Best Pergola Material for Arizona: Assessing the Best Wood for Pergolas in Arizona

Arizona’s stunning landscapes are the perfect backdrop for enhancing your outdoor living space. From the serene canyons of Prescott to the cityscape of Phoenix, Arizonans have the unique privilege of enjoying nature’s beauty right in their own backyards. With extreme weather ranging from high temps and endless sunshine to wind and snow at the higher elevations, Arizona climate calls for a pergola known for its engineering and craftsmanship. 

Our pergola kits were originally made to survive the ever-changing conditions in Florida, much like you experience in Arizona. Extreme weather demands a solid structure. Our wood pergolas create a shaded retreat during heatwaves, and protection from winter weather in higher elevations like Flagstaff. 

Discover the Best Pergola Material for Arizona

At Pergola Depot, we offer a selection of expertly crafted outdoor pergola kits designed to add both style and comfort to your Arizona landscape. Whether you’re looking for a cozy nook in Phoenix or a sprawling outdoor haven in Scottsdale, our DIY pergola kits are the perfect solution. Made using the best pergola material for Arizona weather, our pergolas are built to last! Enjoy free shipping to cities across all 15 Arizona counties, including Flagstaff, Mesa, Tucson, and Yuma.

Our Best Arizona Pergola Kits

For the best Arizona patio covers, we recommend our signature pergola kit The Big Kahuna Pergola Kit, our Sombrero Pergola Kit, a Big Kahuna PLUS with roofing, or our Melbourne Pergola Kit with a retractable canopy. These styles can be configured in a range of sizes to fit your space, including custom sizes. Options range from complete shade with our covered pergolas, to flexible shade with our open roofing style and retractable canopy. Here’s more detail about a few of our popular styles. For a full comparison, view our guide to choosing a pergola and the pergola comparison chart.  

Large Shade Pergolas – The Big Kahuna Pergola Kit

For those seeking maximum shade and a sturdy build, our Big Kahuna pergolas are an excellent choice. Engineered for 175 wind, the Big Kahuna is big on style and big on structure. Other options in this style include our covered roof pergolas and our solar pergola kits, the Big Kahuna Solar-Ready. Available in popular standard sizes and custom sizes, our Big Kahuna pergolas and built with detailed craftsmanship, in freestanding models or attached. With robust 6×6 posts and strategically placed 2×8 rafters, these large wood pergola kits for Arizona patios are made to last and provide ample shade for your outdoor relaxation.

Medium Shade Wood Patio Covers – The Sombrero Pergola Kit

If you prefer a slightly more open feel, our Sombrero Pergola Kit is perfect for you. Offered in 90 standard sizes, including our popular 10×20 pergolas the Sombrero is built with the same quality as the Big Kahuna but with fewer rafters and slats, at a more affordable price point. Available in both attached and freestanding varieties, customize it to suit your personal taste. Add-ons include retractable pergola canopies and shade sails.

Customizing Your Arizona Pergola

When planning your pergola, consider the following:

• Size & Space: Measure your patio or deck space and determine how much room you need for furniture and accessories. Learn how to measure for a pergola before you place your order. Popular size & style for Arizona backyard living areas include our 15×15 freestanding Big Kahuna pergolas, 10×15 freestanding Sombrero pergolas, and 10×20 pergola kits.
• Style: Decide on attached or freestanding pergolas, tailored to complement your home’s exterior. Pergolas range in style from large patio covers to garden borders to eyebrow pergolas that provide extra shade over a large window or kitchen slider. Whether you prefer a pergola that seamlessly integrates with your home or stands as an independent feature in your yard, we have selections you can make to customize your pergola to your liking. Attached pergola kits can enhance your home’s aesthetic while saving costs, while freestanding pergola kits are designed create a large focal point that offers a cool retreat from the hot Arizona sun. 
• Additional Features: Include features like end shapes, post heights, and pergola canopies available in multiple colors for added shade and style. Pergola canopies are retractable, giving you control over the amount of sunlight filtering through.
• Installation: All of our DIY pergola kits come with pre-drilled lumber and step-by-step instructions, ensuring an easy installation process. Prefer some assistance? Access our directory of professional pergola installers to help you bring your pergola vision to life. We have experienced installers in Prescott, Scottsdale, and other Arizona locations.
• Wood Type: Choose between two high quality wood types – #1 pressure-treated southern yellow pine or rough-sawn western cedar for a rich color. Both wood types are known for durability and are sustainably harvested in North America.

Best Types of Wood for Pergolas in Arizona

Selecting the type of wood for your pergola is an important decision. We build our pergola kits using the best wood for Arizona pergolas. Our pergola kits come in two high-quality wood options, and either choice will provide a long-lasting pergola you’ll enjoy for many years:

• #1 Pressure Treated Southern Yellow Pine: Known for its durability, it’s ideal for a long-lasting structure and can withstand severe weather.

• Rough Sawn Western Red Cedar: Offers a striking hue that adds character to any backyard. Very durable and able to withstand extreme climate.

Both options are superior to vinyl alternatives, providing beauty and sturdiness year-round. One deciding factor in choosing your pergola wood type, is when you’d like to stain or paint your structure. Wood patio covers made from #1 pressure treated southern yellow pine require that you wait until the pressure treatment dries before applying stain, paint, or sealant. So if you prefer to complete that step before you assemble your pergola, cedar is a better option for you.