Home Improvement Ideas Outdoor Structures Pergolas, Arbors & Trellises The 10 Best Pergolas of 2023 to Keep Your Patio Shaded Keep your outdoor space shaded and stylish with these practical pergolas. By L. Daniela Alvarez L. Daniela Alvarez L. Daniela Alvarez is a contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens with three years of experience specifically writing lifestyle content and product reviews for a variety of publications. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on May 25, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What To Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Better Homes & Gardens / Brian Kopinski Decorating an outdoor space can take time, effort, money, and research to find the best items that reflect your style while still being functional. Pergolas are the perfect way to combine style with usefulness since these outdoor structures can offer shade, protection, and privacy over an area in your backyard or patio where you want to spend your time. “Pergolas are really a workhorse in the yard, offering a distinct outdoor room, providing dappled shade, and creating visual impact all at once,” says Coleman Cosby, project manager and construction expert at Yardzen. “They’re also adaptable to many styles and sizes of yard, and you have many options to fit your personal and architectural style.” To find the best pergolas, we spent hours researching top-rated products and considered them based on assembled dimensions, materials, extra features, and coverage area. In addition to Cosby, we also consulted Jamie Irwin, editor and landscape designer at Windproof Gazebos, for insight on what to look for when shopping for the best pergola for your outdoor space. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Purple Leaf Outdoor Retractable Pergola at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Outsunny Outdoor Retractable Pergola at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Bon Pergola Freestanding Villa Pergola at Walmart Jump to Review Best Wooden: Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola at Amazon Jump to Review Best Aluminum: Veikous Aluminum Outdoor Pergola at Walmart Jump to Review Best Covered: Sunjoy Arched Pergola at Wayfair Jump to Review Best Modern: Backyard Discovery Modern Steel Cabana Pergola at Amazon Jump to Review Best Classic: Yardistry Solid Wood Pergola with Canopy at Wayfair Jump to Review Best Large: Gardesol Outdoor Louvered Pergola at Amazon Jump to Review Best Small: DuraTrel Vinyl Pergola at Walmart Jump to Review Best Overall Purple Leaf Outdoor Retractable Pergola Amazon View On Amazon View On Overstock View On Purpleleafshop.com Why You Should Get It It’s retractable, so you can control how much coverage you have. Keep in Mind There’s only a limited 90-day warranty offered. Overall, the best pergola is the Purple Leaf Outdoor Retractable Pergola. In addition to being sturdy and durable, the high-quality option features a water-repellent and fade-resistant canopy. We especially like that the canopy is resistant to UV rays and can be retracted and adjusted to the position you want with the safety locking system. The frame is made of rust-resistant aluminum and each stand has pre-drilled holes so it can be easily fixed to any kind of flooring or ground. We also like that you can easily add string lights or other outdoor curtains to make it your own. This pergola is also versatile to use over an outdoor dining set, conversation set, hot tub, or grill. The canopy is offered in four colors and six size options, so you can choose which suits your outdoor space best. It’s worth noting that this pick comes with a limited 90-day warranty, so your purchase isn’t as protected for seasons to come. However, it’s a less expensive style in comparison to other styles. Price at time of publish: $480 Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 120 x 96 x 144 inches | Coverage Area: 10 x 12 feet | Materials: Aluminum, polyester | Features: Retractable canopy Best Budget Outsunny Outdoor Retractable Pergola Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Macy's Why You Should Get It The pergola is two pieces that can be moved up and down, so you can adjust your coverage. Keep in Mind The canopy is not water-resistant and is only offered in one color. Pergolas can be an expensive investment for your outdoor space, which is why we love the Outsunny Outdoor Retractable Pergola. This steel pergola is stable, practical, and provides plenty of shade. Plus, it’s less expensive than other options on the market. The canopy is UV-resistant and retractable. We also like that the canopy is divided into two pieces that can be moved up and down, so you can adjust the amount of coverage you’re getting. When it comes to this pergola, keep in mind that the canopy is only offered in one color and it’s not resistant to inclement weather. Overall, this might be the best pergola for those who live in areas with temperate climates that don’t experience much wind, rain, or snow. Price at time of publish: $280 Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 117.6 x 87.6 x 117.6 inches | Coverage Area: 10 x 10 feet | Materials: Aluminum, polyester | Features: Retractable canopy Best Splurge Bon Pergola Freestanding Villa Pergola with Motorization and LED Lighting Walmart View On Walmart View On Bonpergola.com Why You Should Get It The slats on the roof can be adjusted with a remote and they’re lined with LED lights. Keep in Mind It does not come