If you’ve been dreaming of creating a luxurious outdoor living space but don’t know where to start, a pergola might be the perfect solution. They’re a great way to beautify and add value to your outdoor living space, while also making it more comfortable for relaxation. With a good pergola, you’ll be able to maximize the aesthetics of your backyard and spend more time outside.
To help you find the right option for your space, we’ve compiled a list of the best pergolas of 2024. The cedar pergola from Backyard Discovery is our top choice, featuring a durable wood construction and a convenient, built-in power station. Explore our reviews and buying guide to find a pergola that can turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis.
The best pergolas
Backyard Discovery pergola – Best overall
The Backyard Discovery pergola brings a timeless aesthetic to outdoor patios and decks. It’s constructed with long-lasting, rot-resistant wood and is designed to withstand the elements for years. Even better, the foot covers to keep the structure firmly secured and provide added decorative appeal. It’s equipped with 5 ½-inch upright cedar posts and diagonal braces to ensure structural strength and help prevent the pergola from tipping over.
Overall, this pick provides a spacious room for outdoor entertainment, whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cup of tea outdoors. It also comes with a step-by-step guide that makes it easy to assemble your backyard retreat in no time. This pergola is the best on our list due to its durable construction and convenient pre-cut, pre-stained design, making it a great addition to your house.
Pros:
- Real, pre-stained wood for durability
- Foot covers secure the structure
- Assembly is easy
- Available in three sizes
Cons:
- Holes may be slightly misaligned
Purple Leaf pergola – Sturdy construction
The Purple Leaf pergola comes with a retractable canopy that makes it a great addition to any backyard or patio. The canopy is made of improved yarn-dyed fabric, which is both UV and fade-resistant for longevity. Its canopy also boasts a safety locking system that makes it non-slip and ensures it can close securely in the event of gusts. Additionally, it features an aluminum alloy frame with powder spray paint to ensure outdoor all-weather use that’s been designed with style and durability in mind.
This pergola provides ample shade coverage, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as lounging, dining, or hosting guests. It’s large enough to easily accommodate most outdoor furniture sets and hot tubs, allowing you to have fun in your backyard and create your own unique outdoor living space. And, because of the detailed instructions, the pergola is easy to assemble, with all of the necessary tools included in the package.
Pros:
- Available in multiple colors
- Provides excellent shade from the weather
- Aluminum frame makes it easy to move
Cons:
- May take a while to assemble
Domi Outdoor Living pergola – Easy assembly
The Domi Outdoor Living pergola comes with a heavy-duty grape trellis sunshade cover and is an ideal option for those looking to create a stunning outdoor living space. Its frame is crafted from strong, rust-resistant aluminum, making it both lightweight and durable. The pergola’s canopy is made from UV and water-resistant polyester fabric that helps provide protection against the sun and any form of precipitation. It’s also adjustable, so you can choose the exact amount of shade you want.
The locking system ensures that the canopy stays in place while fully extended or retracted and can be folded up and moved with ease due to the sliding rail on the canopy. Its premium wood-look finish gives your backyard a natural look while taking away the maintenance requirements of real wood. Overall, this pergola is perfect for outdoor dining or entertainment and makes your outdoor living space an ideal spot for gatherings.
Pros:
- Retractable cover provides perfect shade
- Sturdy enough for regular use
- Easily attaches to ground or cement
Cons:
- Needs two people for assembly
Coolaroo Aurorapergola – Wind-resistant design
The Coolaroo Aurora pergola’s stylish and modern design provides a beautiful, aesthetic way to transform any outdoor living space. It provides excellent UV protection without sacrificing breathability or light filtering, while its weather-resistant knitted fabric ensures durability and strength so that you can enjoy the pergola for a long time.
On top of all that, it comes in three striking colors — smoke, mocha, and terracotta — that add a chic touch to any setting. This semi-permanent, freestanding pergola is an incredibly convenient way to maximize the beauty of your outdoor space. Its sleek design and impressive protection make it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a high-end shading solution.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to assemble
- Looks classy on any yard or porch
- Sturdy enough to endure windy conditions
Cons:
- Canopy cannot hold the weight of snow
Outsunny Patio pergola – Adjustable design
If you’re looking for an attractive and functional backyard shelter, the Outsunny Patio pergola is a great choice. Not only is it made with high-quality aluminum, but it also features an adjustable fabric canopy top that can be easily folded or unfolded to let in the desired light.
