Most Invested is a monthly series in which one of our style editors or a friend of Livingetc explains the do’s and don’ts of making the most important product decisions, and showcases the items they’d be adding to their cart.
To steal a quote from one of my favorite comedians: How would you like to be outside and inside at the same time? If the answer to that question is 'I would like it very much,' then I'd guess you are in the market for a pergola.
A pergola is a four-legged outdoor structure with a slatted or retractable roof that provides homeowners with bespoke shade in backyard areas. They come in all shapes and sizes from all the best outdoor furniture brands, but they are typically rather expensive to install and might involve hiring a contractor.
From a design perspective, a pergola 'can beautifully transform a backyard, adding both charm and functionality,' says Elizabeth Vergara, lead designer and founder of Vergara Homes. Aesthetically, it offers a focal point and adds some height in a potentially flat, one-dimensional space. And functionally, a pergola 'offers partial shade, defines cozy outdoor areas, and provides support for climbing plants, making your garden even more enchanting.'
Sound enticing? I'm sure it does. But if you feel like you can't justify shelling out thousands for a custom pergola, there is luckily another alternative on the market: pergola kits. Below, I chat with Elizabeth and other experts about the appeal of pergola kits, the drawbacks, and what you should know before investing in one. And later, we'll do a bit of pergola kit shopping using our newfound knowledge. Your backyard will be ready for summer before you know it!
What is a pergola kit?
Livingetc knows design. We spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, bringing only our edit of the very best to you. Find out more about how we review.
'Pergola kits are pre-packaged sets that include all the materials and instructions needed to build a pergola,' explains Leslie Chapus, Vice President and Co-Founder of Azenco Outdoor, a luxury aluminum pergola designer and manufacturer. 'They are designed for DIY assembly.'
And while this is appealing, of course, you want to be sure you are prepared for the potential drawbacks of a budget buy, as is the case with any DIY.
What are the drawbacks of using a pergola kit?
When determining whether a pergola kit is right for you, there are a few downsides to consider. For one thing, a DIY kit means 'limited customization,' Leslie tells me. 'Pergola kits come in pre-determined designs and sizes, which may not perfectly match the specific aesthetic or spatial requirements of your outdoor area.' Some kits may also use 'inferior wood or aluminum, which can affect durability and longevity,' or might 'still require a certain level of skill and experience in construction' to assemble.
To prepare for any structural issues or repairs, it would be wise to investigate what kind of warranty your kit includes, and you should also be sure your chosen kit aligns with the housing code in your municipality.
'While pergola kits offer a convenient and often cost-effective way to enhance your outdoor space, it's important to weigh these potential disadvantages,' Leslie advises. 'Thoroughly researching and selecting a high-quality kit that meets your specific needs can help mitigate many of these challenges.'
What are the hallmarks of a high-quality pergola?
'Look for reputable brands, durable materials, and good customer support,' Elizabeth suggests. Leslie advises similarly: 'High-quality pergolas are made from durable materials like aluminum, which is resistant to rust and requires minimal maintenance,' she tells me.
A high-quality pergola should 'be engineered to resist either strong windload or snowload depending on the location of the project,' as well as coated in a high-quality finish that protects from the elements. And finally, certain design components, like 'adjustable louvers, integrated lighting, and seamless connections,' are typically signs you're working with a well-made piece, Leslie adds.
What should you look for to ensure you're buying a high-quality kit?
Despite the downsides, high-quality pergola kits do, of course, exist. When buying yours, Leslie advises you look for durable materials like 'high-grade aluminum or treated wood.'
'Ensure the kit includes high-quality hardware (screws, bolts, etc.) that won't easily rust or degrade,' and 'look for kits that come with clear, detailed assembly instructions and, ideally, customer support for troubleshooting,' she adds.
And as is the case with any online purchase, customer reviews are your best friend. Read through them to 'gauge the experiences of other buyers regarding the ease of assembly and the final product's durability.'
12 Modern Pergola Kits for Your Backyard
Price: $299.99
Dimensions: 13' x 10'
There are only 32 customer ratings on this 13'x10' aluminum pergola kit on Amazon, but the same product boasts a host of positive comments on the Home Depot website, which makes me think it's a great budget option. What's more, Elizabeth herself highlighted this one as a 'reasonably priced and durable DIY kit.'