with a canopy, so it depends on your style preferences. The Bon Pergola Freestanding Villa Pergola with Motorization and LED Lighting is the best pergola to splurge on. The slats on the roof can be adjusted using a remote controller, so you’ll be able to let in as much sunlight as you want. If you entertain al fresco often, you’ll appreciate that this pergola comes lined with LED lighting on the edges, so you won’t have to worry about installing string lights separately. Although this option is an investment, the aluminum alloy frame is rust-free, so you don’t have to worry about maintaining it over the years. When the slats are fully closed, the top can fully withstand winds up to 80 miles per hourm and 15 pounds of snow, so this is one of the best pergolas for those who live in areas prone to storms and other inclement weather. We also like that the rods have a hidden drainage system so rainwater cannot collect when closed. This pergola is offered in four sizes and you’ll be able to choose between a freestanding version or a wall-mounted one. It’s also available in dark gray or white, so you can give your outdoor space a sleek and minimal look. Price at time of publish: $5,500 Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 117 x 104 x 117 inches | Coverage Area: 10 x 10 feet | Materials: Aluminum alloy | Features: Motorized with LED lights Best Wooden Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Backyarddiscovery.com Why You Should Get It It’s made of 100% cedar, which is durable and rot-resistant. Keep in Mind The roof has open spaces as opposed to a canopy, so it’s not ideal for all weather. This Backyard Discovery style is made of 100% cedar and is the best pergola to consider if you prefer a wooden style. mpAccording to Irwin, cedar pergolas tend to naturally be insect- and rot-resistant due to the cedar’s natural oils. Plus, the rustic and natural look is also great for farmhouse, bohemian, and traditional design styles. The pergola is offered in three size options and all are pre-stained for a smooth appearance that also makes it highly resistant to natural decay. If anchored as recommended by the pergola’s instruction manual, the Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola is certified to withstand winds up to 100 miles per hour. As opposed to canopy styles, this roof has open spaces throughout, so it’s not ideal to use if there’s a light drizzle or particularly strong sunshine. However, the structure is great for naturally vining flowers and plants, giving your outdoor space a whimsical vibe. Although this cedar pergola is slightly more expensive than other wood and cedar pergolas on the market, we think its sturdy construction, shade coverage, and generous interior space are worth the investment. Price at time of publish: $1,499 Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 168 x 95 x 120 inches | Coverage Area: 14 x 10 feet | Materials: Cedar | Features: Foot covers Best Aluminum Veikous Aluminum Outdoor Pergola The Home Depot View On Walmart View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It There’s a retractable canopy. Keep in Mind The assembly can take a long time, even with someone’s help. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pergola with excellent stability at an affordable price, you’ll love the Veikous Aluminum Outdoor Pergola. The powder-coating aluminum means it’s weather-, rust-, and fade-resistant, so it should last for years to come. This pergola is available in gray and beige, two size options, and comes with ground stakes for extra stability. It can also be anchored on concrete, wood decks, or other types of flooring. We especially like the retractable thick polyester canopy that is waterproof, UV-resistant, and shouldn’t lose its color over time. It also uses a magnetic catch to easily move the canopy and keep it in place. Price at time of publish: $400 Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 7.2 feet | Coverage Area: 10 x 10 feet | Materials: Aluminum | Features: Retractable canopy, ground stakes included Best Covered Sunjoy Arched Pergola with 2-Tone Adjustable Shade Wayfair View On Wayfair View On Home Depot View On Biglots.com Why You Should Get It It offers extra coverage on the sides of the pergola. Keep in Mind The arch makes it challenging to clean off certain types of debris. If you’re looking for a design with extra coverage, we recommend the Sunjoy Arched Pergola with 2-Tone Adjustable Shade. Unlike other pergolas with a canopy, this one cascades down the sides for extra privacy and sun protection. The roof has an arch which can be beneficial during rainy days to avoid excess water retention. However, it may be more challenging when removing leaves and other debris from the arch. Still, we like that the arch gives it a more unique look in comparison to the more traditional flat-top pergolas. This pergola consists of a rust-resistant brown powder-coated steel frame and a weather-resistant tan and brown sliding polyester canopy. The canopy can be adjusted on either side to your desired length. If you entertain outdoors often, you’ll appreciate that this pick is slightly more generous in length than most standard pergolas. The extra length can be great for fitting a longer outdoor dining table or fitting extra accessories, such as a side table or large cooler. Price at time of publish: $686 Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 134.6 x 93.7 x 112.8 inches | Coverage Area: 11 x 9.4 feet | Materials: Steel | Features: Arched roof, adjustable canopy Best Modern Backyard Discovery Glendale Modern Steel Cabana Pergola with Conversational Seating Amazon View On Amazon View On Backyarddiscovery.com Why You Should Get It It’s a different shape than other pergolas, adding a layer of visual interest to your outdoor space. Keep in Mind The built-in seating cannot be removed or separated from the pergola. This Backyard Discovery pick is the best pergola if you skew toward modern home design. In a departure from typical designs, this piece has a triangular shape that’ll add visual interest to your outdoor space. Made from 100% galvanized steel, this pergola includes built-in seating that sits four people, as well as a side table. The seating is offered in four different cushion colors, so you can choose which suits your space best. It’s worth noting that the seating in this model cannot be removed, though you can also purchase the pergola without the integrated seating if you want to choose your own chairs. The pergola features a modern slat roof as well as privacy panels and a canopy for additional shade. Additionally, the steel construction is powder-coated to fully protect against rust, corrosion, and UV rays so you can relax knowing your pergola will stay in great shape. Price at time of publish: $2,499 Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 147 x 88 x 87 inches | Coverage Area: Not listed | Materials: Steel, sunbrella cushions | Features: Integrated furniture Best Classic Yardistry Madison Solid Wood Pergola with Canopy The Home Depot View On Wayfair View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It There’s an integrated bar and shelf that’s ideal for entertaining and storage. Keep in Mind It’s recommended you apply a sealant annually, so it may require more maintenance than other options. For those who want a more traditional pergola, we like the Yardistry Madison Solid Wood Pergola with Canopy. Made of 100% cedar with a gray finish, this pergola should last for years to come. If you enjoy entertaining outdoors, the integrated bar and shelf are sure to come in handy. They’re a great place to put beverages and snacks, but you can also use them to decorate the pergola with plants and other decor. Plus, there’s a snap-on nylon canopy for added shade and protection. If you’re looking for additional accessories to complete this pergola, the matching stools are sold separately, but work perfectly as bar seating. The pergola itself can be anchored to a wooden deck, concrete patio, or grass lawn. The wooden beams and rafters are also great for adding string lights, hanging plants and flowers, and outdoor curtains. Although cedar is a durable material, the brand recommends applying a non-oil-based water sealant three months after assembly and once a year after that to protect it against weathering. Price at time of publish: $1,699 Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 120 x 98 x 168 inches | Coverage Area: 14 x 10 feet | Materials: Cedar, nylon canopy | Features: Integrated bar and shelf Best Large Gardesol Outdoor Louvered Pergola Amazon View On Amazon View On Gardesol.com Why You Should Get It There’s a crank that makes it easy to open and close the slats. Keep in Mind It’s more expensive than other options and the size of this pergola may require a local permit. The Gardesol Outdoor Louvered Pergola is an impressive 20 feet long and is the best pergola for large spaces. The pergola is an investment, but it can easily fit a few pieces of outdoor furniture and makes entertaining al fresco easy. This pergola is made with a powder-coated aluminum frame and has built-in rain gutters. The sturdy construction makes it suitable for just about any outdoor space, but the label recommends keeping the slats open during rain and snow to avoid any damage. Luckily, this pergola features a crank that makes it easy to open and close the steel slats on top. While we appreciate this pergola for its size, the brand reminds customers that its size may require a permit depending on Homeowners Association (HOA) guidelines, building codes, and/or zoning requirements. Cosby recommends always checking in with your local city or municipality before purchasing and installing any sized pergola. Despite this small hurdle, we think it’s the best pergola for large spaces to add the perfect amount of coverage and modern sophistication. Price at time of publish: $3,400 Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 232.8 x 98.7 x 118.6 inches | Coverage Area: 20 x 10 feet | Materials: Aluminum, steel | Features: Not listed Best Small DuraTrel Kingston White Vinyl Pergola Walmart View On Walmart View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It It’s a compact yet practical pergola that can be easily assembled and can fit in almost every outdoor space. Keep in Mind It’s only offered in white, which could be prone to showing dirt. We like the DuraTrel Kingston White Vinyl Pergola for its compact size and that it’s made with a maintenance-free PVC vinyl that’s not expected to fade, crack, peel, or discolor. This pergola is only offered in white, which may be prone to showing dirt more than other options. If it ever needs some cleaning or care, the brand recommends simply spraying it down with a garden hose. Plus, the color can be a great canvas for adding a colorful canopy, hanging plants, lighted paper lanterns, or some outdoor curtains. The pergola comes with hardware and ground anchors, as well as pre-drilled holes, to help