Top Questions to Ask When Buying a Pergola in 2025

What is a Pergola and How Can it Enhance My Outdoor Space?

Are you looking at adding a pergola to your outdoor space? There are some key considerations to take into account before you begin. Stay tuned for more details as we progress below to learn "What questions to ask when buying a pergola in 2025."

A pergola is an outdoor living structure with vertical posts and horizontal beams with some a roof structure that is often open, but more modern pergolas can have both an open or closed roof. They can be manually operated or can be equipped with a motorized louvered roof.

A pergola, along with extending your outdoor patio, can offer much more usable space to your home. This can now be a nice extension of your interior space and a wonderful place for leisure and socializing.

A pergola is a perfect addition when thinking of seclusion and security in your garden. It is a great place for hosting friends and family with little to no maintenance required.

Pergolas can be DIY or can require a contractor for installation. Take a good stock of your comfort level with small tools and other equipment to best determine what route works for you.

Choosing the Right Materials and Design

Pergolas have the customizable option to pick what materials to build from. The most common material types are wood, aluminum, and vinyl. Wood is the classic and most traditional option when it comes to building materials for a pergola. If choosing wood, be sure to go with Cedar, Redwood, or perhaps a pressure-treated pine. Wood can rot if not sealed on an annual basis and it is also susceptible to insect infestation if not properly cared for.

Vinyl is great if you are looking for little to no maintenance material. Although not as strong as wood, it does not need to be sealed yearly and can hold up well in most climates. Extreme heat and cold are not kind to vinyl and can cause expansion and contraction. This can cause strength and rigidity issues with the material, overall. Vinyl is also not quite as expensive as wood tends to be.

Aluminum is the clear and popular choice and winner when looking into pergola materials. It requires virtually no maintenance and provides longevity and durability while providing shade to your space. It is a bit more expensive than wood and pretty similar to wood.

Pergolas come in a variety of color options and are customizable. Determine what color will best match your space and home to figure out what color to go with.

Pergola Size and Layout Considerations

Before you go too far down the path of your pergola project, it is wise to determine the prime location where your pergola will be installed. Accurately measure your space to pick the spot where you will get the most bang for your buck. You do not want a pergola that is too small or one that is too large and won't fit the way you'd like.

Be on the lookout for doors, walkways, and windows that are currently in your outdoor space. You need to account for these items and be sure to not put a post in the middle of a walkway or window. There is enough customization available to where you should be able to avoid these places.

Pergolas also create separation in your backyard. Perhaps you have a garden or something similar on one side of the yard and a pergola for socializing and gathering on the other. Pick a location where traffic flow will make the most sense and a place where outdoor furniture will enhance the space.

Ensuring Stability and Safety

You will want to make sure you are putting a pergola on a location that is mostly flat, with a slight pitch towards where your drainage post will go. You want to allow that water to easily drain out of the pergola.

It is also important to know the weight of your new pergola to ensure it is stable and secure and that the concrete it is being installed on top of is appropriate.

To go along with the above, having 2-3 people on site to move and assemble the pergola is a must. You are potentially working with a pergola that is well over 2,000 lbs. Using the supplied lag bolts to the recommended depth is appropriate.

Pergola Maintenance and Upkeep

Keeping up on regular, yearly maintenance is an important step in the process. You want to identify any potential wear points or where you see any rust, rot or insect infestation. This will keep you enjoying your pergola for decades to come.

As stated above, aluminum is by far the best material for your project when it comes to the amount of maintenance needed. A simple mix of soap and water will more often than not clean whatever grime or buildup is on the aluminum.

Wood will need to be stained, painted or sealed on a yearly or bi-annual timeline to keep it looking it's best. Use a waterproof sealant to get the most out of your pergola. Regular, yearly inspections are important in keeping your pergola bright and shiny.

Budgeting and Cost Considerations for Your Outdoor Furniture and Pergola

The first step is to determine the cost of the pergola, in total. This means you are looking into the overall material cost, labor and installation costs that may acrew. Also, be thinking about any outood furniture, appliances or other items you may want to add to your outdoor living space.

A pergola can be a good long-term investment as if done the right way, can increase the value of your home as well as enhance your curb appeal.

Creating an Inviting Outdoor Living Space for Outdoor Activities

Make sure you consider the type of activities you are hoping to take part in under your new pergola. Is an outdoor dining area something you are considering? Perhaps an outdoor kitchen will meet your needs? You may just be looking for a place to hang out to stay out of the hot sun and rain. Whatever you are after, it can be accomplished with a pergola.

Final Considerations and Next Steps

Before purchasing, consider the pergola warranty you receive from the manufacturer or contractor. Think back to your phone and email discussions with the sales or customer service reps prior to ordering. Were these experiences helpful in assisting with your project? A pergola is a significant investment so just be sure you are feeling warm and fuzzy before buying.

Have fun with the process and use this guide to update your house and space in a manner that is safe and will perhaps add value to your home.