Cedar Pergola Kits. Redwood Pergola Kits.

Best Cedar Pergola Kits

Wooden pergolas are breathtaking in the right environment. These simple, lofty structures can cap an outdoor living space in a magical way, creating an incredibly inviting, semi-sheltered environment underneath their canopy. After much time spent examining several wooden pergolas for sale on the market, we have determined that the Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola Kits are the best wooden pergolas. These pergolas have classic, simple lines, come pre-stained, and have a sensible mounting system that goes together pretty quickly.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Available in two sizes (12′ x 10′ and 10′ x 10′), these cedar pergola kits will work in a variety of settings, and will be a great feature for your outdoor living space!

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

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Runner Up Best Cedar Pergola Kits

Coming in a close second to the Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola Kit is the Suncast PA1012 pergola kit. This setup is an excellent choice as well and features a clever base post bracket that allows it to be easily installed into most environments.

The Suncast Pergola Kit comes in only one size (10′ x 10′, and comes unstained. There is a bit more ornamentation on this pergola than on some of the others on the list, and while it still would fit nicely in a modern setting, it may blend a little better than the Backyard Discovery pergola into a traditional garden space.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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

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Wooden Pergola Kits Product Reviews

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1. Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola

If your style leans classic modern, and you’re looking for a new outdoor room, the Backyard Discovery line of cedar pergola kits may be for you!

These pre-stained wooden pergola kits are beautiful and contemporary, with little of the ornamental work that often shows up on mass market pergolas.

Available in two sizes, the Backyard Discover Cedar Pergola kit can be purchased in both a 12′ x 10′ configuration and in a 10′ x 10′ configuration for those who have smaller spaces.

Dimensions and Weight

Backyard Discovery has included a diagram showing the dimensions of the pergola, but we have included the basic dimensions and information as well.

• Inside Length: 7′
• Arbor Top Length: 10′
• Inside Width: 9′
• Arbor Top Width: 12′
• Height: 7′ 8″
• Post Thickness: 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
• Weight: 383 lbs

The area that Backyard Discovery is counting as 10′ x 12′ is the top rafters and straps. The larger version of their pergola is really more like 7′ x 9′, based on the post locations. The smaller kit is 7′ x 7′. Be sure to use the inside dimension when estimating the size of pergola you’ll need to surround your furniture, hot tub, or whatever you are putting under the pergola’s canopy.

Assembly and Installation

Assembly is not terribly difficult, but it is not Ikea either! The instructions are well made, and the mounting hardware is all robust and of good quality. Getting these cedar pergola kits assembled takes approximately a day for two people. Ideally, the wood should be treated with a clear coat of poly, Thompson’s Water Seal, etc., prior to assembly.

Building this pergola will require some actual construction-style work. Everything is pre-drilled or at least started so you can see where the screws need to go.

The list of tools required are as follows:

• 24″ level
• Square
• Tape Measure
• Philips Screw Driver
• Cordless Drill w/ Philips Head Tip
• Rubber Mallet
• Clawhammer
• 3/16″ concrete drill bit

Installation onto Lawn

In order to protect against rot, termites, etc., the posts should be placed on concrete footings, at least 4′ deep if the ground freezes in your area. The holes should be dug down four feet. Sona tubes should then be placed in the holes, and concrete poured in. The mounting bracket can be sunk into the concrete as it hardens, or drilled in later.

Installation onto a Patio or Deck

The brackets to mount the cedar posts to concrete is included. To install, you need to drill with a 3/16″ masonry drill bit into the concrete. Tapcon screws are then installed to secure the posts to the flooring material. Ideally, clear silicone should be placed on the screws to prevent any rust from getting into the bolts.

Installation onto Paver Blocks

You should plan on taking up pavers around where you intend to put your pergola and sinking concrete footings in the ground where the pergola will be located. You can keep the level of the concrete slightly below that of the pavers, and then once the pergola is installed, you can re-install the pavers around for a flush look.

This pergola should not be installed solely into paver blocks.

The brackets needed to install the posts to concrete, as well as the screws, are included in the package.

The Details

The lines on these cedar pergola kits are beautiful, and they will blend into most modern or transitional backyard patio spaces. The finishes are streamlined but not austere, and the design will put a great cap on your outdoor living space!

