If you’ve been thinking about adding a pergola to your backyard but keep putting it off, this might be the nudge you need!
You might’ve seen it already, but if you didn’t…Zillow recently shared data with House Beautiful showing that homes with pergolas sell more than three days faster and for 2.2% more than similar homes without one. Plus, when you factor in how much more you’d enjoy your backyard in the years before selling, the case for adding a pergola gets even stronger.
So yes, a pergola can add real value to your home! But there’s a catch…
Not Every Pergola Is Created Equal
A cheap kit pergola from a big box store isn’t going to move the needle as much as a quality, professionally installed structure will.
Appraisers and real estate agents pay attention to how outdoor structures are built. A DIY wood pergola with sagging beams and weathered finishes can actually signal neglect to a buyer. A permanent aluminum pergola with quality features and finishes tells a completely different story. It shows that the home has been well maintained and is ready for move-in!
Why Buyers Are Willing to Pay More
Think about what a well-designed pergola actually does for a home. It creates an outdoor room. A defined space with shade and structure that buyers can instantly picture themselves using. Instead of seeing a blank patio or an underused backyard, they see a place to relax on a weekend evening or enjoy a morning coffee outside.
Zillow’s home trends expert Amanda Pendleton* explained it well when she told House Beautiful that buyers want outdoor spaces that feel like a natural extension of their indoor living space. A pergola delivers exactly that! It makes the backyard feel intentional and finished, which is what today’s buyers are willing to pay for.
There’s also a practical side to it. A motorized louvered pergola with a weather sensor, heaters, and motorized screens extends the use of the space throughout the year. That’s an improvement in a home’s functionality, not just a cosmetic upgrade.
What This Looks Like in Real Numbers
Estimates from multiple sources put the ROI of a quality pergola between 50% and 80% of the project cost. Add in the Zillow data on sale price and time on market, and the math starts to make a lot of sense. Especially if you plan to stay in your home for a few years before selling.
Here’s a simple way to think about it: if you invest in a pergola and enjoy it for five or six summers before listing your home, you’ve already gotten a lot of personal value out of it. Then at sale time, you’re recouping a solid portion of the cost through a higher sale price. Selling faster also means fewer carrying costs and less stress. That’s a hard win-win to beat.
The Materials Matters More Than You Think
What your pergola is made of has a big impact on how much value it adds. Wood pergolas need regular upkeep, like staining, sealing, and replacing boards as they warp or rot. Buyers will notice if this isn’t done. Alternatively, an aluminum pergola holds its finish, needs minimal maintenance, and looks beautiful for years.
At Innov8 Outdoors, we install Azenco Outdoor aluminum pergola systems. They’re modern and designed for long-term performance. Powder-coated frames, motorized louvers, concealed hardware, and integrated gutters aren’t just great features. They’re the details that make a structure feel like part of your home.
What Features Add the Most Value
If you’re building a pergola with resale in mind, a few features can carry extra weight with buyers. A motorized louvered roof gives them control over the space. Integrated lighting makes it usable after dark (and looks great in listing photos). Motorized screens block wind, add privacy, and keep bugs out. And a neutral color that complements the home’s exterior keeps the space feeling clean and move-in ready.
We can help you choose the features that will improve your life outdoors and maximize the value of your outdoor living space.
The Bottom Line
A pergola is one of the few outdoor investments that pays off twice. Once while you’re living in your home and enjoying a better outdoor space every day, and again when it’s time to sell. Buyers want outdoor spaces that feel finished, comfortable, and ready to use. A quality pergola delivers that in a way that few other upgrades can match.
If you’re thinking about a pergola project and want to make sure you’re building something that holds its value, we’re happy to walk you through your options! At Innov8 Outdoors, we design and install custom pergola systems across South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, South Carolina, and the Panhandle of Florida.
Let’s build something you’ll love now and appreciate later. Book a design consultation to get started!
TAKE LIFE OUTDOORS.
*Check out the full House Beautiful article: “This One Feature Is Making Homes Sell Faster Than Ever in 2026, According to New Data” by Meghan Shouse, 2026.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, a pergola can add value to your home. It improves how the backyard looks and functions, and it helps buyers see the outdoor space as an extension of the home.
A quality, professionally installed pergola typically adds more value than a basic DIY kit. Buyers respond better to permanent structures with durable materials, clean finishes, and useful features like lighting or adjustable shade.
In many cases, aluminum pergolas can add more long-term value because they require less maintenance and hold their appearance over time. Buyers often notice the difference between a low-maintenance structure and one that may need repairs or upkeep.
Yes, a pergola can be a strong investment if you plan to stay in your home for a few years. You get to enjoy the space while you live there, and you may also recover part of the cost when you sell.