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An outdoor pergola is an attractive and functional architectural structure for residential and commercial outdoor spaces. They are constructed from posts that support a proportioned design assembly of beams, rafters, and purlins (some colloquially referred to as slats) in designs that range from simple to elaborate.
Within the pergola’s footprint on the ground, there is often decking, pavers, or grass, and some have canopies or coverings that offer protection from the elements and cooling shade. With the addition of patio furniture, lounge chairs, or outdoor rugs, a pergola becomes a backyard oasis where kids can play, friends can visit, and families can eat together.
The best pergola kits are durable against weather, and create an enjoyable focal point in a backyard. We selected the Backyard Discovery 14 x 10 Freestanding Pergola as the best overall kit. It is made of attractive weather-, insect-, and rot-resistant cedar; includes resin feet and concrete anchors for resisting winds of up to 100 miles per hour; and comes with an interactive 3D assembly guide through the BILT app.
This guide details top factors to consider as you shop for a pergola kit and describes some of the best pergola kits on the market for an outdoor space.
- BEST OVERALL: Backyard Discovery 14 x 10 Freestanding Pergola
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Purple Leaf Outdoor Retractable Pergola With Canopy
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Arlmont & Co. Corfu Vinyl Pergola
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MIDRANGE: Coolaroo Aurora Pergola
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH CANOPY: Sunjoy Arched Pergola With Canopy
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH CURVED ROOF: YardCraft 10 x 12 Wood Pergola Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR ENTERTAINING: Backyard Discovery Ashland Cedar Wood Pergola
↓ Jump to Review - BEST METAL: Veikous Aluminum Pergola With Canopy
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WOOD: Backyard Discovery 16 x 12 Beaumont Wood Pergola
↓ Jump to Review
Before You Buy a Pergola Kit
Make sure you understand the difference between a pergola, a trellis, an arbor, and a gazebo so you choose the best structure for your needs.
- A pergola offers a semi-shaded outdoor living space. It includes posts that support an open structure of beams, rafters, and purlins that let the sun shine through the openings.
- A trellis is an open framework, like a pergola, except that it has thinner intersecting members called lattice that’s positioned closer together, creating a tighter frame and smaller openings. It can stand alone or attach to a pergola or house to enable vines or roses to grow up the side of it.
- An arbor is similar to a pergola, except it is much smaller and defines an entry or divides a pathway. Most arbors are intended to be walked through, but some have small integrated benches.
- A gazebo is a freestanding round, octagonal, or hexagonal garden structure with a finished floor, interior bench seating, low walls, and a complete roof. The roof is traditionally pitched to the center, typically in a conical shape.
Pergolas aren’t suitable for every outdoor space, especially small yards, as they tend to be large enough to fit seating and even a table underneath. In fact, some local laws prohibit construction that blocks the view of neighbors or neighboring buildings and there are property setbacks that are different for every municipality.
Before buying a pergola, find out whether restrictions in your area prohibit installation and whether you need a permit.
How We Chose the Best Pergola Kits
Add a sense of elegance and style with a backyard pergola in an outdoor space. Pergola kits provide an outdoor room or dining space for entertaining or relaxing, and even a hideout for snoozing. Our Top Picks list of pergola kits was determined by material, size, ease of assembly, and special features included for backyard events.
The picks include aluminum, vinyl, metal, and premium wood pergola kits, all of which are sturdy and weather-resistant. We included varying sizes of these models so there are ones suitable for small yards and others for large yards.
Most come with anchors or mounting hardware for easy assembly. Though a power drill or multiple people may be required for select pergolas, once assembled many are made to last through all-season weather.
These picks also prioritize special features like adjustable panels or canopies for rain and UV protection, bars for entertaining, outlets, or resin feet for added durability.
Our Top Picks
The best pergola kits turn available lawn, patio, or deck space into an outdoor oasis. Here’s a rundown of some of the best pergola kits on the market to help bring a backyard to life.
Best Overall
Backyard Discovery 14 x 10 Freestanding Pergola
Product Specs
- Material: Cedar wood
- Overall dimensions: 7 feet 10.75 inches high by 14 feet long by 10 feet deep
- Interior dimensions: 7.75 feet high by 11.5 feet long by 7.54 feet deep, 63 square feet
- Ease of assembly: Easy
What We Like
- 63 square feet of inside space is plenty of room for many kinds of furniture sets
- Resin feet and concrete anchors included for a sturdy build
- Pieces come prestained and ready to assemble
- Comes with the BILT app for simple step-by-step assembly instructions
What We Don’t Like
- Only available in a single colorway
An elegant structure for a backyard, this Backyard Discovery cedar pergola offers plenty of space for outdoor lounging and entertaining. Resin feet and concrete anchors on the posts provide stability and weather resistance, which keeps the pergola safe and secure even when wind and rain blow in.
With plenty of space for vines and plants, a green thumb can easily enhance the pergola’s aesthetic and cultivate additional shade by adding greenery. At 7 feet 10.75 inches high by 14 feet long by 10 feet deep, this rectangular pergola provides 63 square feet of inside space for hanging lights and planters and placing outdoor furniture.
Assembly and installation are simple thanks to the manufacturer’s BILT app, which guides users through the setup step by step. Pieces come prestained, precut, and ready to assemble; a power port and galvanized steel hardware are included. The only other requirements are the right tools and an extra set of hands to assist.
Get the Backyard Discovery cedar pergola at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, Sam’s Club, or Backyard Discovery.
Best Bang For The Buck
Purple Leaf Outdoor Retractable Pergola With Canopy
Product Specs
- Material: Aluminum
- Overall dimensions: 8 feet high by 14.8 feet long by 10.5 feet deep
- Interior dimensions: 8 feet high by 14.25 feet long by 10 feet deep, 155.40 square feet
- Ease of assembly: Easy
What We Like
- Made of rust-resistant and powder-coated aluminum
- Retractable and lockable canopy
- UV-resistant and water-repellent construction
- Canopy is available in multiple colorways
What We Don’t Like
- May require concrete surface for more stable affixing
This pergola kit from Purple Leaf boasts a retractable canopy that allows the user to enjoy direct sunlight or shade. The UV-resistant and water-repellent top canvas protects users from the sun and light rain when fully closed. In addition, the locking system keeps the canopy safely in place.
Its rust-resistant, powder-coated aluminum frame is sturdy and reliable, and the base plate attaches to a variety of surfaces for additional integrity. Ideal for the pool, hot tub, outdoor dining, and entertainment, this pergola kit is 8 feet high by 14.8 feet long by 10.5 feet deep for plenty of sitting space. Overall, this pergola adds style and ambience to outdoor living.
Get the Purple Leaf pergola at Amazon, Wayfair (13-by-10-foot size), or Purple Leaf.
Upgrade Pick
Arlmont & Co. Corfu Vinyl Pergola
Product Specs
- Material: Vinyl and PVC
- Overall dimensions: 8.7 feet high by 12 feet long by 12 feet deep
- Interior dimensions: 7.5 inches high by 11.16 feet long by 11.16 feet deep, 124.55 square feet
- Ease of assembly: Easy
What We Like
- Strong, all-season vinyl construction stands up to most weather conditions
- 3 adjustable panels included can block sun or allow more to pass through
- Made using weather-, mold-, rust-, and corrosion-resistant durable materials
- Can be affixed to multiple surfaces for versatility and easier installation
What We Don’t Like
- Anchor and mounting materials not included
- Relatively expensive compared to similar models
Arlmont & Co.’s vinyl pergola kits offer plenty of outdoor living space for entertaining or just plain relaxing in the sun. They have three panels of louvers that can be set individually according to the sun’s position and the amount of shade they wish to let in—one fully open, one fully closed, and the third slightly open.
The UV-, water-, and rust-resistant vinyl structure allows for year-round use, and this 8.7-foot-high by 12-foot-long by 12-foot-deep pergola can be anchored to grass, concrete, or wood. Vinyl won’t rot, crack, peel, fade, rust, discolor, or burn plants. It’s an ideal material for climbing vines and is easy to assemble.
Get the Arlmont & Co. pergola at Wayfair.
