Updated on Oct. 16, 2024
Add Mediterranean style (and comfortable shade) to your patio or deck in as little as a few hours by assembling a prefab pergola from a kit.
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A pergola is a great way to dress up your outdoor space and provide shade on a sun-washed patio or deck. Many homeowners opt to build a pergola from a kit rather than from scratch.
A pergola kit includes all the precut, notched and drilled pieces of wood, vinyl or other material, plus the required hardware you need to assemble and anchor your pergola. Some kits provide prestained wood, while others require the extra step of treating and staining the wood before assembly.
Though instructions for assembly are included, quality can vary. Check for reviews that flag hard-to-follow or confusing instructions before purchase. If you get stuck, there are helpful tutorials and videos online with tips and instructions. Though most are focused on DIY pergola projects, a good portion of the steps are applicable to pergolas built from kits as well.
Read on for seven of our favorite pergola kits.
Cedar is the most popular material for pergolas, so there’s a lot of competition out there for the best cedar pergola kit. The Backyard Discovery 12-ft. x 10-ft. Cedar Pergola Kit ($1,200) stands out for its timeless design, easy-to-follow instructions and particularly sturdy structure that includes criss-cross overhead beams for added stability (and shade).
This classic Mediterranean-style pergola also comes with decorative foot covers to hide the cement anchors, suitable for use on grass, paving or even gravel.
The dirty secret of vinyl pergola kits is that many require you to purchase extra lumber for the core structure inside the vinyl shell pieces. That is not the case with the Dura-Trel Kingston Pergola Kit ($548), which comes with metal posts that fit inside the vinyl for extra durability.
Particularly lightweight and easy to assemble, this is also one of the few kits that doesn’t require at least two people to put together. The crisp white vinyl is fade-resistant and maintenance-free. Once this pergola is assembled, you’ll have lots of time to unwind in its shade.
Wooden pergolas are classic, but they need a significant amount of care and maintenance and can fade over time in the sun. To avoid a pergola that looks prematurely weathered and worn, opt for aluminum instead.
The Kosyard Atlantics BBQ Grill Pergola Kit ($419) is a winner for spaces that get intense sun exposure. In addition to its fade-resistant aluminum structure, this model is topped with a retractable fabric pergola canopy for extra shade and protection from UV rays. Enjoy your outdoor space even when the sun is beating down.
Putting together a pergola from a kit can be a challenge if you don’t have much experience, even with precise, easy-to-follow instructions. Outdoor Living Today has a loyal customer following in part for the quality of its products — reflected in the higher price point — and in part for its unparalleled customer service.
The Breeze 8 x 10 Pergola Kit ($3,319) is its most affordable pergola kit. The price includes standard pre-delivery and follow-up calls for troubleshooting, weekend and after-hours customer care support, and online how-to videos to help you along.
Covering more than 250 sq. ft. while sporting an elegant design and maintenance-free vinyl structure, the New England Arbors Regency Grande Pergola Kit ($2,577) is a striking centerpiece for your outdoor living space.
Keep in mind the cost increases significantly once you factor in all the bells and whistles: About $400 to $600 of additional lumber to serve as the core to the pieces of vinyl shell; the Bolt Down Bracket Kit ($158 for two kits) for extra stability; vinyl post caps to cover the anchors ($42 for six); and the optional shade kit if you prefer more coverage ($460). Its generous size and durable vinyl, however, make it worth the premium price.
This Paragon Outdoor Pergola Kit ($1,799) checks all the right boxes. Measuring a bit larger than 100 sq. ft., it can comfortably fit an outdoor dining set for six, but its aluminum frame keeps the price in check.
Its understated modern style will blend with most outdoor spaces. The frame is finished to resemble ipe (a.k.a. Brazilian Walnut), and a manually retractable fabric cover provides additional shade. Assembly and installation are particularly straightforward. The maintenance-free aluminum won’t rust or fade over time.
All prices and links were current as of publication.
