From the blazing sunshine of Arizona to the downpours of Louisiana and rushing winds of Wyoming, the US endures a wide variety of weather and climates. But no matter where you live, adding a beautiful and durable pergola to your backyard is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors even more.

That’s why we’ve spared no effort in engineering eye-catching pergolas that can withstand all temperatures and conditions. In this guide, we’ll help you choose a weatherproof pergola that can withstand the sun, heat, rain, and wind all year long.

Sun- and heat-resistant pergolas

A basic pergola features an open-style roof made from a grid of horizontal beams.

This provides some shade for outdoor comfort, especially if you hang vines, flowers, or other climbing foliage. But in particularly hot or sunny climates, or in the height of summer, this might not be enough to keep you comfortable.

Thankfully, there are two options for a sun- and heat-resistant pergola that ensure you can enjoy outdoor relaxation even in the blazing sunshine:

• Sail shade soft canopy: Some pergolas, such as our Stratford Traditional Steel Pergola or brand new Brendan Sail Shade Pergola, come with a sail shade soft canopy. This canopy is made of UV-protected breathable woven fabric that shields you from the potential harms of direct sunlight while still allowing light to pass through. That means you can enjoy all the benefits of your backyard pergola, with added comfort and protection!
• Louvered pergolas: If a canopy won’t cut it, consider investing in a louvered pergola like the Sarasota Steel Louvered Pergola. With just a few quick turns of the louver wand, you can fully open the louvers to allow sunshine in or close them for complete shade. This is a versatile option that lets you completely shut out oppressive light and heat but welcome it in during milder months.

Waterproof pergolas

As well as providing a barrier against sun and heat, the roof of a louvered pergola also gives you exceptional rain protection. So even when the dark clouds come, you can continue to enjoy your backyard to the fullest with all-season use.

Our range of Sarasota Louvered Pergolas are all made from 100% galvanized steel. This protects against water and oxygen, helping to keep your pergola free of rust and corrosion. So when you invest in a Backyard Discovery louvered pergola, you can always have confidence in a long product lifespan.

Does a pergola need drainage?

A roof on a pergola isn’t enough to properly protect against rain. Louvered pergolas also need an effective drainage system to prevent water from accumulating.

All Backyard Discovery louvered pergolas come with built-in drainage and guttering. When it rains, water is channeled through the integrated guttering system into downspouts in the leg posts. Gutter guards also keep debris from entering the drainage system, helping avoid blockage and overflows.

Wind-resistant pergolas

High winds can be both unpredictable and very dangerous. So even if you live in a milder climate, it’s always best to be prepared.

That’s why we recommend investing in a wind-resistant pergola that’s been tested and certified to withstand wind speeds of up to 100 mph.

Regular storms have wind speeds of around 40-50 mph—a pergola with protection against double that wind speed (or more) gives you total confidence in the stability and safety of your structure. 

 

 

How much wind can a pergola withstand?

Typically, even the best-constructed pergolas on the market can only withstand winds of up to 50-70 mph. And most can only handle around 30 mph.

At Backyard Discovery, we’re not happy with being ‘good enough’—especially when an unstable pergola could put you and your loved ones at risk. That’s why all our pergolas are PRO-TECT™ Tested & Proven to withstand winds of up to 100 mph.

The trick to making a truly wind-resistant pergola lies in its anchoring. Our pergolas include four 2” concrete screws that fasten to your property. So even when winds reach hurricane force, when properly anchored your pergola stays right where you want it.

What else to look for in an all-season weatherproof pergola

Certain features make different pergolas more suitable to sunny, rainy, or windy climates. But no matter where you live, you should always look for a pergola with the following features.

• Weatherproof materials: To perform well in all seasons and conditions, your pergola must be resistant to rot and decay. After all, you don’t want your pergola to absorb water or warp as temperatures fluctuate. To prevent this, our pergolas are made from either:
• Cedar wood: Naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestations, cedar wood pergolas, like our expansive 20x20 Beaumont Pergola, prove that wood can be both tough and beautiful.
• Galvanized steel: Rust- and corrosion-resistant galvanized steel pergolas, like the 16x12 Hawthorne Pergola, are fully weatherproof, and only need the occasional wipe down to maintain their contemporary charm.
• Reinforced support: We use galvanized steel support brackets and hardware to strengthen potential weak points and ensure stability in your cedar wood or galvanized steel pergola. These components also feature high-performance powder coating for full protection against rust, corrosion, and UV harm.
• Exceptional warranty: Even with the best pergolas, there’s a chance something could go wrong. To have confidence in your purchase, it’s recommended that you look for a weatherproof pergola with a lengthy warranty. Here at Backyard Discovery, we offer an industry-leading 5 Year Limited Warranty so you can purchase a stunning pergola with zero risk.

Enhance your backyard with an unbeatable weatherproof pergola

Whether you’re concerned about sun, rain, wind, or simply getting the most out of your backyard in any season, we have the perfect all-weather pergola for you.

Pick from a range of corner, louvered, modern, and traditional pergolas, including options for a sail shade soft canopy for added sun protection. No matter what you choose, every pergola is PRO-TECT™ Tested & Proven for superior wind resistance and an unmatched warranty.

Browse weatherproof pergolas today and get ready to make happy memories with your loved ones in your dream backyard come rain or shine!