We considered dozens of pergola kits, evaluating each on ease of assembly, sturdiness, added features, and value. A great pergola will be able to stand up to wind and rain, while creating a new, dramatic space in your backyard for grilling, entertaining, or just relaxing. A pergola is a romantic space, whether you use for growing honeysuckle or dinner parties. Our best overall pick is the Backyard Discovery 12’ by 10’ Cedar Pergola which features a classic style, thoughtful design details, and extra-strength hardware for added sturdiness. But we also have picks that might better suit your own pergola ideas. Ahead, find the best pergola kits to assemble on your own to elevate your backyard experience. This pergola kit provides ample shade and shelter and stands sturdy. With 63 square feet of interior space (A little less than the size of a small living room), it fits outdoor furniture of all sizes with plenty of room to relax. The structure’s traditional cross-beam style invites you to easily string lights, or use this pergola as a lattice for vines and other plants. The durable 100% cedar wood can withstand moisture in the air, has a lovely wood aroma, and resists rot and decay. One of the nice features of this pergola is its unique resin feet to hide the concrete anchors. Note that this pergola lacks any kind of canopy, although you could purchase one separately and attach it to the beams for shade. Price at time of publish: $1,457 This pergola kit features a convertible top you can manually open and close, giving you the freedom to decide how much sun coverage you desire. It resists rust and weather. Price at time of publish: $1,500 This pergola’s high interior height and trellis design provide plenty of space to hang lights, flower baskets, or outdoor chandeliers. Assembly is easy, guided by the step-by-step support of the interactive app. The kit includes a set of concrete anchors to help prevent movement and get maximum years out of this pergola by Ashland. Price at time of publish: $1,999 One thing to note is the wood pieces are not included, which gives you the flexibility to purchase lumber that suits your budget and climate. Before purchasing, the manufacturer suggests taking a bracket with you to the store to test the fit of the wood. Although easy to install, it may take as many as six people to lift and install the leg posts safely. Price at time of publish: $615 If you live in an area with high winds or frequent inclement weather, you may want to affix this structure to the ground for safety and sturdiness. Price at time of publish: $520 This pergola’s rust-resistant, weather-tested aluminum can handle winds up to 80 mph. You can install this pergola on concrete, pavement, or cement and enjoy stability, as well as sun and rain protection. This pergola is stylish, simple, dependable, and worth its high cost. Price at time of publish: $8,000 Price at time of publish: $1,299 As expected with such a large piece, the assembly process is lengthy. It arrives in 11 boxes and requires multiple people to move and assemble. To finish the assembly you need tools such as a power drill, and cement to install it in-ground. Once you build the pergola, it weighs over 400 pounds, so it’s best to get it set up exactly where you plan to use it. Price at time of publish: $3,600 The shape is slightly arched, which provides an additional architectural detail that many homeowners look for when upgrading their outdoor spaces. You can use the included canopy to provide shade or assemble it without, especially if you plan to use your pergola to grow climbing plants. Price at time of publish: $686 If you want to use your pergola for a dining area, choose a size that is large enough for your table and chairs to set comfortably underneath. Allow extra space for people to push chairs out from the table, ensuring they can do so without bumping into the pergola frame. It helps to set up your space and then mark out the ideal pergola size with paint, chalk, or string. If you plan to use your pergola over a paver patio, most manufacturers recommend a larger pergola than your space. This sizing allows you to anchor the pergola structure into the ground, which is very important to help it withstand wind.
Material
A pergola kit can be vinyl, wood, or metal. Vinyl is one of the most popular options because of its low maintenance, but it can be more expensive or include fewer craftsman-like details. Often, wood pergolas are constructed from cedar, which has an attractive look and resists mildew. If you choose a metal pergola, make sure that it is powder-coated to increase its longevity. Powder-coated metal prevents rust, which can quickly make your pergola unsafe as well as unattractive.
Ease of Installation
Due to their size and the requirement for heavy overhead pieces, a pergola kit almost always requires two or more people to assemble. Having a ladder or two nearby can make the process easier, as people don’t have to hold heavy beams high overhead. The easiest pergola kits to install have pre-drilled holes and pre-cut pieces. Assembly instructions, supplemented with diagrams, online tutorials, and company support, also can make installation much more straightforward. For the trickiest setups, it may be worth hiring a professional to do the literal heavy lifting.
Extra Features
A pergola kit with built-in seating or a table creates not just a comfortable place in the shade but also an all-inclusive retreat for you or your guests to enjoy. Other extra features worth considering include architectural details on the support columns, decorative privacy screens, and intricate latticework overhead.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Deanna McCormack, a freelance writer specializing in home and family with expertise in the outdoor category. She lives in Arizona, where she enjoys indoor/outliving and knows the importance of shade and protection in her backyard. She considered dozens of pergola kits for this roundup, evaluating each model on ease of assembly, sturdiness, and design aesthetic. Of course, there are some tradeoffs. Unlike retractable awnings or umbrellas, pergolas are permanent installations. Also, unlike gazebos, the typical pergola only offers partial shade. But maybe the main Con of owning a pergola is that they require the same maintenance that any permanent outdoor installation will need, such as refreshed paint, stain, or rust treatment. A gazebo, on the other hand, is more of a distinct architectural piece. It is typically built elevated off the ground, and may even have a few steps to get to the central platform. Gazebos also have a different shape than pergolas, and are typically round. Finally, a gazebo is fully roofed in, providing full shade coverage beneath.