The Backyards Discovery pergola is not strong enough to support a swing, though hanging plants, vines, and the like are fine. Wisteria and grape vines look spectacular with a cedar pergola. Vines take a while to grow, however, and in the meantime, you may want to pick up a canvas polycarbonate screen or cloth and attach it to the top of the pergola for shade.

Delivery is curbside, and the wooden pergola kit arrives in two large, heavy boxes. You’ll need two people to move them (hopefully the driver will be one).

The posts are hollow, seemingly made up of a 4″ x 4″ pressure treated post, wrapped with cedar. The interior of the bottom 4″ of the post is not filled with any material. However, the posts are quite sturdy, though, and many report not having to bolt down their pergola at all, because it’s so stable (note: we don’t recommend this, at least not long term!)

Cleaning and Care

The Backyard Discovery Pergola Kit comes pre-stained with a water-based stain and is finished in a beautiful natural cedar tone. You can choose to maintain this in a variety of ways.

• Clear coat with polyurethane. This should be done every year, in order to keep the wood fresh
• Coat with Teak Oil. This should be done
• Refresh with Linseed Oil or similar. This should be done periodically when the finish is starting to wear.
• Seal with a Thompson’s Water Seal or similar product

With stained wood comes maintenance, so be prepared to periodically refresh the stain in order to keep the pergola looking its best.

The Bottom Line

The Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola Kit is a really good choice for a wooden pergola kit. By getting some vines to grow along the pergola, you will instantly be transported to a vineyard in the Mediterranean, no matter where you are!

Keeping the stain up requires some effort, as does assembly, but the Backyard Discovery cedar pergola should last for many years if properly maintained. This pergola is covered by a 1-year warranty against defects in the parts, and a 5-year warranty against rot and decay in the wood.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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2. Suncast PA1012 Wood Pergola

The handsome plinths of the posts on the Suncast PA Cedar Pergola Kits are an attractive feature, noticed immediately. The post bases give the pergola a pleasant grounding and blend nicely with the lofty rafters of this cedar pergola.

Dimensions and Weight

• Inside Length: 10’6″
• Arbor Top Length: 12′
• Inside Width: 8’7″
• Arbor Top Width: 10′
• Ceiling Height: 7′
• Post Thickness: Varies
• Weight: 346 lbs

Assembly and Installation

Assembly of the Suncast PA1012 Wood Pergola is not terribly difficult but isn’t easy either. The instructions are ok but could be better. You can take a look at the instructions here to see what is involved in the assembly of this pergola.

Assembly takes about 6 hours for two people. No cutting is required as part of the assembly of the pergola, and the holes are (for the most part) drilled in the appropriate places.

The tool list typically needed to install this pergola is as follows:

• 24″ level
• Square
• Tape Measure
• Philips Screw Driver
• Cordless Drill w/ Philips Head Tip
• Rubber Mallet
• Clawhammer
• 3/16″ concrete drill bit

Installation onto Lawn

To install this pergola in a lawn or garden area, you will need to pour concrete footings, at least 4′ deep if the ground freezes in your area. The footing holes should be dug down four feet. Sona tubes should then be placed in the holes, and the concrete poured into the tubes. Inside the bases of the pergola is a hidden metal bracket that gets screwed down into the concrete footing, and the wood frame covers the metal bracket. The pergola posts are then attached to the wooden base blocks.

Installation onto a Patio or Deck

To install onto a deck or concrete pad, you’ll need to drill into the surface and install the included metal mounting brackets. The pergola base covers the brackets, and then the posts go up and you’re good to go.

Installation onto Paver Blocks

The Suncast pergola should not be installed solely onto paver blocks. They are not stable enough to hold the pergola in windy conditions.

Pull up the paver blocks around where you intend to put your pergola. Dig concrete footings into the ground where the pergola will be located. These footing holes will need to be 4′ deep if the ground freezes where you are. Plan to keep the top of the footing slightly below that of the surrounding pavers, and then once the pergola is installed, you can re-install the pavers for a flush look.

