Best Metal Pergola Kits! 4 Stunning Aluminum and Steel Pergola Kits Reviewed

Best Metal Pergola Kits

Metal Pergolas are fascinating outdoor structures. These simple, modern architectural features are great for those looking to add some excitement to their back yard design. After a great deal of time spent examining the best aluminum pergola kits and the best steel pergola kits, we have determined that the top choice is the Bosemere Rawlinson Latina Aluminum Pergola Kit [Amazon Link] [Wayfair Link]. These 10′ x 10′ DIY pergola kits have a very strong modern design, a shower-proof retractable cover, and a handsome gunmetal gray painted frame.

Last update on 2024-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Latina is the most expensive pergola kit on our list, and assembly is a bit of a pain compared to some of the others. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on your pergola kit, the others on this list may be a better choice for you, but if you want the best of the best, the Latina pergola kit is for you. The Latina is covered under a one year warranty, which is a great extra.

For a complete review of this pergola, please see our Product Reviews section below.

Runner Up: Best Aluminum Pergola Kits

Priced significantly lower than the Rawlinson Latina pergola, but with only a slight drop off in feature set, the Sunjoy Naples 10′ x 8′ [Amazon Link] [Wayfair Link] steel and aluminum pergola kit is a fantastic choice for those who don’t want to spend a fortune, but want a nice metal pergola. The Sunjoy Naples is a bit smaller, at 10′ x 8′, but is still large enough to fit most patio tables, outdoor sectional sofas, and hot tubs under its rafters.

The Sunjoy includes a retractable canvas cover (available in two color choices), which does a great job of protecting those underneath from sun, but not from water. It should be removed in winter.

Assembly is relatively simple, and the powder-coated aluminum posts should keep the Naples pergola rust free for years to come.

For a complete review of this pergola, please see our Product Reviews section below.

Last update on 2024-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Metal Pergola Kit Reviews

Here we look in depth at four different metal pergola kits, some aluminum, some steel, and others a mix of aluminum and steel. We cover the pros and cons of each and examine the most important features and distinguishing aspects. We’ll start with a comparison table, and then move on to in-depth reviews of each metal pergola.

Last update on 2024-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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1. Bosmere Rowlinson Latina Free-Standing Aluminum Pergola with Retractable Fabric [Amazon Link] [Wayfair Link]

Outdoor living won’t be the same once you have the Latina Free-Standing Aluminum Pergola by Bosemere Rowlinson. This beautiful, modern 10′ x 10′ aluminum pergola kit is stunning, surprisingly functional, and of excellent quality.

The Latina pergola kit painted a gunmetal gray, includes a retractable sun canopy comes in an attractive taupe, made of showerproof polyester fabric.

Dimensions and Measurements

• Length: 9′ 10″
• Width: 9′ 10″
• Height: 7’8″
• Weight: 87bs

Assembly and Installation

Assembly of the Latina free standing pergola kit is a bit of a bear, and the instructions are not the best. You’ll need multiple people, a good drill, level, and you may need as many as two ladders to keep everything flowing. Be sure to not over-tighten any screws, as you can damage the material if you over tighten.

Also, you probably don’t want to assemble this on a windy day. It will take an afternoon for two people to get this metal pergola kit up.

Installation onto Lawn Area

This kit includes tent stakes to install the pergola onto a lawn or garden area. However, unless you’re in a very calm area, should you decide to install it in the grass, we encourage you to put in the time and effort to pour some footings of concrete, and to anchor the pergola to the concrete.

Installation onto Patio or Deck

If you wish to install this into a patio or deck, we suggest bolting the Latina pergola down with zinc lag bolts. You may want to put some clear silicone caulk around the bolts to help protect those areas from water damage and rust.

The Details

The Bosmere Rowlinson Latina pergola hits all of the right notes and makes a beautiful design look effortless. With a sizable area, graceful finishes, and a simple, modern style, this pergola is the top of the line! However, it has a top of the line price tag as well.

Built from aluminum, and powder coated gunmetal gray for lasting durability, the Latina free standing pergola includes tent stakes to fasten it to a garden or yard, but we encourage users to bolt the pergola to the deck or patio using zinc lag bolts for added security and strength.

