If your wife wants a pergola and you aren’t a carpenter and you don’t want some stranger / contractor / scammer to take your money and run, then this is the next best thing. This has been years overdue. I got a quote from a local contractor for $3500 and I’ve seen other kits selling for $3000. Well I finally found one that I was willing to pay for and I’m sharing with you my experience and review of this Backyard Discovery 14×10 Pergola. This was definitely a purchase I have no buyers remorse about.
Specs
| Brand | Backyard Discovery |
| Material | Cedar |
| Style | Traditional |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 144 x 120 x 95.13 inches |
| Item Weight | 434.31 Pounds |
| Frame Material | Metal, Resin, Wood |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Product Dimensions | 168″L x 120″W x 84″H |
Installation And Review
The Backyard Discovery Somerville 14 x 10 All Cedar Pergola is easy / ready to assemble pre-cut, pre-drilled, pre-stained with step by step instructions.
It was designed to be long lasting, to withstand 100 mph winds and other severe weather conditions including damp climates conducive to rot which it resists.
The classic arches and multi level roof trellis make this pergola something beautiful to look at.
The kit also comes with a PowerPort with 3 outlets and 3 USB ports to easily connect your lights, electric grill, fan or what have you.
Two large boxes were delivered onto my driveway and everything was boxed up nicely. I wasn’t too worried about damage. Through other reviews I’ve seen, the company was very helpful in getting any issues resolved, whether it was missing pieces or defective wood.
The boxes were heavy and it was about to storm, so I unpacked each piece and moved them into the garage.
After a quick once over, I did see very minor splintering but I was not overly concerned. If it really bothered me, I could have called customer support, but again, very minor.
I waited a few days to install everything because I wanted to give an additional coat of stain.
When I was ready, I put some parts together on the ground so I wouldn’t be struggling to assemble it while on the ladder.
I took my time and didn’t rush because after all, I was by myself.
There was only one difficult part and I explain it below. Otherwise, most of the assembly were basically screwing screws and nuts.
It took me roughly 6 hours by myself and that including breaks between the rainy weather. After everything was put up, it was pretty sturdy. I’ll have to be honest, I have not secured it to my patio yet. And because I’m still gonna have to finish this solo, I’m getting a set of these to help me lift the pergola and move it to where I need to secure it with the concrete screws that were provided.
Real quick, after using all the parts, there seems to be at least on extra piece per set of screws and nuts in case you “accidentally” strip it. ?
Tip
So although it is recommended that 2 people put this together, I didn’t have that luxury. Here is a list that was provided in the instructions of the common tools that you will need amongst the wrenches that are provided with the kit.
There are 2 things that really helped me. One was having 2 Multi-Purpose Ladders and the other was having a 24″ Wood Clamp.
You can rent or borrow these, but if you are like me, you just have to dust the cobwebs off of them.
The 2 Ladders helped me to stabilize the pillars and allowed me to quickly get up and do what I needed to do. You can use other things to help stabilize the pillars as you put them up, but if you have only one ladder, be ready to move it consistently.
The 24″ Wood Clamp was a life saver as the wood are predrilled with holes and the bolts are pretty tight, length wise. Basically, what that means is that the wood clamp will allow you to bring the wood close enough so that you’ll be able to screw the nut on.
I also got some waterproof seal and did an extra coat. Anyone else would recommend three coats but I just wanted it. I’ll eventually come around and give it a few coats when the weather gets better.
I hope this helps.
Price
List Price $1699.00
Available here at a big savings while supplies last
Extras and Accessories
Now you won’t get these when you purchase the pergola, but these are nice touches after you install your pergola.
48FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Edison Vintage Shatterproof Bulbs
Outdoor Roll Up Blinds / Exterior Roller Privacy Screen 6′ W x 6′ L Light Gray
Outdoor Waterproof Large Area Rug 5′ x 8′ Grey&White
Wrap Up
I really feel bad for my wife and probably even put my marriage at risk. I waited 6 years to install a pergola. Shows how terrible of a husband I am. ?
But I’m super satisfied at this choice. I definitely recommend this over even the pergola’s found at Home Depot.
In the end, the price was right, the material was easy to work with, the installation was not overly complicated, I had a feeling of accomplishment and I had a happy wife.
Let me know what your thoughts are after reading this review. You can ask me anything about it and I’ll try to help.