The Details

The Suncast PA1012 kit has a few interesting visual features, from fluted trim boards on the edges to arches in the middle of the rafters to provide a few extra inches of height and some visual interest. It is modern but has a bit more trim work than some of the other pergolas on this list. It would fit in a variety of different backyard areas, from modern to transitional to traditional garden spaces.

The Suncast cedar pergola kit comes unstained, and you can treat it in any way you choose. You could let it weather and blend naturally into the environment, or you can stain it and put a coat of something like Thompson’s Water Seal on it to protect it from the elements.

If you choose to stain the pergola, it will look lovely. For simplicity, you should apply the stain before putting it together. Also, keep in mind it will need to be re-sealed periodically in order to keep the finish looking fresh.

The height is a little bit low for a swing, and Suncast does not advise attaching a swing to the rafters, so it is best to not hang anything weighty from the pergola. Plants and the like should be fine, but if you want a swing, it may be best to look elsewhere.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To clean the pergola, just hose it down with water, and scrub any dirt and grime away with a brush and a mild detergent. The material is essentially the same as that of cedar fencing, so no major work is required.

Many like to leave cedar untreated, and just let it weather. We think this is beautiful, but we also appreciate a nice stain as well!

The Bottom Line

The Suncast Cedar Pergola kit is a great choice for any garden or backyard space. The interesting mild arch design on the top rafters provides visual interest and contrasts well with the weighty feel of the post bases. This pergola kit is made in the USA and includes all the hardware needed to mount it to your patio or lawn space (except the concrete!).

It is a very nice kit, looks attractive, and will be a great addition to your garden landscape. It is large enough for most furniture setups but does not feel overbearing.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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3. Garden Craft LLC 10 x 12-Feet Redwood Garden Pergola, 10×12-Feet

The redwood materials on the Garden Craft pergola are stunning. The grain sways and swoops around, and is much more dynamic than many other kinds of wood available.

The Garden Craft wooden pergola kit is available in a 10′ x 12′ configuration, and it is not encrusted in excess detail. The lines are clean and modern, and this pergola will fit in any decor!

Dimensions and Weight

• Inside Length: 8′
• Arbor Top Length: 10′
• Inside Width: 10′
• Arbor Top Width: 12′
• Height: 7′ 7″
• Post Thickness: 4″ x 4″
• Weight: 200 lbs

Assembly and Installation

Assembly of the Garden Craft Redwood Pergola takes some time, perhaps a full day for two people.

The tool list typically needed to install this pergola is as follows:

• 24″ level
• Square
• Tape Measure
• Philips Screw Driver
• Cordless Drill w/ Philips Head Tip
• Rubber Mallet
• Clawhammer
• 3/16″ concrete drill bit

Installation onto Lawn

In order to protect against rot, etc., the posts should be placed on concrete footings, at least 4′ deep if the ground freezes in your area. The holes should be dug down four feet. Sona tubes should then be placed in the holes, and concrete poured in. A 4″ x 4″ metal post base should then be inserted into the concrete, or attached to the concrete if it is solid. The pergola posts are then attached to the post base.

These bases are available at any local home improvement warehouse.

Installation onto a Patio or Deck

To install, you’ll need a 4″ x 4″ metal post base, to be attached to the concrete or wood deck. The redwood posts are then installed from there.

Installation onto Paver Blocks

You’ll need to pull up the pavers around where you intend to put your pergola. Dig concrete footings into the ground where the pergola will be located. Plan to keep the top of the footing slightly below that of the pavers, and then once the pergola is installed, you can re-install the pavers around for a flush look.

The Garden Craft pergola should not be installed solely into paver blocks.

The Details

The redwood of this pergola is the star, with beautiful shading and an eye-catching look. It is sustainably harvested, and 100%FSC certified. Redwood is naturally bug resistant and does not need to be further treated unless you want a different look.

We should note that some of the wood appears to be of varying quality (for example, the posts appear to be lower grade wood than the rafters). The rafters are 2″ x 6″ and the posts are 4″ x 4″.

We wish the posts were larger than the 4″ x 4″ posts shipped. The small posts make the whole unit look a little bit wimpy. Larger posts would certainly make the pergola feel much more substantial.