with assembly. Once it’s installed, you’ll appreciate that it comes with a 20-year limited manufacturer warranty to protect your purchase. Price at time of publish: $433 Product Details: Assembled Dimensions: 105 x 96 x 105 inches | Coverage Area: 7 x 7 feet | Materials: Vinyl | Features: Not listed The Bottom Line Overall, the Purple Leaf Outdoor Retractable Pergola is the best pergola for your backyard. It’s less expensive than other options, and we appreciated that it’s durable, stable, and features a retractable canopy as well. What To Know About Pergolas Before Shopping Assembled Dimensions The assembled dimensions are the pergola’s measurements that will take up space, not just the area that provides shade or coverage. For example, the rafters of the roof of the pergola usually protrude a bit so it’s important to take these dimensions into account when measuring your space. “You want to ensure the pergola will fit well within your intended space and you should consider its height, width, and length to accommodate your specific requirements,” says Cosby. “You also want to make sure that you’ll have sufficient space to move throughout and around the pergola and that it doesn’t block important sightlines in your space.” Coverage Area The coverage area, on the other hand, indicates the amount of shade or protection that the pergola provides, For Irwin, this area should align with the intended use and desired level of shade, whereas Cosby recommends considering the design of the shade since this can change the amount of shade. Materials Irwin says that a pergola’s materials impact its durability, maintenance needs, and overall aesthetic, so choosing materials suitable for the environment and your personal preferences is essential. Choosing materials should also be factored into your budget since some materials, like aluminum, are more expensive than others, like vinyl. “Traditional wood pergolas offer a classic and natural aesthetic, while vinyl pergolas require minimal maintenance and are resistant to rot and pests,” says Irwin. “Aluminum and steel pergolas offer strength and durability, often with sleek and modern designs. Each type has its own advantages in terms of aesthetics, maintenance requirements, and longevity, so considering personal preferences and the specific environment where the pergola will be installed is important when choosing the type.” When thinking about the best pergola for your outdoor space, you’ll also want to consider your area’s climate as different materials may be more suitable for specific types of weather. “Direct sunlight and moisture can have a weathering effect on your pergola,” says Cosby. “If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, be sure to check with the local building codes, as pergolas may have specific material and building details to ensure they can withstand extreme wind events.” Features Many pergolas come with additional features like adjustable roof panels, built-in lighting, integrated furniture or shelving, and privacy walls. Irwin says this can enhance the functionality and enjoyment of the pergola so considering them before purchasing can be helpful. Cosby says, however, that while extra features can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your pergola, “they can add on to the budget, sometimes significantly,” he says. Your Questions, Answered How long do pergolas last? Both Cosby and Irwin explain that the lifespan of a pergola can vary depending on factors such as materials, climate conditions, and maintenance. “Generally, well-built and well-maintained pergolas can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years or more,” says Irwin. “Choosing durable materials like cedar, vinyl, or aluminum and regularly maintaining the pergola can significantly extend its lifespan.” When choosing wood pergolas, however, Cosby says to keep in mind that these might require more maintenance, such as regular sealing and staining, to prolong their lifespan and protect them from weathering and decay. What is the strongest pergola? According to Irwin, steel pergolas are generally considered to be the strongest due to the inherent strength of steel as a construction material. “It's worth noting, however, that the strength of a pergola also depends on the design, construction, and additional support structures implemented,” he says. How much do pergolas cost? The cost of a pergola can vary significantly based on factors like size, materials, design complexity, and any additional features or customization. You can easily find simple pergolas for under $600, but on average, Cosby says you should expect a range of $1,000 to $2,500. If you’re going down a more custom route, pergolas can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $20,000. “If you plan on having a professional install your pergola kit, you should also keep in mind costs for footings and assembly that can range from $500 to $6,000 in addition to the cost of the unit,” he says. Who We Are L. Daniela Alvarez is a contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens with three years of experience specifically writing lifestyle content and product reviews for a variety of publications. For this article, she spent several hours researching the best pergolas and reading customer reviews. She also consulted Coleman Cosby, project Manager and construction expert at Yardzen, and Jamie Irwin, editor and landscape designer at Windproof Gazebos. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit