lowest-cost option, takes stain and paint well, and gives you the same classic look for less, though it moves a little more in humidity and needs slightly more frequent sealing. Cedar for warmth and lower upkeep; pine for the best value — we'll help you decide at the estimate.
How often do I need to seal or stain a wood pergola?
Plan on resealing or restaining cedar roughly every 2–3 years and pressure-treated pine every 1–2 years to protect the wood and hold its color in Florida's sun and humidity. If you'd rather let cedar weather to a natural silver-gray, you can — just know it's a finish choice, not a structural problem. We'll walk you through the upkeep so there are no surprises after install.
How long does a wood or cedar pergola last in Florida?
A well-built, maintained cedar pergola lasts decades, thanks to cedar's natural rot and insect resistance plus regular sealing. Pressure-treated pine also lasts many years when kept sealed. The biggest factors are the finish schedule and good construction detailing — both of which we handle. For a completely maintenance-free option that lasts 30+ years, aluminum is the alternative we also build.
Can you stain or paint my wood pergola any color?
Yes — that's one of wood's biggest advantages. You can leave cedar natural, seal it clear to lock in its warm tone, or stain or paint either cedar or pine any color to match your home. And because the finish is on the surface, you can refresh or change the color years later. We'll apply your chosen finish as part of the build and show it on your detailed design plan first.
How much does a wood pergola cost in Jacksonville?
Our custom cedar pergolas start around $3,500, and pressure-treated pine comes in below that as our lowest-cost option. Price depends on species, size (a 10×10 vs. a 12×12 or larger), roof style (open-top, solid-roof or gable), finish, and add-ons like lighting or fans. We confirm your exact figure at the free in-home estimate — no invented quotes.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a wood pergola, and what about kits?
A DIY wood pergola kit can look cheaper on the sticker, but it's a different product. A custom professionally built pergola includes engineer-stamped Florida drawings, a pulled permit, our own install crew, full cleanup and a warranty — none of which come in a flat-pack. Kits also risk failing inspection or wind code. If you want real wood that's affordable, pressure-treated pine is our budget path without giving up code-compliant construction.
What's the best wood for a pergola in our climate?
For the First Coast, the two woods that make sense are western red cedar and pressure-treated pine. Cedar is naturally rot- and insect-resistant and more stable, making it the premium pick; pressure-treated pine is treated to resist rot and termites and is the most affordable real-wood option. Both perform well here when properly detailed, finished and maintained — the “best” one depends on your budget and how much upkeep you prefer.
Do I need a permit for a wood pergola in Florida, and do you handle it?
In most cases yes — a permanent pergola requires a permit, and attached structures almost always do. Exact size thresholds vary by county and city, so we confirm the requirement for your address. The good news: we pull the permit for you and provide engineer-stamped Florida drawings (ASCE 7-22 / FBC). If you're in an HOA, you submit the package to your board — we help you prepare the stamped drawings and specs so it's ready to go.
Will a wood pergola hold up in high winds and storms?
Yes — when properly engineered. We build from properly sized structural lumber and design every pergola to ASCE 7-22 wind loads and the Florida Building Code, with drawings stamped by a Florida engineer and footings sized for your soil. Rather than quote a one-size mph number, we confirm the wind rating for your specific address and lot, which is the rating that actually matters for your permit and your peace of mind.

Wood & Cedar Pergolas near you

Wood & Cedar Pergolas across the First Coast

Mandarin Ponte Vedra Beach St. Augustine Orange Park Fernandina Beach
Aluminum pergolas Wood & cedar pergolas Pavilions Gazebos Decks & patios
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Jacksonville · Northeast Florida

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Free on-site estimate, plus a detailed design plan of your build. We pull the permits and engineer every build to Florida code, start to finish.

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