There’s really two main reasons to build a pergola,” says New York City–based landscaper Amber Freda, president of Freda Inc. “One is function and the other is aesthetics—it can enhance an ambiance, create a sense of intimacy. The functionality is providing a shade structure and area for seating that gets you out of the sun.” What are the pros and cons of a pergola? So is a pergola the right choice for you? It depends on your outdoor living situation and what you want out of your potential pergola design, according to Freda. The coverage area, on the other hand, indicates the amount of shade or protection that the pergola provides, For Irwin, this area should align with the intended use and desired level of shade, whereas Cosby recommends considering the design of the shade since this can change the amount of shade.

If you entertain al fresco often, you’ll appreciate that this pergola comes lined with LED lighting on the edges, so you won’t have to worry about installing string lights separately. Although this option is an investment, the aluminum alloy frame is rust-free, so you don’t have to worry about maintaining it over the years. For those who want a more traditional pergola, we like the Yardistry Madison Solid Wood Pergola with Canopy. Made of 100% cedar with a gray finish, this pergola should last for years to come.Pressure-treated dimensional 2x8s and 2x10s make up the majority of the upper framework, and the decorative end pieces are cut with a jigsaw from our pergola plans. The whole project can be built in a couple of weekends, with another weekend for staining and painting.

When thinking about the best pergola for your outdoor space, you’ll also want to consider your area’s climate as different materials may be more suitable for specific types of weather.Before you upgrade your outdoor living, it’s important to understand the difference between a pergola and a gazebo, among other common outdoor structures—and it’s a minor but important one that will greatly affect your design ideas for your outdoor living space. This pergola consists of a rust-resistant brown powder-coated steel frame and a weather-resistant tan and brown sliding polyester canopy. The canopy can be adjusted on either side to your desired length. I’m planning to build a Pergola in a corner of my garden as a support for Wisteria and am considering how to fix it to the ground. However, it may be more challenging when removing leaves and other debris from the arch. Still, we like that the arch gives it a more unique look in comparison to the more traditional flat-top pergolas. Despite this small hurdle, we think it’s the best pergola for large spaces to add the perfect amount of coverage and modern sophistication.