Freestanding pergolas are sturdy, practical structures that not only offer an impactful way to shield outdoor spaces not directly connected to the house from the sun's harsh rays or rain but also add style to your backyard. “They provide flexibility in placement, allowing homeowners to create a distinct outdoor retreat anywhere in their yard, such as over a garden, poolside lounge, or dining area,” says Rick Dodson, marketing manager at Americana Outdoors Inc.

Because these are large, semi-permanent or permanent structures, some areas may require an inspection or permit to assemble and install a pergola on your property. Check your local laws or homeowners' association prior to purchase.

Top Picks

BEST OVERALL:

Backyard Discovery Beaumont Pergola at Home Depot $2,168

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BEST BUDGET:

Purple Leaf Outdoor Retractable Pergola at Amazon $325

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BEST ALUMINUM:

Purple Leaf Louvered Pergola at Amazon $1,999

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What We Tested

To find the best pergolas, we tested bestsellers from Amazon and Home Depot, as well as pergolas at a variety of price points and materials. We observed and recorded how easy each pergola was to assemble and install, along with what our testers thought of its features, aesthetic, performance. stability, and value during the evaluations.

To learn more about how we tested pergolas, check out our testing process below.

BEST OVERALL

Backyard Discovery Beaumont Pergola

Credit: Home Depot

$2,168 at Home Depot

$2,199 at Walmart

Why You Should Get It

• The high-quality solid cedar wood is sturdy and has a refined look right out of the box.

Keep in Mind

• The shade coverage was minimal.

From the first glimpse in the box through the end of our testing period, the Backyard Discovery 16x12 Beaumont Pergola impressed us in almost every way.

Our tester installed and anchored the pergola onto an existing concrete pad with the help of five adults and additional tools, including a ladder and cordless drill (she estimates that at least three adults are needed to put it together and stand it up).  

The installation and build process was surprisingly straightforward thanks to clearly written instructions, predrilled holes, and heavy-duty hardware. But we felt that the instruction manual could have had more information on routine maintenance.

For example, it didn’t mention sealing the cedar wood, so our tester didn’t use any on the structure before setup. After doing research on the manufacturer’s website, she found that it would have been helpful to apply sealant and plans to do so after one year.

The pergola came pre-sanded and stained, so it looked refined right out of the box. With an included power strip that attaches to one of the base poles, hooking up outdoor lights or fans should be a breeze. 

While it provides some shade, we found the pergola provided minimal coverage during our testing. If your outdoor space gets intense direct sunlight, you might need to purchase a sun tarp to be comfortable during the summer or grow a climber up and over for natural shade.

One other detail we’d adjust is the rafter design. Each one comes in several parts instead of one solid piece, which distracts from the otherwise beautiful aesthetics.

This doesn’t seem to impact the sturdiness of the structure, which remained secure and stable during rain, snow, and strong winds during our testing.

Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 8 ft. | Coverage Area: 16 ft. | Materials: Cedar wood

• Installing this Backyard Discovery kit was easy thanks to clear instructions and pre-drilled holes.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Our tester enlisted the help of five adults to complete this pergola's assembly.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• This Backyard Discovery pergola proved to be secure and stable during rain, snow, and strong winds.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The pergola comes sanded and stained, so it looks refined once it's assembled.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• This pergola provides minimal coverage, so you'll want to be mindful of where you place it.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST BUDGET

Purple Leaf Outdoor Retractable Pergola

Credit: Amazon

$325 at Amazon

$373 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Why You Should Get It

• The retractable canopy provides plenty of shade, and the pergola held up well to extreme weather conditions (-10°F).

Keep in Mind

• Multiple parts arrived a bit dented and bent, and we found it tricky to install and secure the canopy.

During our testing period, we found the Purple Leaf retractable pergola to be a great value for a surprisingly durable structure. 

We found that severe weather didn’t weaken the integrity of the structure, even though the pergola was slightly damaged in transport (we didn’t notice some dents and bends until mid-assembly). 

