Imagine a backyard where you can host unforgettable gatherings, relax in a beautiful space, and boost your home’s curb appeal—all while enhancing its market value. Sounds too good to be true? Not with our free standing patio covers. Designed for homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts alike, our high-quality wood patio covers offer durable construction, stylish designs, and optimal shade for relaxation.
Whether you’re looking to create an outdoor oasis or expand your living space, our pergola kits are the perfect addition to transform your patio into a versatile, elegant, and functional area. Read on to discover why our patio cover kits are a smart investment for your home.
Revamp Your Outdoor Space with Free-Standing Patio Covers
Transform your outdoor space into a haven with Pergola Depot’s freestanding wood patio covers. These quality-built wood pergola kits are handcrafted with care and many of our styles are engineered to withstand wind gusts up to 175 mph, ensuring durability and longevity. Made in the USA, our pergola kit offerings include over 90 sizes and styles. Our DIY pergola kits offer a blend of aesthetic appeal and robust functionality, making them a great addition for any size patio.
Supported by our 5-star customer service, choosing Pergola Depot means you’re investing in a product that not only enhances your home’s value but also provides a beautiful, shaded area for relaxation and entertainment.
Browse Free Standing Patio Cover Kits
Classic and Elegant Design
- Maximum Sun Coverage Pergola
- Base Price Range: $$$$
- Available Sizes: 90 standard + custom sizes
Pergola Kit with Metal Roof
- Covered Pergola Kit
- Base Price Range: $$$$
- Available Sizes: 90 standard + custom sizes
Sophisticated Structure for Partial Shade
- Medium Sun Coverage
- Base Price Range: $$$
- Available Sizes: 90 standard + custom sizes
Traditional Pergola Style for Modern Designs
- Light Sun Coverage
- Base Price Range: $$
- Available Sizes: 90 standard + custom sizes
Light Sun Coverage, Dramatic Impression
- Light Sun Coverage
- Base Price Range: $$$
- Available Sizes: 90 standard + custom sizes
The Charming Backyard Accent
- Border Pergola
- Base Price Range: $$
- Available Sizes: 90 standard + custom sizes
Benefits of Free-Standing Patio Covers
Adding a free-standing patio cover to your outdoor space offers numerous advantages that can enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your home. Here’s a summary of the key benefits:
- Enhanced Outdoor Living Space: Free standing patio covers extend your living space into the outdoors. They create a defined area for various activities, such as outdoor dining, lounging, or hosting gatherings.
- Versatility in Placement: Because they are not attached to any existing structure, free-standing patio covers can be placed wherever you need them. This flexibility allows you to design your outdoor space without constraints.
- Protection from the Elements: These structures offer protection from sun, rain, and even light snow. This means you can enjoy your outdoor space in various weather conditions without worrying about exposure to the elements.
- Increased Property Value: Adding a free-standing patio cover can enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your home, potentially increasing its market value.
Design Considerations for Free-Standing Patio Covers
Whether you’re looking for grill patio cover, you want to install a pergola on a deck, or simply looking to add a design element to your patio, our pergolas offer a cost-effective way to build the perfect outdoor space!
Size and Scale
When planning your free-standing patio cover, consider the size and scale of the structure in relation to your outdoor space. Ensure it provides ample coverage without overwhelming the area.
Material Choice
Select a material that suits your aesthetic preferences and maintenance capabilities. Consider the climate in your region and how the material will hold up over time.
Style and Aesthetics
Free standing patio covers come in various styles, from modern to traditional. Choose a design that complements your home’s architecture and your personal taste.
Roofing Options
The roofing material can impact the functionality and appearance of your patio cover. Common options include:
- Polycarbonate Panels: Lightweight and durable, offering UV protection while allowing natural light. Found at most home improvement stores, panels are one of many DIY options.
- Metal Roofing: Provides robust protection and can be painted to match your home’s exterior. Our Big Kahuna PLUS covered pergola kits are a complete package you can purchase for your backyard patio.
- Fabric Canopies: Offer a more casual look and can be easily replaced or changed. Pergola canopies can be added to several of our full size freestanding pergola kit styles.
FAQs About Our Free-Standing Patio Covers
When considering a free-standing patio cover, there are several common questions that potential buyers often have.
How Do I Measure for Free Standing Patio Cover?
There are a few steps to complete when measuring for a free standing cover for your patio.
First, determine how much open space you’d like under the pergola patio cover. Things to consider are furniture, fire pit, planter boxes, and other outdoor accessories that you’ll want under your pergola. The overall dimensions of our pergolas determine the size of the roof structure. The inside area is always a bit less, so jot down exactly how much space you’ll want in between where the posts will land.