The 3.55" aluminum posts ensure stability and durability in the wind and sun, and included ground stakes should help secure the pergola to the ground. On Amazon, customers gave this pergola kit a 4.5/5-star rating for stability, a 4.2/5-star rating for instruction quality, and a 3.5/5-star rating for ease of assembly.
Price: $372.37
Was: $479.96
Dimensions: 8'.5" H X 13'2'' W X 10' D
For yet another budget-friendly pick, I was drawn to this 13' x 10' aluminum pergola from Peak Home Furnishings. The product itself has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating, which bodes well, and the imagery and description sound promising.
The frame is powder-coated aluminum, a material both experts endorsed, and is weather-, water-, and UV-resistant. It can even withstand winds up to 40 mph. For optimal shade control, expand or contract the polyester roof canvas. Reviewers mentioned it does take a few hours to build, so be sure to set aside some time to get things going.
Price: $439.99
Dimensions: 12' x 12'
With no customer reviews, I'll be the first to admit that this 12' x 12' pergola is a bit of a risk. But if it works out, it could be the most versatile of them all. Specifically, I'm referring to the rolling curtains on the sides, which offer an added plane of shade for the extra UV-conscious.
The frame is also crafted from aluminum — a good sign!
Price: $1487.42
Was: $1599.99
Dimensions: 11' W X 11' D
Get the best of both worlds with this luxurious pergola crafted from aluminum that's been finished to look like wood (only without the added hassle of maintenance). This piece is very openly backed by a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty on the structure and a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty on the roof, so you can invest and then lounge without fear.
Reviews look just as good; 137 out of the total 147 are 4- and 5-star. Assembly could take anywhere from 3-5 hours, according to consumers, but the final product seems worth it.
Price: $644.08
Dimensions: 12' x 9'
This Sunjoy option is a customer favorite — if you don't believe me, ask the 70 5-star reviewers (out of 75 total). Consumers describe the final product as 'perfect for our small patio,' 'sturdy,' 'well-made,' and 'easy to put together' (although there is some variance on that last point — some say assembly took 2 hours, while others say it took 3-5).
The frame is made of heavy-duty, durable steel that's rust and weather-resistant thanks to a black powder-coated frame. For more shade control, extend the retractable tan canopy and bask in the cool relief of your newfound garden paradise.
Price: $1369
Dimensions: 10' x 12'
Don't let the price tag of this pergola scare you; in fact, I would maybe let it encourage you. The relationship between price and quality isn't always linear, of course, but I'm inclined to trust in that dynamic here. For one thing, 10 of these wood pergolas were purchased from Lowe's in the last week. And for another, 95% of the product's 284 reviews are 4-star and above.
Crafted from cedar wood and reinforced with galvanized steel hardware, this puppy is also wind-resistant up to 100mph, which could prove quite important in storm-heavy climates. You'll want to be sure to treat the wood with some sort of sealant before assembling, though — this will be key in long-term durability.
Price: $998.99 + 20% off with code EXTRA
Dimensions: 120" sq, 106" H
If buying from a brand you know and love feels like a good way to ensure quality both product-wise and warranty-wise, I feel like this metal pergola from Pottery Barn is the perfect choice. Added side rods give string lights and decor the perfect place to rest, while a retractable canopy allows for adjustable shade and sun throughout the day.
Pottery Barn unfortunately does not show reviews on its website, but I find its quality is more often than not inherently understood.
Price: $1499
Dimensions: 14' x 10'
My draw to this modern steel pergola kit had everything to do with brand and reviews. This option is from Backyard Discovery, the same manufacturer as the wood pergola from Lowe's, so it seems like this team knows what they are doing (I'm serious — this product has a 4.9/5-star rating, and 93% of its 128 reviews are 5-star).
The galvanized steel frame is prepared for all types of wear and tear — rust, chipping, scratching, and UV damage — and has been tested and proven to withstand up to 100mph winds. Not only that, but its removable PowerPort features 3 electrical outlets and 3 USB ports that can be transferred to any of the pergola's four legs. Add in the removable light filtering soft shade canopy and a 5-year warranty and you might have yourself the perfect buy.
