Freestanding Pergolas
A freestanding pergola gives an open patio or stretch of lawn a shape without walls or a house wall to lean on. It marks out a spot for dining, lounging or a garden seat. This page will help you decide on a size, a material and a roof style that suit your space.
Cedar Vintage Classic pergolas
The Vintage Classic is the simpler of the two styles on offer, and the cedar versions suit people who want a natural wood look with a traditional feel. They come in a wide spread of footprints, from a slim 8' x 14' to a long 16' x 28'. A narrow one works well along a path or beside a patio. A wide one can cover a full outdoor living room.
Cedar Belvedere pergolas with stain
The Belvedere is the more dressed-up style, and these cedar versions come with stain. If you want a pergola to be the feature of the yard rather than a quiet frame, this is the one to look at. The sizes run from a compact 8' x 10' up to a 16' x 32' that suits a large lawn or a shared entertaining space. A 14' x 16' or 16' x 16' gives room for a dining table and chairs with space to walk around it.
Treated pine pergolas
Treated pine is offered in both styles: Belvedere in plain finish, and Vintage Classic with stain. It suits buyers who want a wood pergola in a larger size without moving to the cedar price bracket. The 16' x 16' Belvedere is a good example of a roomy square footprint in this material. The smaller stained Vintage Classic sizes suit a modest patio.
Vinyl Vintage Classic pergolas
Vinyl suits people who would rather not think about sanding or restaining wood. The Vintage Classic style keeps the lines simple. Sizes start at a small 8' x 8' and stretch to a long 8' x 16', which is handy for a narrow side yard. Mid sizes such as 10' x 12' or 12' x 16' cover a table and seating comfortably.
Vinyl Belvedere pergolas
This pairs the Belvedere styling with vinyl. It is the choice for a more decorative look in a material that stays plain. The range goes from 8' x 10' to a 14' x 28' for big, open lawns. If you have room for a wide structure, the 16' x 16' gives an even square that sits nicely in the middle of a lawn.
How to choose
Start with the space, not the style. Mark the footprint on the ground with string or chalk and place your furniture inside it. Leave room to pull chairs out and walk around the table.
- Size: Pick the footprint that fits your furniture and still leaves a clear path. A pergola that is too big can swallow a small yard.
- Material: Cedar and treated pine are wood, and the stained options come with a finish already applied. Vinyl is a different look and a different kind of upkeep.
- Style: Vintage Classic is the plainer design. Belvedere is the more decorative one.
- Budget: Cost rises with size and with material, so compare similar footprints across materials before deciding.
Check local rules about structures in your yard before you order, and follow the manufacturer's manual for installation.
Questions people ask
What size do I need for a dining table?
Measure your table, then add room on every side for chairs and walking. A 12' x 14' or 12' x 16' is a sensible place to start for a table for six or more.
Is cedar or vinyl the better choice?
It depends on what you like. Cedar gives you a natural wood look. Vinyl suits those who want a plain finish. Think about which look you prefer and how much upkeep you are happy with.
What is the difference between Vintage Classic and Belvedere?
They are two styles of the same kind of structure. Vintage Classic is the simpler of the two, and Belvedere is the more ornate. Look at the product pages to see which design appeals to you.
Can I put one on a lawn?
Yes, these are freestanding, so they do not need a house wall. Pick level ground and follow the instructions that come with your model.