The canvas is a soft taupe color and is made of a thick polyester fabric. The fabric does a great job of protecting against the sun’s rays, but it also protects against rain, as well. This fabric is a shower fabric and stops the rain from ruining your backyard dinner party.

When the rain stops, you can retract the canvas and soak in the moonlight.

Cleaning and Care

The frame is made of powder-coated aluminum, and should not rust. However, it is always wise to keep an eye on the finish and to touch up any areas where the finish is wearing thin.

The canvas is very well made and is a big selling point of this aluminum pergola kit. It should be retracted when not in use and should be removed entirely for winter, or if there is nasty weather in the forecast.

The Bottom Line: A Beautiful Modern Metal Pergola Kit

The Bosemere Rowlinson Latina pergola is a great pergola kit at a premium price. The quality is high here, though we should note that some buyers have complained about the bolts corroding fairly quickly.

Rowlinson Garden Products has been in the patio and garden business since 1926. They offer a one-year limited warranty on these pergola DIY kits, which is a nice additional incentive.

Overall, this is a very nice pergola once it is assembled. It is among the most modern on this list in terms of its styling, and it has a very elegant air to it. The gunmetal gray finish is a nice choice, and the taupe shower-proof curtain is a well thought out extra. For those willing to put in the time to get it assembled, and who are willing to shell out the coin, the Rowlinson Latina aluminum pergola kit is the best metal pergola kit available.

Be sure to check the price on Wayfair before purchase!

Last update on 2024-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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2. Sunjoy 10′ x 8′ Naples Pergola [Amazon Link] [Wayfair Link]

Whether you want a protective shade over your outdoor dining table, or need a cap over your patio sectional area, the Sunjoy 10′ x 8′ Naples Pergola kit will excel. Featuring two retractable canvas color options (shown here in gray) and a beautiful, simple black metal frame, this steel and aluminum pergola kit is guaranteed to look amazing in your backyard or patio space.

Capable of handling most medium sized dining tables, patio furniture sets, and hot tubs, this pergola is a great size and offers a modern flair that will cap off your patio or garden space.

Dimensions and Measurements

• Length: 144″
• Width: 120″
• Height: 96″
• Weight: 50bs
• Post Dimensions: 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″

Assembly and Installation

Assembly of the Sunjoy Naples Steel pergola is not particularly difficult, involving 2-4 hours for two people. No specialized tools are required other than a level, a screw gun, and a few good batteries.

Sunjoy includes tent style stakes to install this pergola into a lawn or garden area and does not include bolts to tie the pergola to a deck or patio space.

If you want to attach it to a deck, you’ll need lag bolts to secure it. For a concrete patio, you’ll want a masonry drill bit and lag bolts.

The Details

The Naples pergola kit by Sunjoy is a wonderful product. With a dark brown, almost black frame, and two canopy colors to choose from, the design is striking, warm, and modern.

Featuring modern details, but enough finishes to not feel too stark, the details on the Sunjoy Naples pergola are just right. Some cap moldings and assorted other pieces make the pergola feel nicely finished, but not over the top.

The main legs on this prefab pergola are made of aluminum, but the slats and rafters are made of steel.

The canvas shade is made of fairly thick, surprisingly high-quality fabric. The shade is held closed with magnetic clasps in the center. Each side will slide open to reveal the sun or stars above. There are ties on each end to keep the fabric from spreading back out, and you should be sure to keep the fabric in the open position when not in use or remove the canvas entirely.

Cleaning and Care

To prevent rust, you may want to paint this pergola with an outdoor Rustoleum enamel paint for added protection. For the most part, the Sunjoy Naples should be resistant to rust, but the extra precaution is wise.

Should you start to see bits of the underlying metals come through, be sure to hit those spots with paint, as they will lead to rust if not properly treated.

The canvas should be removed when the winter comes, as it can get damaged by snow and ice. It is retractable and can be tied in the open position when not in use. This will keep the canvas in good shape for years to come.

The Bottom Line: Gorgeous Metal Pergola with Canopy

Sunjoy Naples pergola kits are among of our favorite steel and aluminum pergola kits and are surprisingly inexpensive pergola kits. It is very well made, and the designers thought of most of the use cases and came up with good solutions. Assembly is not particularly difficult, and if you are going to be installing it onto a deck or patio, be sure you securely bolt the pergola down.