Best Midrange
Coolaroo Aurora Pergola
Product Specs
- Material: Powder-coated aluminum
- Overall dimensions: 9.10 feet high by 9.10 feet long by 9.10 feet deep
- Interior dimensions: 9.10 feet high by 9.10 feet long by 9.10 feet deep, 82 square feet
- Ease of assembly: Difficult
What We Like
- Rust-, UV-, mildew-, and water-resistant
- Available in 3 stylish canopy color options
- Features with removable and retractable canopy
What We Don’t Like
- Anchor and mounting materials not included with purchase
- Taller canopy size creates more difficult assembly
Coolaroo’s Aurora pergola fits well in outdoor areas without imposing on the yard or the wallet, transforming a yard or deck into a modern space. Made from a lightweight aluminum frame with a removable polyethylene canopy, this pergola suits both formal and casual settings equally well. Easily remove the weatherproof canopy for more sunlight or for occasional cleaning to keep it looking fresh.
With a footprint of 9 feet 10 inches square, this modern pergola kit provides enough space for comfortable outdoor dining, while the assembled 9.10-foot height offers enough headroom to stand comfortably. This pergola kit includes deck fasteners for stability, and the pieces have precut and predrilled holes for easy assembly.
Get the Coolaroo pergola at Amazon or Wayfair.
Best With Canopy
Sunjoy Arched Pergola With Canopy
Product Specs
- Material: Powder-coated steel
- Overall dimensions: 7.8 feet high by 10 feet long by 8 feet deep
- Interior dimensions: 6.8 feet high by 9.5 feet long by 7.5 feet deep, 71.25 square feet
- Ease of assembly: Moderate
What We Like
- Sturdy powder-coated steel frame
- Compact design is ideal for smaller spaces
- Includes weather-resistant, translucent canopy
- Comes with anchor/mounting hardware
What We Don’t Like
- Will likely require multiple people for assembly
At some point in the day, the sun finds a way to beat down on that one spot that just doesn’t have any shade. But with this metal pergola kit from Sunjoy in that spot, users need not worry about that any longer. Instead, users can adjust the 7.8-foot-high canopy by dragging it down on either side of the structure to block out the sun as needed.
Sunjoy’s covered pergola kit offers style with its tan-colored canopy with chocolate brown trim to match the brown frame. The rust-resistant powder coating on the steel makes for a sturdy and reliable freestanding pergola. It is also relatively easy to assemble and users can have the pergola kit up and installed in a day, ready for the next outdoor event.
Get the Sunjoy pergola at The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Sunjoy.
Best With Curved Roof
YardCraft 10 x 12 Wood Pergola Kit
Product Specs
- Material: Southern yellow pine wood
- Overall dimensions: 8.5 feet high by 13.67 feet long by 11.67 feet deep
- Interior dimensions: 7.82 feet high by 8.98 feet long by 10.98 feet deep, 98.60 square feet
- Ease of assembly: Easy
What We Like
- Constructed of sturdy pine
- Suitable for installation on multiple surfaces
- Can come stained or unstained for users to provide their own custom finish
- All hardware included for easy assembly
What We Don’t Like
- Requires staining or sealing every 1 to 2 years to maintain quality
- Solid wood makes this more expensive compared to similar models
YardCraft’s premium wood pergola kit adds both style and sophistication to an outdoor space with its curved roof. With its water-resistant, solid-wood construction, this pergola is suitable for year-round use and comes in three colorways to match current backyard fixtures. Curl up with a great book, watch the stars at night, or invite guests over for a dinner party.
The trim around the base of the posts hides the anchor brackets. Each intersection of the roof is notched to lock the top together and resist warping. Users have the option to anchor this pergola into concrete, on patios, or beside a pool. This pergola works in all sorts of scenarios and is fairly easy to assemble.
Get the YardCraft pergola kit at Lowe’s, Wayfair, or YardCraft.
Best For Entertaining
Backyard Discovery Ashland Cedar Wood Pergola
Product Specs
- Material: Cedar wood
- Overall dimensions: 7.11 feet high by 14 feet long by 10 feet deep
- Interior dimensions: 7.75 feet high by 10.11 feet long by 7.5 feet deep, 75.82 square feet
- Ease of assembly: Moderate
What We Like
- Sturdy prestained cedar provides natural water, insect, and corrosion resistance
- Features built-in 7-foot bar and a power port for creating an instant outdoor bar or kitchen
- Durable resin feet and concrete anchors
- Suitable for large backyards or entertainment spaces
What We Don’t Like
- Power source for outlets not included
Create an outdoor space worthy of entertaining friends and family. Backyard Discovery’s spacious pergola provides more than 140 square feet of overhead shade and 75.82 square feet of usable space underneath—loads of room for guests and furniture. For entertaining, this cedar pergola has a built-in 7-foot bar which offers a serving area for drinks and food.
While electrical outlets provide a place to plug in a stylish set of string lights, mobile devices, or anything else that will enhance the party, the outlets require users to provide the electrical source to power them. Like most wooden pergolas, the cedar pergola kit comes with precut, predrilled, and prestained lumber. A durable resin foot helps prevent rot, and concrete anchors help keep the structure in place.
Get the Backyard Discovery Ashland pergola at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Backyard Discovery.
Best Metal
Veikous Aluminum Pergola With Canopy
Product Specs
- Material: Aluminum
- Overall dimensions: 7.29 feet high by 8.5 feet long by 9.4 feet deep
- Interior dimensions: 7.29 inches high by 7.94 inches long by 8.83 feet deep, 70.11 square feet
- Ease of assembly: Easy
What We Like
- Adjustable canopy moves smoothly and easily
- Lightweight aluminum materials
- Canopy features reinforced PA coating
- Comes in multiple sizes
What We Don’t Like
- Assembly instructions can be quite confusing and poorly written
The Veikous aluminum pergola is a combination of style, durability, and functionality. Crafted with precision with high-quality aluminum, it will deliver long-lasting performance and be resistant to the elements.
The standout feature of the Veikous pergola is its retractable canopy, providing users with more control over the outdoor space. Whether the desire is for shade or sunlight, simply adjust the canopy to create the ideal atmosphere. The waterproof design protects users during unexpected rain showers, while the fade-resistant PA coating helps protect from UV rays and helps the pergola retain its vibrant appearance for years to come.
Designed for both residential and commercial settings, this pergola creates a versatile outdoor oasis. Perfect for enhancing a patio, garden, or backyard, it offers space for relaxation, entertaining, or even hosting events. With its sleek and modern design, the Veikous pergola can become the centerpiece of any outdoor area, offering both style and functionality in one package.
Get the Veikous pergola kit at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Best Wood
Backyard Discovery 16 x 12 Beaumont Wood Pergola
Product Specs
- Material: Cedar wood
- Overall dimensions: 7.1 feet high by 16 feet long by 12 feet deep
- Interior dimensions: 6 feet 7.7 inches high by 13 inches long by 9 feet deep, 117 square feet
- Ease of assembly: Moderate
What We Like
- Cedar construction withstands 100-mile-per-hour winds
- Comes with a 3D interactive guide through the BILT app
- Available in multiple sizes
- All mounting and assembly hardware is included
What We Don’t Like
- Only comes in 1 finish, which may not match some decor
Wood pergolas add an attractive and warm touch to an outdoor space, and this option from Backyard Discovery outshines all the rest. This 100 percent cedar pergola kit comes with thick posts with diagonal braces that can withstand all-season weather conditions and stand firm in 100-mile-per-hour winds. Cedar is also naturally good at resisting corrosion and insects, which is a welcome bonus.
It measures 7.1 feet high by 16 feet long by 12 feet deep but comes in more sizes to fit a desired space. The kit includes 6-inch-long by 6-inch-wide posts, a trellis and frame, a power port, powder-coated anchoring plates, and galvanized steel hardware.
The manufacturer provides step-by-step assembly with the interactive 3D BILT app. However, some reviews have noted that it can be a challenge to put together for a single person.
Get the Backyard Discovery Beaumont pergola kit at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Pergola Kit
Choosing the best pergola kit involves a variety of considerations. First, it’s essential to select the right material, size, and aesthetic for an outdoor space and to think about the intended use of the pergola.
Ease of installation and additional features that may come with a pergola kit also matter. When searching for the best pergola kit for your needs, keep the following key factors in mind.