Cleaning and Care

You can choose to treat the GardenCraft wooden pergola kit, or not. It can be left in its natural state, and it will weather beautifully over the years. Alternately, it can be stained (a redwood stain would make sense!) and coated with a sealer like Thompson’s Water Seal.

Should you choose to stain and seal the pergola, you should be aware that you will need to re-treat it periodically, for the life of the pergola.

If you leave it untreated, you won’t need to refinish it.

The Bottom Line

The GardenCraft Redwood Pergola Kit is made in the USA of sustainably harvested lumber, and when assembled, is quite beautiful. Examine the sizing closely, as the dimensions are of the top rafters, not of the posts. You can choose to stain this or let it weather naturally, and it will look beautiful for years to come.

Be sure the Garden Craft’s pergola dimensions work for your needs, and after a little time getting it assembled, you will love your new outdoor room.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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4. Timber Frame 10’X14′ Full-Size Pergola Kit

The My Pergola Kit Timber Frame pergola kit is a very solid douglas fir wooden pergola kit. It has a large 10′ x 14′ footprint and is stained a deep cordoba shade.

With its # 1-grade rough-sawn wood timbers, thick posts, and dark stain, this pergola kit will contrast strikingly with a lush garden or patio space.

This is a commercial grade pergola kit, and a forklift is required if the pergola is to be delivered on site. If you don’t have access to a forklift, you can pick it up on a flatbed trailer at the shipping terminal.

Dimensions and Weight

• Length: 10′
• Width: 14′
• Height: 10′ (to top of rafters)
• Post Thickness: 6″ x 6″

Assembly and Installation

As mentioned above, getting this on site is a bit of a bear. You’ll need a forklift on site if you want it delivered to your home. If that is not feasible, you’ll need to bring a flatbed trailer to the shipping terminal to pick up the unit, and then disassemble it to get it off the trailer. It is a very large, hefty pergola, and delivery is more complicated than any of the other pergolas on our list.

Assembly takes about a day for two people and is similar to the other units on this list in terms of the tasks required. Everything is pre-drilled, pre-notched, and pre-cut so you should just be able to assemble it all. All necessary hardware is included.

Installation onto Lawn

In order to give the pergola a proper base, the posts should be placed on concrete footings, at least 4′ deep if the ground freezes in your area. The holes should be dug down four feet. Sona tubes should then be placed in the holes, and concrete poured in. A 4″ x 4″ metal post base should then be inserted into the concrete, or attached to the concrete if it is solid. The pergola posts are then attached to the post base.

These bases are available at any local home improvement warehouse.

Installation onto a Patio or Deck

To install, you’ll need a 6″ x 6″ metal post base, to be attached to the concrete or wood deck. The posts are then installed onto the post base.

Installation onto Paver Blocks

This pergola cannot be installed onto paver blocks, so you’ll need to dig a concrete footing underneath the pavers. Dig concrete footings into the ground, at least four feet if you’re in an area where the ground freezes. Plan to keep the top of the footing slightly below that of the surrounding patio blocks, and then once the pergola is installed, you can re-install the pavers around for a flush look.

The Details

The My Pergola Kit wooden pergola kit is an impressive setup, at a very high price. The quality here is higher than the other pergolas on this list, but the price is significantly higher, and in our opinion is not justified.

All the joints are mortised, and that makes the frame a much more elegant one than those that use metal bolts, screws, nails, etc. The mortised joints are a great feature, but radically increase the price of the unit.

If you’re looking for a larger pergola structure, the My Pergola Kit 10′ x 14′ is nice, but for the same price, you could buy two of one of the other models, and attach them together for a significantly larger area again, at still a lower price than this model.

Our feeling is that the stain is a little dark as well, and makes the pergola feel imposing rather than welcoming. While pre-staining is a huge help, choosing such a dark stain seems like an odd decision.

Cleaning and Care

The My Pergola Kit timber frame pergola comes pre-stained with two layers of UV-protected stain and should be long-lasting and hardy against the weather. However, with all wood stains, you’ll need to take care of it probably on a yearly basis, by applying a new layer of something like Thompson’s Water Seal or similar, to keep it looking its best.

