The best pergola kit is very handy for when you want to relax outdoors.
It is not just designed for those with swimming pools but also it makes a wonderful purchase for anyone with a backyard or garden. You see; this pergola kit is designed in such a way that it allows vines and flowers to crawl and form a natural canopy. The result is an unbelievably beautiful place that you and your guests will be more than happy to sit and have a good time in.
A well-designed pergola shelter will make you feel like you are living in the Mediterranean. In most cases, it is painted white to bring a clean, timeless effect. Also, this pergola is available in a natural finish to blend seamlessly with your home and other structures.
The pergola shelter is also spacious enough to accommodate outdoor dining furniture and a reasonable number of people. In the following reviews, we provide you with up to 10 of them so you can compare and then decide which one is good for you and your family and friends.
List of The Best Pergola Kits in 2023
10. Backyard Discovery 10’ x 10’ Cedar Pergola
Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola gives you a chance to turn your patio into a beautiful place full of vines and roses. It is made of 100-percent cedar, and it measures 10 by 10 ft. Furthermore, this pergola features sculptured beams that crisscross both directions and provide superior strength.
These sculptured beams also give the pergola great looks. Patent-pending foot covers are not just decorative but also hide unique anchors. These anchors keep the pergola secured firmly to the patio or ground. The inside dimensions of the pergola are 7 by 7 ft and the headroom is 6ft. 7in. Needless to say, the pergola will easily accommodate your patio furniture. It is shipped pre-stained and ready to assemble.
Things We Liked
- It is worth every penny
- Turns backyards into amazingly peaceful places
- It is professional looking
- Very easy to assemble
Things We Didn’t Like
- May arrive with some holes not aligned correctly, but drilling new ones is easy and does not take long.
9. Dura-Trel Pergola – Kingston
Dura-Trel Pergola will create a stunning living outdoor space in your yard. It is a lovely versatile structure, which you can use to cleverly cover your outdoor patio furniture or to support vines for a beautiful look. Horizontal slats along the pergola’s top create a wonderful shade above the sitting area. There are also intersecting support bars that form a grid.
This is a well-thought-out design that allows ivy or other climbing plants to create a natural canopy over time. What’s more, this pergola features angled ends on each of the top slats. The angled ends give the structure an exotic feel. Plus, the pergola is painted white to give a clean, modern effect.
Things We Liked
- Backed by a 20-year limited warranty
- Made in the USA
- Looks amazing in the backyard
- Appears to be really sturdy
- The price is very reasonable
Things We Didn’t Like
- Pre-drilled holes are not accurately measured; hence, they can make assembly quite a task
8. Backyard Discovery Somerville Pergola (2006546)
What we love about Backyard Discovery 2006546 is that it can be customized. You can add lights and climbing flowers to make it amazingly perfect. You can also add conversation seating as one way of making it more functional. The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating and customizing this pergola.
Base dimensions are 11’ 11” long by 7’ 12” wide and interior dimensions are 10’ 11” long by 7’ wide by 7’ high. The diagonal post to post dimension is 13.38’ and the overall dimensions are 14’ long by 10’ wide by 7’ 11” high. 3D interactive assembly instructions for this pergola can be accessed via the free BILT app.
Things We Liked
- Customer service is outstanding
- Instructions are easy to understand
- Seems to be of decent quality
Things We Didn’t Like
- Packaging could be better – a good number of buyers have complained about receiving the product with some parts damaged
7. Yardistry Pergola with Sunshade and bar (YM11783)
The overall dimensions of Yardistry YM11783 are 14ft long by 10ft wide by 8ft 2in high. Base dimensions are 12ft long by 8ft wide and interior dimensions are 11ft 6-1/2in long by 7ft 6-1/2in wide. It is safe to say that this is a well-sized pergola that gives you a chance to bring indoor living outdoors.
It adds character to any space it is set up and will come in handy for all your outdoor entertainment needs. What’s more, the Madison Pergola is made of 100-percent natural cedar lumber. The lumber is then finished in a timber gray stain to enhance looks. The pergola also features sunshade to help keep you protected from the sun.
Things We Liked
- Pieces are clearly numbered for easy identification
- Instructions are thorough and very helpful
- No damaged or missing pieces
Things We Didn’t Like
- Pre-drilling is required, but it is little, and, therefore, should not be a concern
6. Best Choice Products 10x10ft Outdoor Patio Pergola Shelter
Best Choice Products Pergola features a retractable canopy, and this makes it super special. The innovative canopy can be opened to let in sunlight or closed to keep it out. With this pergola shelter, you will be able to create an excellent backyard oasis. Its overall dimensions are 119 inches long by 119 inches wide by 88.75 inches high.
It is spacious enough to fit a full outdoor dining furniture set. It can also comfortably fit a wicker sofa set. In a nutshell, this pergola gives you the flexibility and freedom to personalize the functionality and style of your patio area. The solid steel frame has 16 steel ground stakes that provide added stability and security.
