When you decide to add class and comfort to your backyard, then you must be thinking of installing a pergola. But not all pergolas are created equal. Some are more stylish, flexible, and durable than the others. So which one to choose?
Here at FamilyLifeShare we reviewed the best pergolas in the market and we have a winner. The Backyard Discovery 10 ft. x 12 ft. Cedar Pergola is by far the best product we have tested. It is light and flexible and doesn’t chip or fade which saves you a ton on maintenance and repainting jobs. It’s also fire-retardant, easy to install, and repels termites.
This article reviews 14 pergolas that have varying qualities and features. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to help you decide on the right one to choose from these pergolas:
14 Best Backyard Pergola Reviews
1. Backyard Discovery 10 ft. x 12 ft. Cedar Pergola
As we all know that a pergola is more than just an arched structure in your backyard. It’s an artistic expression that says more about you than brand you choose. So if you’re looking for a pergola that really lets your creative side shine and your personality reflect itself in the backyard, Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola is the right product for you.Right off the bat, the pergola comes pre-cut and pre-stained. All you have to do is put it together. And since it’s made from cedar, durability is something you can take for granted. The upper shade measures 12 feet by 10 feet which is enough space to accommodate a large family.
The beams are sculptured which gives this pergola a distinct artistic value that your guests will appreciate. But this is not just art for art’s sake. The construction rests on 5.5-inch cedar posts and the diagonal braces add strength to the whole frame.
The only drawback to this rectangular pergola is that even though it arrives pre-stained out of the box, you still need to apply a sealer to make it water-resistant. That sealer will be part of your annual maintenance process though.
Pros:
- Cedar construction for durability.
- Sculptured beams have artistic value.
- Affordable price.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons:
- Needs a sealer coating to make it water-resistant.
2. New England Arbors Regency 12 ft. x 12 ft. White Vinyl Pergola
For people who don’t relish the idea of having wood frames out in the open, the New England Arbors Regency is the right solution. It’s made of white vinyl which doesn’t just make it durable but also maintenance-free.There are a few things going for this pergola besides the sturdy material. It is large and grand, both in size and style. Measuring 12 x 12 feet, you will have plenty of room to rearrange your spacious furniture and make this the most coveted area in the entire house.
So with such a remarkable pergola, are there any downsides? Well, to be fair, there are a few. First off, it’s not easy to install. You’ll need to have someone else with you to put it together. And even then you will need concrete and hard-pressurized wood to complete the installation. In other words, you’ll need the help of a handyman or an expert. Another downside is it only comes in white.
Pros:
- Made from durable vinyl.
- 20 years warranty.
- Large and spacious.
- Maintenance-free.
Cons:
- Needs extra materials for proper installation.
- Only comes in white.
3. Paragon Outdoor Paragon-Outdoor 11 ft. x 11 ft. Aluminum Catalina Pergola
In a market full of pergolas, the Paragon Outdoor Pergola has two distinctive features that make it stand out. The first is it’s made from steel and aluminum. No wood that cracks or rots and no need for continuous maintenance. The other thing is it has a retractable roof that gives you shade and turns your backyard into your very own sophisticated oasis.And if you’re worried about rust, that has already been taken care of with the powdered coating finish that makes this pergola a good place to relax all year round. And while the steel frames make it sturdy, the aluminum beams are incredibly light for easy assembly.
The area covered by the pergola is roughly 120 square feet. You can park a car under there and still have room to snuggle with your loved one. In addition, the dual anchoring makes it easy to install the pergola in concrete and solid ground alike.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction made from steel and aluminum.
- Retractable roof to suit all seasons.
- Can be installed in solid ground and concrete.
Cons:
- Only comes in one color, wood grain brown.
- Price tag on the high end.
4. Yardistry Preston 12 ft. x 12 ft. Pergola
While some folks might prefer the convenience of a metal pergola, others would still think the elegance of wood is irreplaceable. And for that latter group, the Yardistry Preston would seem like a dream come true.Made from exterior grade cedar, the first thing you’ll notice about this masterpiece of elegance is the blend of classical and modern design styles. The corner panels have an X design which is both chic and ultra modern. At the same time the plinth at the base of each corner have the fingerprints of classical styles.
And with 144 square feet of space, you have more space for a family reunion out in the open. Another advantage of this pergola is how easy it is to assemble it without the need to call for an expert or bring in heavy machinery.
In addition, you won’t need to disassemble it and store it away. This pergola can withstand the harsh elements and weather conditions all year round. Once in a long while, like every 3 to 5 years, you’ll need to restain it to keep that new look.
