5 Best Pergola Kits

Looking to make the most of your backyard? Whether you want more privacy, extra shade, or rain protection, a pergola can transform your outdoor space into an inviting retreat. Create the space you want by building a custom pergola, or choose a ready-to-assemble kit from one of these 5 Best Pergola Designs and save yourself some time and money!

Make Outdoor Living Easy! Turn your backyard into a space for relaxation, connection, and fun without breaking the bank. Whether you want to enjoy quiet mornings, host friends, or simply protect your loved ones (pets included!) from the elements, pergola kits are a fun and easy way to improve your outdoor space.

Check Out Our Best Pergola Designs

We’ve carefully selected the best pergola designs to suit every backyard. Read on to find the perfect one for your dream outdoor space!

1. Best-rated Pergola Kits for Shade

The Big Kahuna pergola and Sombrero pergola are our top-selling full-size wood pergola kits that provide shade from the top slats (purlins) running crosswise over the rafters. With our Big Kahuna pergolas, the combination of strong timber notched rafters on 12-inch centers, and top slats on 6-inch centers provide ample shade no matter what size pergola you choose. The Big Kahuna and Sombrero are also rated for wind gusts up to 175 mph, and the Big Kahuna is offered in a covered pergola roof style: the Big Kahuna PLUS Covered Pergola Kit. This style includes optional metal roofing for maximum shade and rain protection.

With sizes as small as 8' x 8' in the Big Kahuna and Sombrero up to our largest standard size of 20' x 20', you're sure to the find the size you need. For the best backyard living pergola style, the 19x20 Big Kahuna ranks as one of our 5 Best Pergola Kits.

This is a popular pergola because the interior post to post provides the perfect amount of space to arrange ample seating for your outdoor events. The same size pergola purchased in the Sombrero style will provide the same area underneath, but has half the rafters and top slats for a slightly more open air design.

2. Best Pergola for Creating a Relaxing Space

When used as a complete solution, a wood pergola can extend the duration of your outdoor patio season, and create a zone to relax and rejuvenate.

A convenient and simple way to expand your patio without building an enclosed sunroom or screened porch, a pergola is the perfect alternative that’s easier on the budget and something you can put together yourself with a few friends.

The most popular pergola that fits the bill is our 15x19 Big Kahuna. This size offers a footprint of overall tip to tip 15’ x 19’, outside post to post measurements of 12’ x 16’, and inside post to post of 11’ x 15’. This style and size is offered in two premium wood types. Southern yellow pressure treated pine and rough sawn western red cedar. A popular choice, our cedar pergola kits are built from top quality cedar that blends well with most outdoor living designs. 

As you can see, placing this cedar pergola adjacent to the home and cooking area joins the two areas nicely. It's a perfect setup for a relaxing area to enjoy family gatherings or for backyard BBQ with friends and neighbors. When you compare DIY pergola kits, be sure to compare wood types, quality of wood the pergola manufacturer is using, hardware options, and customer support. 

3. Best Solar Pergola for Capturing Sun

Why not offset your electric bill at the same time you’re creating a beautiful patio cover? Our solar ready pergolas earn a spot on the 5 Best List for multiple reasons. First, the Big Kahuna is a solid, well-built pergola designed to withstand severe elements.

Pair that with the capability of having solar panels installed and you’ve got an eco-friendly and stylish structure that’s a winner for your outdoor entertaining.

Our Big Kahuna Solar Ready Pergola is a solar pergola configured to accept solar panels. Purchasers need to have the capability (and materials) to install the solar panels themselves, or connect with a solar contractor who can help.

The solar pergola shown here is a custom size cedar Big Kahuna with solar installation by Southern Light Solar in Massachusetts. Our custom pergola kits can be ordered in a variety of sizes and styles, including the solar pergola design. If you're not sure which style and size fits your space, contact us and we'll talk through your project to find the best fit for your space.

4. Best Pergolas to Define a Border

Pergolas don’t have to be all about covering a patio or outdoor kitchen. One of the most popular uses is simply to add definition and depth to a landscape design. Our newly improved Brim pergola kits can do the job, and can be incorporated in many different ways.

As shown here, their beefy sturdy posts allow for a hammock installation. Make a spot right next to your outdoor firepit to relax the day away! You can add a pergola hammock to any of our Brim pergolas that are 17', 18', or 19'.

This type of pergola is often purchased along with one of our full-size patio cover pergolas to create an extra border. Brim (or garden trellis pergolas), are also a great way to display blooming plants and show off your favorite flowers!

5. Best Pergolas for Outdoor Kitchens

Cooking outdoors is one of the most satisfying and relaxing ways to prepare a feast or simple meal for family and friends. That’s why our Big Kahuna line of pergolas ranks as a top choice. Offered in standard, covered pergola with roofing, solar, and timber frame - the Big Kahuna can be configured to fit your space and budget. Our Big Kahuna timber frame pergola kits are built from heavier timber that compliment a larger outdoor kitchen space, while our Big Kahuna lite design is our more budget-friendly design. 

The 10x16 Big Kahuna is an easy way to create that outdoor space for making delicious meals while enjoying the sunshine or gazing at stars.

Not only does it neatly enclose the grill & fridge, but it also provides a generous countertop area to complete this outdoor grill station. And it’s surrounded by beautiful landscaping. Now that’s a kitchen that I’d like to cook in!

Whether you’re looking to create more shade, create an outdoor room, capture the sun’s rays, or define a border, a pergola is both beautiful and functional in any garden, backyard, or patio. Measure your patio or backyard area and then find the size pergola kit to fit your outdoor space. If you're not sure where to start, we're here to answer your pergola questions! Pergola Depot is your place to find the best pergola kits for a variety of outdoor settings. Call us or start shopping today for the pergola to complete your backyard!