Things We Liked
- The price is hard to beat
- Pieces are easy to identify
- Instructions are relatively good
- Pergola is fairly easy to assemble
- Creates a wonderful shade in the patio area
Things We Didn’t Like
- Metal pieces are not the sturdiest
5. Sunjoy Aura Steel Arched Pergola Review (A106004502), Tan
Sunjoy A106004502 comes in handy for when you want to host a party outside. It provides a comfortable place plus it has a shade to prevent sunlight from bothering you. The shade is made of weather-resistant fabric that will last for years to come. Furthermore, it is tan and combines nicely with the natural wood looking finish of the pergola to enhance aesthetics.
It is not just the shade that is durable. This arched pergola also features a rust-resistant powder-coated black and brown steel frame that is ready to stand the test of time. Moreover, the pergola comes equipped with a built-in shelf, which is useful for entertainment. It measures 10 ft. by 7.75 ft. and weighs 121.25 pounds.
Things We Liked
- Assembly instructions are easy to follow
- Gives a welcome retreat during sunny days
- Ideal for those who love to party outdoors
Things We Didn’t Like
- None so far
4. Regency Vinyl Pergola – 12’ x 12’
Regency Pergola is made of PVC. This is great because PVC does not warp, rot, crack, or turn yellow. Needless to say, expect this pergola to hold up well to elements. Regency claims that it will remain functional for up to a couple of decades. Taking care of this pergola is also a breeze since there is no painting needed.
If it is stained, simply rinse it off with a hose and you are good to go. Besides, this vinyl pergola is spacious and once you have it set up, it will feel like you have added another room. The headroom measures 94 inches and base dimensions are 134 by 134 inches. That being said, this pergola is what you should go for if you want to cover your favorite hang-out spot.
Things We Liked
- Not too difficult to put together
- Comes in handy for outdoor eating
- Very attractive and improves the visual appeal of any area it is set up in
Things We Didn’t Like
- Anchoring system is not strong enough
3. Dura-Trel Pergola Review – Queensbrook
Dura-Trel Queensbrook is a generous structure with the ability to turn any section of the lawn into an awesome outdoor room. So, if you want to relax in your backyard regardless of the season, it is what you should invest in. It comes with 4 posts that create a 90-inch square footprint. These posts are made of vinyl plus they are white for enhanced visual appeal.
Moreover, they provide excellent support to the top beams. Pergola also features numerous slats that rest perpendicularly on top of these beams. By so doing, these slats give the pergola a nice style as well as providing a dedicated shade. Each beam features a slightly curved end, and this further improves the elegance.
Things We Liked
- Holes are pre-drilled to make assembly easier
- Looks amazing and is sturdy
- Requires little maintenance and is affordably priced
- Looks exactly like the picture
- Instructions are clear and easy to follow
Things We Didn’t Like
- None at the moment
2. Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola – 12’ by 10’
Backyard Discovery 12- by 10-foot Pergola is designed in such a way that it allows vines and roses to crawl and thrive. It will give you the feeling of living in the Mediterranean where lush vineyards are surrounded by blue and calm seas. The pergola features a criss-crossed beam pattern that gives it a classic style.
The criss-crossed beam pattern also adds shade and stability. The headroom is 6ft 7in and the interior space is 63 square feet. Having said that, expect this pergola to comfortably accommodate people and furniture. The pergola also features 4 uprights made of pure cedar. Plus it has patent-pending decorative foot covers that hide unique anchors.
Things We Liked
- The pergola looks beautiful
- Sturdy and holds up well to the wind
- Setup is pretty easy
- Provides a nice shade to relax in during sunny days
Things We Didn’t Like
- Ends seem to chip easily; therefore, you may want to handle them with care
1. New England Elysium Attached Louvered Pergola – 12’ x 12’
Precision engineering and bold lines make the New England Elysium Pergola a nice addition to any outdoor space. It turns these areas into dream outdoor living spaces. Ideally, this pergola is very easy to build and the job can be completed by 2 people within a few hours.
The pergola is also designed in such a way that it will not warp, turn yellow, rot, or crack. It requires little to no maintenance, and this means a more relaxing time. The louvered top creates a bit more shade by providing tighter coverage. The overall dimensions of the pergola are 144 inches wide by 144 inches deep by 104 inches high. It is spacious and will comfortably accommodate you and your friends or family.
Things We Liked
- Customer service is very responsive
- Made with quality materials
- Assembly instructions are good
Things We Didn’t Like
- Likely to sway if not attached into the ground with cement
Buying Guide: The Best Pergola Kit
Before you pick a pergola, take a look at the following factors.
Size
If you have a large backyard, you may go for a large pergola. After all, a large unit means more outdoor living space. But if your backyard is not the largest, settling for a small to medium-sized pergola is the best decision you can ever make. This helps avoid congestion, which can make your backyard appear cramped up.
Style
One of the reasons why you are buying a pergola is that you want to improve the overall look of your garden or backyard. That being said, you should consider a structure that is thoroughly designed with wonderful details.
Material
Different pergolas are made of different materials, including metal, wood, and PVC. Pergolas made of PVC may be cheap-looking if the finish is not on point. However, these pergolas also require little to no maintenance plus they are very durable.
Conclusion
If you feel that your backyard is lacking character, a pergola kit is what you should go for. This well-thought-out structure not only improves the aesthetics of your outdoor space but also provides much-needed shade during sunny days.