Price: $199.99
Was: $289
Dimensions: 10' x 10'
Though it didn't come recommended by either of our pergola experts, I linked this affordable, budget pergola kit because of an Instagram reel from a popular content creator. This creator loved the bespoke shade the structure provided and didn't have any outright qualms or complaints about the quality of the product. The installation process also looked relatively simple, if her reel was any indication.
Especially if you're looking to cover a small space or deck, this might be the ideal budget buy for you.
Price: $1781.19
Was: $2183.99
Dimensions: 10' x 12'
This Bed Bath & Beyond best-seller looks every bit as luxurious as its price tag suggests. Featuring 6 adjustable privacy panels, two separate and independently operable louver sections, an integrated drainage system to keep rainwater build-up from corroding the posts, and an aluminum alloy construction designed to withstand high winds and show, this baby truly has it all.
Assembly might be the slightest bit difficult according to some of the reviews, but you could always turn to a professional if that's easier (and considering the money you'd be saving on installing a custom pergola!).
Price: $331
Was: $434
Dimensions: 10' x 13'
There are really no bells and whistles here — just a budget-friendly pergola for anyone in the market. We've got all the usual suspects: a strong and rust-resistant powder-coated aluminum frame, a fade and tear-resistant retractable fabric roof, and a small sample of positive reviews on which we can hang our hats (of the 8 total customer reviews, five are 5-star, two are 4-star, and one is 3-star).
Price: $999
Dimensions: 14' x 10'
My online search has been guided in large part by our expert advice and customer reviews, two typically unimpeachable benchmarks. So I couldn't help but chuckle when said benchmarks led me, yet again, to another Backyard Discovery product, this one made from 100% cedar wood. Like the other BD pergolas on this list, the feedback is outstanding; 4.8/5-star rating across 179 total reviews.
This model also comes with a PowerPort for ultimate convenience, and if I didn't know any better, I'd say the thin wooden lip that extends over the side of the roof would be great for training a few green vines and climbing plants.
Looking to invest in more outdoor furniture? Try my guide to shopping modern outdoor coffee tables next.
-
Meet 'Stacey' — A Pale Gray, "Spill Proof" and Washable Rug That is the Secret to Throwing Stylish SoiréesIs the risk of red wine putting you off buying that beautiful cream rug you've always wanted? Rugs USA has a solution
-
Every 'Quiet Luxury' Devotee I Know Is Buying This Beautiful Bouclé Lamp From H&M HomeBouclé can be somewhat of a contentious fabric these days... but on a table lamp? Now that's a bright idea I can't overlook
-
More Minimalist, and Better for Entertaining and Naps? Why I'm Now a Big Advocate for "Single-Cushion Sofas"A bench seat sofa is a great alternative to the traditional multi-cushion option. Below, experts share why and how they'd pick this ultra-chic couch if they were shopping themselves
-
This Interior Designer's Summery DIY Instantly Elevates an Outdoor Table (and it Costs Less Than $30)Thanks to this inspired idea from designer Matilda Goad, you can rock infinitely customizable table decor all year long
-
10 Decorative Fence Panels, Toppers and Trellises That Will Make Your Backyard Look a Millions Times More BeautifulUpgrading my boring metal fence while shrouding my patio from wandering eyes? Don't mind if I do.
-
This Simple DIY Gives Your Basic Terracotta Planter a Rustic Aged Finish That Feels so MediterraneanInstead of overspending on aged terracotta pots, DIY your planters at home and get the look for less
-
These 15 Modern Desks Have Been Handpicked by a Shopping Editor — They're Beautiful, but Practical TooA modern desk is a mainstay of the modern home office. Below, our style editor walks you through the selection process before sharing a few of her current favorites
-
This Viral Fringe DIY Makes Furniture Look So Glamorous — And Costs Less than $28 to AchieveThe viral TikTok hack transforms your favorite furniture with just $28 (or less) in a matter of minutes — talk about fringe benefits! Plus, designers weigh in on how to style it
-
Everything Designers Want You To Know About Buying a Modern Outdoor Coffee Table — From Shape to Style to MaterialThe coffee table is the unsung hero of any room — but when it comes to your patio, it's especially important. Below, experts tell us how to pick the perfect modern outdoor coffee table no matter your taste.
-
15 On-Trend Wallpapers Editors Love Now — and What Designers Say You Really Have to do Before You InvestEven commitment-phobes will find something they love in our edit of the best on-trend wallpaper. Plus, expert advice to guide your choice.