Then you’ll decide how long you want the rafters and beams. The length of rafters (also referred to as “Depth”), will be calculated by measuring the distance you would like to have between the outside of the posts, plus the overhang. The length of beams (also referred to as “Width”), will be calculated by measuring your desired outside post to post width plus the overhang.
Your overall dimensions equate to your Rafter Length (depth or projection) x your Beam Length (width). This will be the Size you choose as it’s listed on our website. Feel free to contact us with your questions about how to measure for a pergola.
Which Wood Type is Best for Humid Climates?
Both of our wood types are high-quality and suitable for humid climates.
However, the most ideal choice for humid conditions is our #1 pressure-treated southern yellow pine. Not only is it the most affordable option, but it is also highly resistant to rot and insects, making it durable against severe weather. Pressure treated pine has chemicals added to give it those properties, giving it a green appearance initially. As it dries, the wood will transition to a golden brown and eventually gray if not water-sealed or stained.
It’s important to wait a few months before staining or painting the pine, as it will be saturated with pressure treatment when you receive it. If you’re eager to stain, seal, or paint your wood patio cover right away, our cedar pergola kits would be the better choice.
Which Wood Type is Best for Dry Climates?
Both wood types we offer are of exceptional quality and suitable for dry climates.
However, our rough sawn western red cedar is particularly ideal for such conditions. This wood boasts a beautiful light amber color and a delightful fragrance that adds to its charm.
Western red cedar is preferred for pergolas for two main reasons:
- its high resistance to decay
- its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
These characteristics make it perfect for outdoor use, especially in environments with severe weather.
The wood is:
- lightweight
- has a close, even grain,
- is easy to work with, finishing smoothly with minimal effort
It also takes paints and stains exceptionally well, allowing you to apply your chosen finish as soon as you receive your pergola kit.
Installation and Maintenance
Many of our pergolas are for DIYers, but some of our larger pergolas, our deck pergola kits, and our timber frame pergola kits often will require a little extra help. To ensure your pergola lasts for many years of enjoyment, consider enlisting the help of a local contractor or a trusted friend or family member to help install your pergola.
Professional Installation
While some free-standing patio covers can be DIY projects, professional installation ensures the structure is safe and properly secured. This is particularly important for larger or more complex designs. For example, grill pergola kits that will be used to cover an outdoor kitchen area or dining area may require special measurements to accommodate your grill station.
Regular Maintenance
Maintenance requirements vary based on the material of your patio cover. Metal and vinyl covers typically require less upkeep, while wood covers need regular sealing and treatment to prevent damage. If your patio cover includes a shade sail or canopy, those pergola covers can be removed at the end of the season, cleaned and tucked away until outdoor patio season returns.
How To Install My Patio Cover On Concrete
Installing a patio cover on concrete can be done by mounting the posts on either a concrete footer or an existing slab. This involves using post mounting hardware to secure the posts, ensuring they are elevated slightly above the surface to prevent water damage. Here are a few key steps to consider when installing your pergola posts.
Planning and Preparation:
- Determine if you’ll be mounting the posts on a concrete footer or an existing concrete slab.
- Check local building codes and frost line requirements for your area.
Things to Consider when Digging Footings:
- Dig footings to the appropriate depth, which should be below the frost line in colder climates to prevent frost heave.
- In warmer climates, a depth of approximately 2 feet is generally sufficient.
Pergola Post Height Selection:
- Choose 8-foot, 10-foot, or 12-foot posts. We can also cut the post length to order if you opt for one of our custom pergola kits.
- For colder climates, consider using 12-foot posts to ensure they are buried deep enough (3-4 feet).
- If you live where the ground freezes you will want to be sure that you set your posts or footings deeper than the frost line. This will ensure that frost heave will not pop your pergola posts out of the ground like a cork. The correct depth can be determined by checking with your local building code department or online resource. In warmer climates you may be able to use 10′ posts, which would be buried 2′ in the ground, and colder climates will most likely use 12′ posts which would be buried 3-4′ in the ground.
Following these guidelines ensures a sturdy and durable installation of your patio cover on concrete, providing you with a functional and attractive outdoor space.
Order Your Free-Standing Patio Covers Today
Free-standing patio covers offer versatile and stylish solutions for enhancing all types of outdoor spaces. Whether you’re aiming to create a shaded area for relaxation, protect your patio furniture from the elements, or design an elegant outdoor dining space, these patio structures provide aesthetic and functional benefits. Contact us today if you need help finding your outdoor patio cover!