The PA-coated fabric is water and UV-resistant to keep you shaded and dry in any condition, while its aluminum frame is rust and peel-resistant for long years of use. Most importantly, it’s quite sturdy with five supporting sliding rails and structural pipes attached to each post. Because of these qualities, this pick is great for patios, porch parties, gardens, or barbecue family get-togethers.
Pros:
- Rust and peel-resistant metal construction
- Simple to assemble
- Easily adjustable canopy
Cons:
- Instructions could be more thorough
Our detailed pergola buying guide
Are you having trouble deciding on a pergola among the various options or confused about how to make the right decision? If so, we’re here to help. Whether buying one for the first time or replacing an old one, we’ve put together an in-depth guide on pergolas to help you pick the ideal product for your needs. So, let’s explore the factors you should consider before purchasing to ensure you acquire the perfect pergola for your outdoor living space.
Structure type
The structure of the pergola you select will determine how much space it takes up in your outdoor living area. A freestanding structure may be best for those with limited space, as it can be placed anywhere without additional mounting hardware or trenching. Alternatively, an attached pergola can provide a nice seamless look between your home and outdoor living space, but may require additional mounting hardware.
Size
Size is a major factor when looking for the perfect pergola to complement your outdoor living area. Consider the width, height, and depth necessary to provide adequate coverage over the area in which you plan to use it. Most pergolas come in standard sizes, but if those fail to meet your needs, custom sizes can often be requested.
Material
It’s important to consider the material of the pergola you want to buy. Whether cedarwood, metal, PVC, or vinyl, each material is suited best for certain climates and levels of use. Cedar wood is naturally decay resistant, making it ideal for areas with high humidity and occasional wet weather conditions.
At the same time, metal is more suitable for dry climates and is a perfect choice for those who want something stronger and more durable than wood. PVC or vinyl are other common options due to their low maintenance requirements — they are best suited for those looking for long-term durability without committing to regular maintenance cycles.
Design
Pergolas can range from traditional designs featuring square structures with a single post in each corner to curved, modern styles with multiple posts and beams for added sophistication. Choose something that complements the existing decor in your outdoor living space or stands out as its unique feature.
Weatherproof features
Pergolas should be able to withstand many weather conditions and, as such, should feature rain protection and sunshade features. Unlike most other patio covers and sun shades, pergolas usually provide both of these features simultaneously due to their open design. This allows for some airflow while still providing enough shade protection from direct sunlight during warm days.
Easy to assemble
When buying a pre-assembled pergola, you’ll want one that is easy to assemble to save time and effort during installation. It would be even better if the pergola has adjustable brackets, allowing you to easily level the structure on uneven ground. If you plan on assembling the pergola yourself, look for kits that come with all the pieces, easy instructions, and pre-drilled holes for quick assembly time!
Additional features
When purchasing a pergola, consider additional features that could enhance your outdoor experience, such as retractable canopies that offer weather protection or privacy panels enhancing seclusion when desired. Some models even include built-in lighting systems, creating an ambient atmosphere during evening gatherings.
Common questions about pergolas
Q: How can I assemble and install my pergola?
A: A pergola is typically assembled using screws, brackets, and other hardware. Most pergolas come pre-assembled and can be easily installed on a flat surface or mounted directly onto an existing structure, such as a deck or patio. The exact installation instructions will vary based on the model and manufacturer, so be sure to read the instructions and follow them closely to ensure proper installation.
Q: Does my pergola require any maintenance or upkeep?
A: Typically, a pergola does not require regular maintenance or upkeep, but keeping it clean and free of debris or dirt buildup is important. Depending on the material used in its construction, you may also need to apply a sealant of some kind every few years to protect against rot and other weathering elements.
Q: Can I customize my pergola?
A: Yes, many companies offer customization for their pergolas. This could include different sizes and color choices, and even decorative elements such as trellises or shutters. Customization options vary depending on the company, however, so check with the manufacturer for specific details about available options.
Q: How much does a typical pergola cost?
A: The cost of a pergola will vary depending on its size and the materials used in construction. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 for a quality pergola built from high-quality materials such as cedar or pine. Some specialty materials, such as fiberglass, may be more expensive but offer greater durability and protection against weather damage.
Q: Does my pergola provide any protection from the elements?
A: Yes, depending on the type of material used, a pergola can provide some protection from harsh weather conditions such as sun exposure and rain damage. Many models also come with mounting brackets that allow for adjustable shades to provide additional protection from such conditions.
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