Our tester and one other adult set up the pergola together on a south-facing wood deck. It took about three to four hours to completely assemble the pergola kit, but there were a few bumps along the way.

Some of the pre-made holes were partially filled with paint, and the provided screws didn't fit well. We were able to make do, and the structure felt secure when assembled, but the flaws made the assembly process more difficult.

The retractable canopy provides plenty of shade, and the canopy is made of heavyweight polyester, which is also UV-resistant, fade-resistant, and water-repellent. The canopy can be adjusted with a loop strap. It’s designed for durability, but the instructions say to remove it to store over the winter.

Since the installation felt a little complicated in the first place, we felt like this was a deterrent for taking it down each year. 

During the tested period, the temperatures ranged from sub-zero temperatures with blizzards to 72°F within the span of a few weeks. The pergola didn’t sustain any damage from the extreme weather conditions, despite the dents from shipping. 

Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 8 ft. | Coverage Area: Not listed | Materials: Powder-coated aluminum

• It took two adults about four hours to install the Purple Leaf Retractable Against the Wall Pergola.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Despite some issues with the pre-drilled holes, the structure felt secure once assembled.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The kit is made of powder-coated aluminum, a durable material.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The pergola didn't sustain any damage from severe weather conditions.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The retractable canopy offered plenty of shade during testing.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST ALUMINUM

Purple Leaf Louvered Pergola

Credit: Amazon

$1,999 at Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• The adjustable slats allow for customizable shade levels, and the four support beams double as rain gutters.

Keep in Mind

• There are no built-in hooks or attachment points for string lights or hanging plants.

Of all the pergolas on our list, we found that the Purple Leaf louvered pergola provided the most flexible overhead coverage from the outdoor elements. Its adjustable “roof” is made of two independent panels of well-designed louvers, which felt like overhead window blinds.

When we wanted to block out the sun, we used the pergola’s long, hooked pole to twist each segment of the roof shut until it created the shade we desired. Adjusting the panels was smooth and effortless, making an instant haven out of a totally exposed spot that was previously unusable.

The frame’s gutter-like design funnels water from the top beams down through the four legs and out a ground-level drainage hole, so you don’t have to worry about water pooling on top of the pergola. 

All parts were clearly labeled upon arrival, and protective tape ensured the slats weren’t scratched or dinged. While we slowly put together the pergola kit over a few days, assembling the beams ahead of the install made the final build take under three hours.

Our tester fastened the pergola to a cedar deck using the included anchors, which kept it secure and damage-free during a blizzard with winds measuring over 60 miles per hour. 

We wished the pergola kit included built-in hooks so we could hang plants or string lights, but we appreciated that the manufacturer sells compatible LED lights along with other customizable accessories.

Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 12 x 9.75 x 7.89 ft. | Coverage Area: Not listed | Materials: Powder-coated aluminum

• All of the PURPLE LEAF Louvered Pergola's parts were clearly labeled, making assembly easier.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It was easy to adjust the panels as needed, making for a comfortable lounging area.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• We appreciated that the brand sells compatible LED lights and other customizable accessories.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Since the roof is adjustable, we were able to block out the sun when needed.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The pergola was fastened to a cedar deck and stayed secure during a windy storm.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

The Bottom Line

The Backyard Discovery 16x12 Beaumont Pergola is a near-perfect pergola due to its ease of setup and high-quality, classy cedar wood frame. However, if your top priority for a pergola is customizable shade, we recommend the Purple Leaf Louvered pergola or the budget-friendly Purple Leaf Outdoor Pergola. The amount of shade or protection that a pergola provides, or its coverage area, is a helpful indicator of its overall use, so consider that when choosing one to fit your outdoor space and needs.

Our Testing Process 

We spent three weeks testing five pergola kits. First, we followed any city or municipality permit laws, and then we installed the pergola according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

We paid attention to the product’s wind and snow load ratings and mounted it as directed on the appropriate surface. We also noted the ease of assembly and clarity of instructions. 