If the 10′ x 8′ dimensions work for your patio or lawn space, the Sunjoy Naples is an excellent choice! It will look beautiful, and function well, for years to come.

Be sure to check the price at Wayfair before you buy!

Last update on 2024-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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3. Coolaroo Constantine Pergola 9ft x 9ft [Amazon Link] [Wayfair Link]

The Coolaroo Constantine line of Aluminum Pergola Kits is an excellent modern metal pergola line. These pergolas span 9′ x 9′ in area, and come with a retractable canvas cover. The cover is available in three color options (shown here in Smoke).

This aluminum pergola kit, painted in a lovely in a mocha brown tone, is a great choice for those looking for a modern shade structure that is both powerful and graceful.

Dimensions and Measurements

• Length: 108″
• Width: 108″
• Height: 86″
• Interior Canopy Area: 78″ x 100″
• Weight: 57lbs
• Post Dimensions: 3.5″ x 3.5″

Assembly and Installation

This pergola kit goes together pretty easily, and no special tools are required to get it assembled and installed. Typically the tools in a regular toolbox will suffice: a good quality screw gun with a few extra batteries, and a level are the most important items.

Assembly usually takes about 2-4 hours for two people who are familiar with assembling furniture and the like. If you would like to get a sense for the difficulty, you can view the assembly instructions here.

Installation into Grass

Coolaroo includes pegs to install the pergola into a lawn, but the pegs may not be adequate if your area gets a lot of wind. You may want to pick larger fasteners for the grass installation, or pour concrete footings in the area you plan to keep your pergola, and then fasten the pergola legs to the concrete.

Installation into Concrete or Wood

You can use lag bolts or screws to connect the Constantine pergola to the ground. Screws for deck/patio mount are not included.

Beware that the aluminum frame is surprisingly light, and should be properly attached.

The Details

The Constantine aluminum pergola kit is a sturdy, imposing yet inviting pergola painted a dark mocha, made of lightweight but strong aluminum. It offers a sophisticated look, with the dark metal offset by soft fabric.

The amount of space under the canopy of the Constantine line of aluminum pergola kits is sizable, at 9′ x 9′. Most patio furniture sets will fit in this space, though larger sectional sofas and the like may not fit. This works very well around most hot tubs, as well.

The included retractable shade is UV protected against fading and provides 90% UV blocking. The shade performs quite admirably at cooling those underneath its protection: Coolaroo suggests the temperature difference can be up to 32′ for those underneath the Constantine pergola. The shade does not protect against rain.

When the sun goes down, you can retract the canopy (it only retracts in one direction) and stargaze through the pergola rafters. In the wind, the canopy can blow around a bit, so you may want to find a bungee cord or other mechanism to tie it down if the wind is howling.

Some have found the post anchors a bit too weak to hold the pergola down in a very windy environment. If your yard is particularly breezy, you may want to consider enlarging the holes in the base brackets with a drill and purchasing larger bolts to secure the pergola more solidly into the underlying concrete.

If you are in an area that gets snow, you need to remove or completely retract the canopy before the snow comes. The retractable canopy cannot hold the weight of snow, and will rip, and may even bend the aluminum too. Best to take it down for winter time!

Cleaning and Care

The Constantine line of aluminum pergola kits is quite simple to clean. It is powder coated aluminum, and should just need to be hosed down with water every so often to get dust, pollen, and dirt off. An occasional scrub down with a sponge and a mild detergent is wise, as is an occasional inspection for wear on the powder coat finish.

If you see the metal starting to peak through, you should touch up that area with paint, or paint the whole pergola. Raw metal can rust over time, so be wary.

The Bottom Line

The Coolaroo Constantine line of aluminum pergola kits [Amazon Link] [Wayfair Link] are a great product at a great price. Assembly is pretty simple, though we definitely encourage you to use better tie downs than the tent stakes that come with the unit. Some people have reported missing parts and shipping damage to the pieces. If you run into either of these issues, be sure to contact your vendor immediately for remedy.