Pros:
- Elegant design combines classical and modern styles.
- Easy to install.
- Requires minimum maintenance.
Cons:
- The top beams need extra screws.
- The instructions can be vague sometimes.
5. MM Cedar Pergola Gazebo with Bar Counter and Sunshade in Timber Gray Stain 12′ x 8′
I think we can all agree that when it comes to furniture, timber is still king. Yes it has its flaws, such as constant maintenance, but it still gives the metal alternatives a run for their money. The MM Cedar Pergola Gazebo is made from 100 percent premium cedar. That’s timber at its finest.
Space-wise, this pergola is on the medium side. It gives you about 96 square feet which is still spacious enough to set a few tables and sofas in there. And with its gray stain finish, you’ll have yourself a stylish addition to your backyard that will make the neighbors green with jealousy.
Still, there are a few drawbacks. The lack of color options means if you don’t like gray, you might need to keep shopping. And as with any outdoor furniture made from wood, it requires plenty of maintenance.
Pros:
- Made of 100 percent premium cedar.
- Pre-cut, pre-drilled, and pre-stained.
- Has a bar stand and a sunshade.
Cons:
- Limited color choices.
- Needs extra care.
6. Integra 14 ft. x 14 ft. White Aluminum Attached Open Lattice Pergola with 3 Posts Maximum
For a long-lasting maintenance-free solution for your outdoors Integra offers a gigantic pergola that’s 14 feet by 14 feet. In fact with so much space you can enjoy all your meals outside. Summer days are not the same when you have a pergola that reduces your cooling costs and keeps the sun away.Made from light and durable aluminum, Integra does away with all the hassle that comes with wood. Despite its size the pergola is amazingly light and has superior strength that resists rust, cracks, and the wear and tear of harsh weather conditions. Thanks to the lattice roof design, the pergola reduces the temperature below by 10 percent.
Installing the pergola isn’t that difficult although it would require 2 adults and a weekend to put it together. You can also customize the height of the pergola to your liking. If the 10-feet posts are too high for you, simply cut them with a hacksaw.
Pros:
- Reduces heat by 10 percent.
- Made from superior strength aluminum.
- Easy to customize according to needs.
Cons:
- Steep price tag.
- Needs two adults and a weekend to install.
7. Hampton Bay 10 ft. x 10 ft. Steel and Aluminum Outdoor Patio Arched Pergola with Slide Canopy
The Hampton Bay is a quaint pergola disguised as a sling canopy that you can slide back and forth to keep the hot sun away. The arched design gives it a unique look that suits all occasions from the romantic evening to the lazy afternoon spent with your loved one.The coating resists fading and the steel frame gives it durability. And with its small size, the space under the pergola is about 100 feet, and elegant design, it adds class and style to your backyard.
The drawback is the size of course. You won’t be using this pergola to host a family reunion or a get-together with friends. It provides a cozy place in the backyard with easy to slide canopy. If you need something bigger, you can scroll up or down.
Pros:
- Elegant design.
- Durable frame made from steel and aluminum.
- Stylish coating that resists fading and rust.
- Easy to clean with water and mild soap.
Cons:
- Limited area beneath the pergola.
- Not suitable for big gatherings.
8. ALEKO Grape Trellis 9 ft. x 9 ft. Sand Steel Outdoor Pergola
Whether you’re looking for a pergola to shade your hot tub or a patio set, Aleko has got the right solution. The sand steel frame can withstand the glaring sun and the accompanying top cover is made from shower proof polyester fabric. Incidentally, this fabric is easy to remove in the winter.With its small size and portability, the Aleko pergola fits anywhere you like it. In the backyard to give you shade and cover from the rain. Or by the pool where you can lazy under it during your breaks between swims. The ultra modern design makes it blend anywhere you install it.
Offering shade to an 81 square feet area, it has a small space that serves only a limited number of purposes. Perhaps that’s why it’s also quite affordable. You can even use it outside doors and windows to offer shade and add an element of style.
Pros:
- Shower proof retractable fabric canopy.
- Adds style to your outdoor space.
- Affordable price.
- Can be installed in the backyard, by the pool, or outside windows and doors.
Cons:
- Limited space.
- Comes only in gray finish.
9. Dura-Trel Kingston 7 ft. x7 ft. White Vinyl Pergola
With its cozy design and white finish, the Dura-Trel Kingstron pergola captures the imagination with all the possibilities one can use it for in the backyard. With only 49 square feet of shaded space, it doesn’t get any cozier than that.Maintenance shouldn’t be a problem with a pergola made from vinyl. As for installation, it’s hassle-free. The pergola is small enough for one person to install it in one afternoon. It comes pre-cut and pre-drilled to make it easy to assemble. As for those ground anchors they’re for concrete floors.
However, this small size means it is only suitable for a couple or a single person. It can also house a hot tub or even a swing for the romantically inclined person. It’s also easy to customize as long as you get your measurements right.
Pros:
- Made from sturdy vinyl.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Ground anchors for concrete floors.
Cons:
- Instructions not easy to follow.
10. Sunjoy Doubleton 10 ft. x 8 ft. Matte Black Steel Pergola
With so many pergolas to choose from, it can be a real pain to find the right one for you. Right until your eyes fall on the Sunjoy Doubleton pergola. Immediately you feel drawn to the matte black steel and the innovative cloth roof that overhangs on either side. It certainly has a personality and the more you check it out the more you fall in love with it.Not all pergolas can draw you like a magnet like this. So what’s the secret? There’s a lot of time and thought put into the design and execution of this nice piece of outdoor design. The black steel complements the light tan color cloth to create a captivating style. It gives a striking balance to its surroundings and ties the backyard together.
The pergola gives you about 80 square feet of shade and thanks to the cover, you can also use it when it’s raining cats and dogs. It serves all purposes from dining to meeting, or just sitting. This versatility adds to its charm and makes it the right choice for someone on a budget.
Pros:
- Captivating design with complementing colors.
- Versatile and serves as a hub in your backyard for all purposes.
- Sturdy frame made from steel.
- Affordable price tag.
Cons:
- When it rains, the water collects on the roof and sags.
- Lacks anchors to install on concrete.
11. Kozyard Morgan Outdoor 10’x13′ Extra Large BBQ Grill Pergola with Sun Shade Gazebo Canopy Beige Canopy,UV Resistant Fabric
Some people prefer the elegance of the pergola in their backyards. Others opt for the ambiance of the gazebo. Kozyard Morgan brought the best of the two worlds in one extra large pergola. The pergola with its classy canopy turns the backyard into a perfect place to have a BBQ.
Pros:
- Combines the elegance of the pergola with the ambiance of the gazebo.
- Fire and UV resistant canopy fabric.
- Durable and light structure made from aluminum.
Cons:
- Limited color options.
- Needs at least two people to assemble.
12. Kinbor 10′ x 10′ Grill Gazebo Pergola Outdoor Party BBQ Heavy Duty Weights Canopy Grape Trellis
Not everyone seeks a large pergola that offers a lot of shaded space. For one thing, the backyard might be limited in space. For those looking for a small and cozy pergola, the Kinbor is the perfect product. At 10 feet by 10 feet, it fits nicely in any backyard.
Pros:
- Cozy and stylish to suit all spaces.
- Versatile and serves different occasions.
- UV-resistant canopy.
Cons:
- Not easy to install.
- Instructions not detailed enough.
13. Palm Springs 10ft x 10ft Steel Pergola/Gazebo with Retractable Canopy Shades
The Palm Springs focuses on giving you customizable shade that lets you work around the progressing sun. With its retractable canopy, you have the option to keep it on when you need it and fold it when you don’t.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty steel frame.
- Retractable canopy for customizable shade.
- Suitable for all seasons.
Cons:
- Rather heavy for a small pergola.
- Requires more than one person to assemble.
14. Alcove 8′ x 8′ Corner Vinyl Pergola
The Alcove is not for everyone. It’s really for a niche market where the customer is looking for an extra small and extra light pergola that doesn’t require maintenance. If that’s what you’re looking for, then the 8 foot x 8 foot pergola is right up your alley.
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable frame made from vinyl.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Zero maintenance.
Cons:
- Suitable only for a niche market.
- Extra small for limited functions.
Related Information
What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Backyard Pergolas
Conclusion
So after this long journey in the pergolas section, which one do we recommend? Hands down the best pergola for your money is the Backyard Discovery 10 ft. x 12 ft. Cedar Pergola. It has everything you’d want from a pergola and some more.
The Discovery pergola combines functionality and elegance. Made from durable cedar, the frames have style while resisting decay and insects at the same time. Since it’s pre-cut and pre-stained, assembling it is rather easy for a pergola of this size.
With a total space of 120 square feet, the Discovery gives you enough space to hold any social function. You can even hang a chandelier inside it and give your guests a stylish ambiance they only get at social clubs.
For all these reasons, the Discover is our editor’s choice and we recommend it for its durability, elegance, and affordability.
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