Our affordable, quality, customizable, do it yourself pergola kits beat the competition

Last Updated On September 14th, 2023 at 12:47 pm

Over the years, we’ve watched a myriad of competitors come and go in the pergola kits industry – some large, some small. We thrive on the challenge of competition, as it fuels growth, ignites change, and inspires companies to perform at their best. However, within the past couple of years there seems to be more and more competitors coming out that are trying to pass off cheap pergolas as if they are built with the same construction techniques that we use to build our quality garden pergola kits. I’m not talking so much about small businesses like ourselves that are custom making their wood patio covers one by one (although there are a few), but the huge corporate box stores that are getting into the pergola business churning out cheap pergola alternatives. Are they using the same construction techniques that we are? Do they care about quality and durability like we do? Here’s why our pergola kits are different from the competition, and how we set ourselves apart from the rest.

Lumber

The quality of lumber that comes out of these stores does not compare to the lumber that we build pergolas with. The lumber that we use to build our pergola kits is #1 grade pine or rough sawn western red tight knot cedar. The pine is pressure treated for ground contact, which means it is designed to be in contact with the ground, exposed to a variety of weather cycles and will resist rot and insects. We choose the best looking heavy weight graded lumber with the least amount of knots and edge wane, which results in strong, sturdy beams that remain solid and straight.

Hardware

We only use the highest grade of stainless steel hardware and galvanized post bases for our pergolas. Other companies usually send their kits with either zinc coated hardware, or galvanized hardware. Zinc coated hardware basically has no weather protection characteristics, and as soon as it comes into contact with the pressure treatment chemicals it will start to rot.

Many of the cheaper kits are made by pergola kit manufacturers who have not prioritized quality, and they produce them with one bolt holding the support beams to the post. We always use two 1/2″ bolts at every beam and post connection.

The stainless steel hardware that we use is the only metal that can withstand any amount of weather, and pressure treatment chemicals forever. It will never rot, and will be on this earth longer than you will.

Connectors

Many of these cheap pergolas have either zinc or galvanized connectors to attach rafters to beams, and beams to posts. These are prone to the same failures as the above mentioned hardware, and frankly just do not look good.

The distinct design of our pergolas have been engineered in a way to do away with any unsightly connectors. The posts and rafters are mortised (notched) to make the pergola go together kind of like a set of Lincoln Logs. This makes for an extremely strong pergola. We are one of the only companies online to offer a pergola kit that is engineered to withstand 175 MPH winds, and can offer an engineer stamped drawing to pull permits within any state in the country. Ask the big box stores if they will be able to that.

Customizable

We have over 90 different sizes and 5 different styles of pergolas to choose from. Each pergola is customizable with options that will be unique to your liking including rafter and beam end shapes, post lengths, wood type choices, etc. Usually with the big box stores you are very limited as to the size and options available. We also offer a pergola with a roof that are rated for 175 mph wind gusts and snow loads that will accommodate most U.S. locations.

Instructions

We have a set of easy to follow instructions written with the laymen in mind. We also have some very short easy to follow instructional videos that walk you through the entire process. If you have any problems we are only a phone call away. Do you think the big box stores will have the same level of customer service as a company who specializes in building pergolas? How frustrating will it be when you are struggling to build a pergola from the big box store and are stuck on a part because the parts were not pre-marked and predrilled, and you can’t get a hold of anyone who knows what they are talking about?

Our kits are always pre marked, pre drilled, and pre cut so that everything fits together with ease. We are always available for help with our online chat service or by phone. If we are not in the office someone will have the phone forwarded to a cell phone.

Proven Track Record

Check out our customer reviews and find out what past customers are saying about us and our products. We’ve sold thousands of pergolas to every state in the contiguous United States. We have a proven track record of superior customer service, and providing a quality product that we are proud to stand behind. Can you say the same for the pergola kit that will come from the box store?

If you purchase from pergoladepot.com you know you’ll be getting a quality pergola, made specifically for you, at an exceptional price. When your project is complete it will look like a carpenter came and custom built your pergola on site. You will have the nicest outdoor space in the neighborhood!

Contact us if you’re ready to get your outdoor pergola project started, and we’ll be happy to talk through the different pergola options available to complete your space in style!