Overall, these outdoor pergolas are lovely and will make a statement in your backyard or patio area. The Constantine works well and will be rewarding for years to come. Coolaroo includes a 5-year warranty on the fabric against UV degradation, which is a nice plus. The warranty does not cover rips, tears, and other misuse, and as we said, be sure you remove the canopy in the winter.

Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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4. Belham Steel Pergola Gazebo with Retractable Canopy Shades

The Belham Steel Pergola is another interesting choice among steel pergola kits. It features a 12′ x 10′ footprint, and a clever retracting canopy design. This pergola is made of steel and is of good quality, however, the manufacturer says it cannot be permanently attached to a patio or deck.

Large enough to fit a sizable outdoor dining table and chairs, or a full patio sofa set, the size is the big selling point of the Belham Steel Pergola.

If you have a large table, this is a great option for a pergola.

Dimensions and Measurements

• Length: 144″
• Width: 120″
• Height: 96″
• Weight: 50bs
• Post Dimensions: 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″

Assembly and Installation

Assembly of the Belham Steel Pergola is not difficult. It can be done in 3-5 hours with two to three people, a good cordless drill, and a level.

This pergola is not designed to be mounted permanently to a patio or deck surface. In lieu of using lag bolts, take a look at the EZ-Up Delux Patio Furniture Weights from our Patio Furniture Weighting guide to hold down this pergola.

For lawn and garden installation, tent-style stakes are provided. These are not ideal in areas of heavy winds, and we suggest trying the EZ-Up Weights instead.

The Details

The Belham steel black pergola kit is a simple design, with a fairly large footprint. With a 12′ x 10′ size, it is capable of handling most large patio sets, hot tubs, and most outdoor sectional sofas, depending on the configuration.  The posts are a deep brownish black, and the canvas is set off in a simple off-white ivory.

This pergola strikes a modern pose, but the look isn’t ideal for us. The ratio of post dimension to overall pergola dimension seems a bit off. We really wish they had used 3 1/2″ posts rather than the 2 3/4″ posts, as the whole frame looks a little bit wimpy, given the overall size of the pergola kit.

The canvas is made of polyester and retracts easily when not needed. The side canopies retract all the way up to the top, which is a nice feature. When you want to open the top, it retracts completely to the side. Velcro is used to secure the canvas to the frame.

The canopy should be removed completely from the unit when not in use, as inclement weather can damage it, and perhaps even the pergola when the canopy is attached. Take it off and put it in a deck box when not needed.

Cleaning and Care

There is little maintenance for these steel pergola kits. The frame should be washed down with water every so often, and dirt, grime, and mildew can be wiped off with a sponge and a bit of mild detergent.

Keep an eye out for rust on the frame. If the powder coat finish starts to wear, you will need to paint the spots, or paint the whole frame, in order to properly protect it from the elements.

The most important bit of care is to remove the canvas when not in use. The manufacturer does not supply a replacement canvas, so if it fails, you’ll need to get a new one custom made. So be gentle with the canvas, and be sure to take it down when not in use.

The Bottom Line

The Belham Living Steel Pergola is a great pergola kit and will look fantastic in your yard. The fact that the manufacturer says the outdoor pergola cannot be tied down on concrete or wood is a disappointment and seems to be a significant oversight. Perhaps redesigning the system so that it can be properly tied down, and also redesigning the posts so that they are a little wider would help.

Finally, many buyers have had issues with the canvas stitching being poorly designed. With no replacement cover available, you need to be careful with the canvas and treat it gently.

Overall, we love the size and the canvas system but feel there are better pergolas on this list for most people.

Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Metal Pergola Kit Buyer’s Guide

If you want to buy a pergola online, be sure to have all the required information before you click that button! This buyer’s guide will help give you some context as to what you’ll need to know to find the right pergola kit for your needs.

Materials

Pergolas come in three main classes of materials. Here we briefly discuss the three, and the pros and cons of each.

Metal

Aluminum and Steel are common materials for pergola kits. These pergolas are lightweight, beautiful, generally low cost, and often the modern looking of pergola materials. Metal is long lasting outdoors, especially when it is powder coated for protection. However, it may need to be painted from time to time, if the powder coat begins to wear. Rust can form on those wear spots, and cause headaches in the future.