Material
Pergolas are made in wood, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, cellular PVC, and vinyl. Each material offers distinct advantages and disadvantages to consider. It’s helpful to think about these while shopping for the best pergola kit for your outdoor space.
- Wood pergola kits have a rustic, natural aesthetic and are suitable for stain or paint. Although, it requires ongoing maintenance to prevent the color from fading and the wood from aging over time from severe weather. There is also a significant variability in price range based on wood type and other factors. Finally, wooden pergola kits are heavier than other materials and are impractical to move after they are assembled.
- Aluminum pergola kits have sleek, modern-looking styles. The lightweight material is also suitable for moving some structures around the yard. Aluminum pergola kits also have a nonporous surface that resists rot and rust. However, they are less durable than steel and fiberglass pergolas and may sustain dents over time. This type of pergola kit requires minimal maintenance and is also one of the most affordable options.
- Steel pergola kits typically have dark metal finishes and a stylish, minimalist appearance. They are also durable, can withstand the elements, and cover a wider area with fewer support structures. Though metal pergola kits require annual maintenance, they are available at midrange price points. They are also one of the heavier options for pergolas, aside from wood.
- Fiberglass pergola kits are strong with a long lifespan, but may crack in extreme temperatures. Slightly heavier than aluminum, they are lightweight and select picks have hollow components to more easily install lighting, fans, and patio heaters. Though they require minimal maintenance, they are one of the most expensive options on the market.
- Cellular PVC pergola kits are made with wood-like polymer/synthetic PVC plastic and can resist moisture penetration, splitting, and rotting. They are nearly impermeable, easy to paint, and require low to no maintenance. However, they are more expensive than natural wood.
- Vinyl pergolas are available in neutral shades that blend well with backyard spaces and are resistant to fading, chips, and cracks. Vinyl pergolas are also virtually maintenance-free and are typically on the higher end of the cost spectrum.
Purpose and Type
A pergola kit provides shade, privacy, and an overall upgrade to an underutilized lawn or patio space. Some attached pergolas may even increase the value of a home or property, which makes this purchase a long-term investment.
Pergolas create a homey outdoor space for social events, quiet solo time, or family dinnertime. While the uses of a pergola are only limited to an imagination, certain types of pergolas may align better with each user’s particular needs, including open top, sail, gabled (which are all freestanding structures), and attached.
- Open-toppergolas have an open roof, leaving the interior exposed to the elements. Designed for climbing plants to wind around, the pergola provides additional shade and weather protection as the vines grow thicker over time.
- Sail pergolas provide shade through fabric stretched taut between several poles of varying heights. This style offers more UV protection than an open top or a shade sail, but it may catch strong winds or wear and tear over time.
- Gabled pergolas have a pitched roof with triangular gables at the ends. This shape offers more interior height and space than flat-roof designs.
- Attached pergolas use a structure, usually the side of a house, to support one or more sides in place of additional columns. They create a smooth transition from indoor to outdoor space but may require a permit.
Size and Shape
Selecting the right size of a pergola for a yard, patio, or deck depends on the size of the yard. It’s often the goal of users to pick a size that doesn’t crowd out other yard elements. Sizes range from as small as 7 feet by 7 feet to as large as 20 feet by 20 feet.
Pergolas can be quite tall, so make sure that there is enough clearance to avoid touching tree branches, awnings, and other obstacles. Post placement is also crucial so the structure has the support it needs to keep from collapsing. Pergola shapes vary and the choice depends on both personal style and the best fit for the yard.
- Squarepergolas include two to four posts that are easy to place in a yard or on a deck or patio.
- Rectangularpergolas create enough space for an outdoor dining table and additional room for entertaining.
- Hexagonal pergolas may be harder to find. They’re generally for larger deck spaces or poolside areas. They take up much more room and may have additional posts, which makes placing them more difficult.
- Circularpergolas tend to be larger and may require more posts to support the circular shape. These more intricate showpieces are intended for larger spaces and feature material for arches and other curved shapes. They are often suitable for big yards, gardens, or barbecue areas.
Aesthetic
Pergolas tend to fit into a traditional, modern, or contemporary aesthetic.
- Traditionalpergolas are more decorative and are usually made from wood treated with a protective sealant. This aesthetic employs elements such as scrolled ends on the beams or rafters, even spacing of purlins on the roof, and decorative posts.
- Modernpergolas utilize a simple box frame with clean lines. Made of a variety of materials such as metal, fiberglass, and PVC, this aesthetic creates a streamlined look with blunt ends and minimalist details.
- Contemporarypergolas incorporate a variety of design elements such as arched tops, curves, and I beams. This aesthetic may mix parts of traditional and modern aesthetics, using several materials to create a new and noteworthy style.
Adding vines, trellises, or curtains can enhance the aesthetic of a pergola.
- Vines can climb a trellis or the flat top of a pergola to create a living wall or structure.
- Trellises on the sides of a pergola provide additional privacy, shade, and a place for vines to climb.
- Curtains can be installed in a pergola’s frame for privacy, to increase shade, and to create a cabana-style aesthetic.
Additional Features
Specialized pergolas may offer extra features such as bench seating, built-in tables, and motorized screens.
- Bench seating may be built into the side of a pergola, much like a gazebo. A bench provides a place to enjoy the outdoors without needing to invest in additional outdoor furniture. These seats are typically made of the same material as the rest of the pergola.
- Built-in tables solve the issue of where to set up a bar, place appetizers, or play cards. As these tables are generally taller than a standard dining table, users can stand at or sit on stools around the table.
- Motorized screens come in handy when the sun dips low. The flat top of the pergola only provides shade when the sun is higher in the sky. With a click of a button, a motorized screen lowers to just the right height to keep the sun out of eyes as it sets.
Installation
Pergola kits typically include all the necessary precut and predrilled materials, including anchors. The only additional requirements are time and space. In most instances, users will need just a few tools, such as a wrench and a drill or screwdriver. There are two installation methods, depending on whether it is a freestanding or attached pergola.
- Freestanding pergolas, independent of other structures, offer flexibility in their placement. They must be properly anchored to a patio, deck, concrete, or lawn to prevent them from falling over. These pergola kits often offer easy-to-follow instructions, making them ideal for DIY installation.
- Attached pergolas are a bit more complex as they need to be secured to a home or building via a ledger board and may not be considered a “DIY pergola kit” unless the DIYer is confident in carpentry skills. Based on the unique features and dimensions of the home or building, attachment methods may vary. Consulting with a contractor may be the best option for this installation.
FAQs
Once you’ve decided to purchase a pergola kit, you may have some additional questions about its purpose or how to best use it. Read on for some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about owning a pergola.
The main difference between a pergola and a gazebo is the construction of the roof. Most gazebos have a covered roof that provides full coverage from UV rays, while a pergola usually has a retractable awning, a slatted roof, or a trellis that provides only partial shade. Both of these outdoor structures provide a comfortable, covered space for patio furniture, outdoor kitchens, and gardens.
A pergola extends living space to the outdoors, essentially creating an open-air room that protects users from overbearing sunlight and the elements while providing a place to entertain and relax.
Building a DIY pergola is much cheaper than buying one preassembled. The average pergola kit ranges from $100 to $600, while prefabricated pergola designs can range from $1,000 to $7,000. However, custom pergola kits run even higher at $10,000 to $15,000.
The best pergola for your needs depends on the available outdoor space, the type of pergola you prefer, the material used to construct it, and any other personal preferences or desire for additional features.
Yes. You can install a cover to provide more shade when spending time inside the pergola. Consider options with a retractable, weatherproof fabric canopy that’s easy to maintain.
Heavy-duty or large pergolas must be anchored to a leveled or unlevel concrete surface to ensure they remain in place and withstand inclement weather. Lightweight models made with aluminum or wood must be affixed to a leveled surface or weighed down with a base or bags.
Traditional pergolas are an open structure for a yard or patio/deck space. In the majority of cases, pergolas generally do not require a permit. However, in some municipalities, if it needs to be attached to the house, a permit may be required. Before purchasing a pergola, look into local code requirements on pergolas or similar structures.
Installation time for a pergola kit depends on the individual features and complexity of the assembly. Having one or more helpers ready to lend a hand with the installation generally makes it easier and faster to put together.
