By Kat Hodgins and Tiffany Lewis | Updated Jun 20, 2023 6:56 PM
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A pergola is an attractive and functional architectural structure for residential and commercial outdoor spaces. Constructed from posts that support a proportioned design assembly of beams, rafters, and purlins (some colloquially refer 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The structure offers more than 120 square feet of overhead shade.
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 and 14 feet long, 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. The only other requirements are the right tools and an extra set of hands to assist.
Get the Backyard Discovery cedar pergola at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Backyard Discovery.
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 9.5 feet wide and 13 feet long with a height of 8 feet for plenty of sitting space. Overall, this pergola adds style and ambience to outdoor living.
Get the Purple Leaf pergola at Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock, or Purple Leaf.
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, it provides enough space for comfortable outdoor dining, while the assembled 7-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, Tractor Supply Co., or Wayfair.
Arlmont & Co.’s vinyl pergola kits offer plenty of outdoor 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 12-foot-by- 12-foot 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, is easy to assemble, and has a height of 8 feet 7 inches.
Get the Arlmont & Co. pergola at Wayfair.
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 11-foot-by-9.5-foot 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 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, Overstock, or Sunjoy.
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.
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 77 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. 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.
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 Wayfair.
Experience the elegance and functionality of the Yardistry Madison wood pergola. Made from solid cedar wood, this pergola combines durability with natural beauty. Its pitched-roof design adds a touch of sophistication, while the removable snap-on canopy allows users to control shade and sunlight effortlessly.
Enhancing its appeal, the Yardistry Madison features a convenient bar and shelf on the side. This unique addition provides the perfect space for entertaining guests or creating a cozy outdoor retreat. Whether users are hosting a lively gathering or seeking a tranquil spot to unwind, this pergola sets the stage for memorable moments.
Get the Yardistry Madison pergola at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Yardistry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pergolas tend to fit into a traditional, modern, or contemporary aesthetic.
Adding vines, trellises, or curtains can enhance the aesthetic of a pergola.
Specialized pergolas may offer extra features such as bench seating, built-in tables, and motorized screens.
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.
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.
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.
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 a weatherproof fabric that’s easy to maintain.
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.
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