Aluminum is largely rust-free and is a great choice for pergola kits. Steel is a bit heavier but may rust over time. Regardless, we suggest spraying with Rustoleum outdoor enamel paint if you start to see wear in your pergola’s finish.

Vinyl (PVC)

Durability is the primary feature of vinyl and is the driving force behind many of the vinyl pergola kits for sale today. Used for many years in vinyl fencing as trim on homes, this rugged material is one of the most durable outdoor materials available. PVC can handle hot sun, snow, rain, and ice, without cracking, yellowing, rotting, splitting, or warping. Vinyl does not need to be painted or maintained and will last indefinitely.

Wood

Wood pergolas are the originals! There are several common kinds of wood used in pergola construction. The most common is cedar, with redwood, fir, and pine also frequent choices. Wood is the original pergola material and can achieve a classic, timeless look that is impossible for vinyl or metal pergola kits to achieve.

However, depending on the style you’re looking for, maintaining that classic look can take a lot of work. Painting or staining a pergola requires a ladder and a good painter, as there are lots of joints and small spots that need attention. Staining should be done frequently if the pergola is subject to the sun’s rays

When left to weather, untreated, wood can look spectacular, but many people don’t like the weathered wood look. If you plan to paint your pergola white, it may make the most sense to stick with vinyl, as once it is done, you’ll not need to worry about it again.

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Prefab Pergola Sizing

Most free standing pergola kits come in sizes from 8′ – 12′, in rectangular or square shapes. The smaller pergolas, 8′ x 8′ or thereabouts, can be a bit tight for a medium sized table and chairs to fit under, and some larger outdoor sectionals will spill out from a small pergola.

Design-wise, you generally want to make sure that the pergola enclosure will fit your furniture and guests entirely.

You also need to be wary that some of the pergola manufacturers give interior sizing measurements, while others give outside measurements. We have tried to clarify the exact measurements when possible.

It’s the inside dimensions that counts the most. Check to make sure your patio set, dining table, outdoor sectional, will fit under the pergola you are considering, and make sure the head height is appropriate for your needs. You don’t want to get an ill-fitting pergola, and find out that your hot tub is 3″ bigger than the pergola! It will look awkward.

Plan out your pergola by putting stakes in the ground at the appropriate intervals (or use chalk on a concrete patio) and you can be sure you have the right fit.

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Assembly and Installation

Most steel and aluminum pergola kits on the market today can be assembled in less than a day by two individuals. Depending on how the pergola is mounted, it can go up pretty quickly by those experienced in assembling furniture, etc. The work is generally pretty easy, and likely requires a ladder or two, a good power drill, and a level.

Installation

Metal pergola kits generally only come with tent stakes for mounting into a lawn. These stakes are not particularly secure, and we generally suggest getting a better mounting system if you plan on keeping your pergola in one place for the long term!

We have broken the installation down into two separate categories, installing onto a lawn, and installing onto a patio or deck.

Installation on a Deck or Concrete Patio

If you intend to install onto a wooden or composite deck, or onto a concrete patio, you’ll need to check the guidelines from your manufacturer on how to do this. Most manufacturers suggest using lag bolts, drilled into the concrete or wood, to hold the pergola down. You may need a masonry drill bit if you’re drilling into concrete (or a hammer drill), and you’ll want to use zinc lag bolts. Cover the bolts with a layer of clear silicone caulk to ensure water can’t penetrate the bolts.

Some manufacturers discourage this method of attaching a pergola to a deck or patio and suggest users purchase pergola weights, such as the Premier Tends Patio Furniture Weight Bags.

Installation onto a Yard or Garden Area

If you want to install a metal pergola onto a lawn, most products include tent stakes to attach the pergola. The manufacturers suggest closing any canopies on windy days, so as to prevent the whole pergola from sailing away.

This system is not ideal, especially if you are in a windy area. If you are, we would suggest using weight bags like the Premier Tents Weight Bags above, or for a more permanent solution, pour concrete footings in the appropriate locations, and attach the pergola to the concrete with lag bolts. This will be much much stronger than weight bags or tent stakes.

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