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One standout pergola withstood temperatures of -10F.
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Theyre not just sturdy, practical structures eithertheyll also add style to your backyard.
Check your local laws or homeowners association prior to purchase.
stability, and value during the evaluations.
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To learn more about how we tested pergolas, check outour testing processbelow.
The shade coverage was minimal.
The installation and build process was surprisingly straightforward thanks toclearly written instructions, predrilled holes, and heavy-duty hardware.
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But we felt that the instruction manual could have had more information on routine maintenance.
The pergola came pre-sanded and stained, so it looked refined right out of the box.
While it provides some shade, we found the pergola provided minimal coverage during our testing.
One other detail wed adjust is the rafter design.
Each one comes in several parts instead of one solid piece, which distracts from the otherwise beautiful aesthetics.
Our tester and one other adult set up the pergola together on a south-facingwood deck.
Some of the pre-made holes were partially filled up with paint and the provided screws didn’t fit well.
The canopy can be adjusted with a loop strap.
Its designed for durability, but the instructions say to remove it to store over the winter.
The pergola didnt sustain any damage from the extreme weather conditions, despite the dents from shipping.
There are no built-in hooks or attachment points for string lights or hanging plants.
Itsadjustable roofis made of two independent panels of well-designed louvres, which felt like overhead window blinds.
All parts wereclearly labeledupon arrival, andprotective tapeensured the slats werent scratched or dinged.
Vinyl is a less stable material than wood or aluminum, and it doesnt come with a canopy.
Thanks to its high-shine finish, theDura-Trel Kingston pergolais easy to wipe down and keep clean.
While this pergola providesa bit of shade, it doesnt have a canopy like thePurple Leaf retractable pergoladoes.
We found that it provided an inviting place foradirondack chairsduring our testing.
During our testing period, we didnt have to perform any maintenance on the pergola.
When it was exposed tohigh gusts, it wiggleda bitas expected with vinylbut remained standing.
But the yard anchors did their job and held it in place perfectly, erasing any safety concerns.
Our Testing Process
We spent three weeks testing five pergola kits.
We also noted the ease of assembly and clarity of instructions.
If a pergola had any adjustable louvers, integrated lighting, or retractable canopies, we used them regularly.
We checked for any signs of material degradation throughout the testing period, especially after inclement weather incidents.
We looked for wood for rot, splitting, warming, termite damage and fading.
Finally, we noted how the pergola enhanced the outdoor spaces aesthetics and functionality.
Besides overall fit, these dimensions will largely dictate the pergolas use.
Think of your pergola as an outdoor room, which shouldnt feel too cramped or difficult to move around.
After all, its functioning as an outdoor room, which makes it an extension of your home.
A pergolas material impacts its durability and maintenance needs.
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Plus, with help from a friend or family members, mostpergola kits can be assembled in hours.
How much do pergola kits cost?
you’re able to easily findsimple pergolasunder $500.
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Keep in mind common extra costs, such asoutdoor furniture,outdoor rugs, or lighting.
How long do pergolas last?
According to experts, a well-built and well-maintained pergola can last between 10 and 25 years.
This lifespan depends on several factors, including materials, maintenance, and climate conditions.
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
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