Once the pergola was assembled, we tested it at various times of day to see how well it provided shade and coverage from the elements. If a pergola had any adjustable louvers, integrated lighting, or retractable canopies, we used them regularly. We also checked for any signs of material degradation throughout the testing period, especially after inclement weather incidents.

On wood pergolas, we looked for rot, splitting, warping, termite damage, and fading. We inspected vinyl for cracking, brittleness, discoloration, and warping, and we checked aluminum for dents, scratches, loose connections, and powder-coat chipping. 

Finally, we noted how the pergola enhanced the outdoor space’s aesthetics and functionality. At the end of testing, we checked that the pergola was functioning to meet our expectations 

We installed each pergola according to its instructions and tested them for three weeks.

Better Homes & Gardens

What to Know About Pergolas Before Shopping

Assembled Dimensions and Coverage Area

To make sure the pergola will look its best in your outdoor space, consider the structure’s height, width, and length once it has been assembled. Besides overall fit, these dimensions will largely dictate the pergola’s use.

For example, is it large enough to accommodate multiple plush loungers, or is it better suited for a bistro table? Think of your pergola as an outdoor room, which shouldn’t feel too cramped or difficult to move around in. Similarly, you’ll want to consider the pergola’s coverage area, which indicates the amount of shade or protection that the pergola provides.

Materials

Because a pergola is one of the largest structures you can add to your outdoor space, you’ll want to choose one made of aesthetically pleasing materials. After all, it’s functioning as an outdoor room, which makes it an extension of your home.

A pergola’s material impacts its durability and maintenance needs. If you live in a climate that experiences regular rain, you’ll likely want to prioritize a water-repellent, rust-proof material. If you experience constant direct sunlight or high winds, look for materials that can withstand these natural elements. 

The most common pergola materials have several pros and cons to consider.

• Wood: Traditional wood pergolas offer a classic and natural aesthetic, but wood is a high-maintenance material for the outdoors. It may require regular staining and sealing, and you’ll want to check for signs of decay over time, like rot or termite damage.
• Aluminum: This material is lightweight and durable, though it may wobble in strong winds.
• Vinyl/PVC: It’s typically inexpensive and low-maintenance, but may crack or discolor over time. 
• Steel: Steel is generally considered to be the strongest due to its inherent strength. However, it may require rust protection.  

Some pergolas feature a retractable awning, so you can adjust it based on the weather.

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Your Questions, Answered

Can I assemble a pergola kit myself? 

While it’s possible for one person to fully assemble and install a pergola, it’s easier if you have a small team of helpers.

Since a ladder and additional hand tools are required for most setups, these extra hands also add a layer of safety. Plus, with help from friends or family members, most pergola kits can be assembled in hours. However, if you’d rather rely on a professional to bring your pergola to life, you can pay a fee for expert assembly through the manufacturer’s website or Home Depot. 

How much do pergola kits cost? 

The cost of a pergola can vary significantly based on size, materials, design complexity, and any additional features or customization. You can easily find simple pergolas under $500. If you want more bells and whistles on your pergola kit, expect a range of $1,000 to $2,500.

Keep in mind common extra costs, such as outdoor furniture, outdoor rugs, or lighting to add to your pergola space. Some areas may also require inspections with a permit fee, and if you plan on using experts to install your structure, be sure to budget for that, too. 

How long do pergolas last?

A well-built and well-maintained pergola can last between 10 and 25 years. This lifespan depends on several factors, including materials, maintenance, and climate conditions.

“Pay attention to wind and snow load ratings, as even lattice-style roofs can accumulate snow due to the bridging effect,” Dodson says. “Also, check for coating quality on metal pergolas to prevent rust or fading and ensure wood options are properly treated for rot and insect resistance.” 

Who We Are

Kate Puhala is a writer for Better Homes & Gardens who is based in Portland, Oregon. To write this story, she studied our testing insights, researched pergolas in-depth, and reviewed answers from Rick Dodson, marketing manager at Americana Outdoors Inc.