The Bottom Line

Timber framing is beautiful, and the mortised joints are a nice selling feature on the My Pergola Kit system. The kit is incredibly solid, made of high quality rough sawn douglas fir, and screams high quality. However, the price is high, and the delivery system is a bit of a hassle, so unless you absolutely love the look of this pergola, we would suggest you look elsewhere.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Wooden Pergola Kit Buyer’s Guide

Materials

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

Wood

Wood is the classic choice for pergolas and is the original, timeless material. There are several common kinds of wood used in pergola construction. The most common is cedar, with redwood, fir, and pine also frequently seen. For the classic look, stick with wood.

However, depending on the style of finish you like, the maintenance of wood can be significant. If you want to paint your pergola or stain it, you’ll need a ladder and a good painter, as there are lots of joints, nooks, and crannies that need attention. Staining should be done frequently if the pergola is subject to the sun’s rays for long periods of time. You may want to apply a sealer like Thompson’s Water Seal to protect the pergola once it’s stained.

If you don’t want to deal with the maintenance, you could consider leaving your pergola untreated and letting it weather. We are a fan of this look, and it is a good solution to allow the pergola to blend in naturally with the surroundings. But some may feel the weathered look feels drab, so it’s a taste issue.

Metal

Metal pergolas tend to be the least expensive option but may make sense if your tastes run ultra modern. Aluminum and Steel are the most common metals for pergola kits. Metal is long lasting outdoors, especially when it is powder coated for protection.

However, you’ll need to keep your eye on the metal to ensure that the powder coat isn’t wearing thin and causing the bare metal to rust.

Aluminum is largely rust-free and is a lower maintenance choice for pergola kits. Steel is a bit heavier but may rust over time. Regardless, we suggest spraying the metal with something like a Rustoleum outdoor enamel paint if you start to see any of the bare metal breaking through the powder coat.

Vinyl (PVC)

Vinyl kits are a great solution for those who love the look of a painted wooden pergola kit, but don’t want to deal with painting it! These PVC kits are extremely durable. Used for many years in vinyl fencing as trim on homes, PVC is one of the hardiest outdoor materials available. PVC can handle hot sun, snow, rain, and ice, without cracking, yellowing, rotting, splitting, or warping.

There is a shine to the finish that is fundamentally different than wood, though, and many people can see the difference between PVC and wood. If you care about authenticity and are willing to put up with the maintenance, it’s best to stick with wood.

If low maintenance is for you, perhaps PVC is the solution!

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Sizing Your Pergola

Different pergola companies measure their pergolas in different ways, which makes comparing sizes a bit confusing. We attempt to stick as closely as possible to the idea that the most important area of the pergola is the space between the posts, not the roof arbor area.

Some companies call their pergolas 12′ x 10′ but really the posts are 10′ x 8′ apart. This is fine, but if you’re measuring your spa to make sure it will fit in the enclosure, you need to make sure you have the right dimensions!

Design-wise, you generally want to make sure that the pergola enclosure will fit your furniture and guests entirely. You don’t want the furniture or patio set to spill out from underneath the pergola, so check the sizing to make sure it will all look appropriate.

Plan out your pergola on the ground using chalk marks on the patio where the posts will go. If you’re going to put it on a lawn, you can use stones or stakes. That way you can confirm that you have the right fit.

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Assembly and Installation

The wooden pergola kits on this list can largely be assembled in less than a day by two individuals. Depending on how the pergola is designed, these can go up pretty quickly by those experienced in assembling furniture, however, the quality of the instructions can vary greatly by manufacturer.

The work is generally pretty easy, and likely requires a ladder or two, a good power drill, and a level. No cutting should be required.

Installation

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

Should you intend to install your pergola onto a concrete pad, or onto a wooden or composite deck, 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, and most manufacturers include the brackets to make this connection.

Installation onto a Yard or Garden Area

All wooden pergola kits need to be installed onto concrete footings for security. These footings should be at least 4′ deep if you are in an area where the ground freezes. To create the footing, dig down 4′, and place a sono tube in the hole. Fill the tube with concrete, and sink your post base into the concrete when still somewhat soft. Alternately, you can screw it in once the concrete is hardened.

Attach the posts to the post base.

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