Zen's Best Pergola Kit for a Backyard Shade

About this Pergola Kit Configuration:

• Type: Free-standing (see the attached version of this kit)
• Bracket size: 4x4 (see the larger 6x6 version of this kit)
• Dimensions: Up to 12' wide x 36' deep (see the inverse up to 36' wide x 12' deep version of this kit)
• Roof style: Traditional w/ rafters atop beams (see this same kit with an inline, square posts or angled slats roof)
• Privacy wall(s): 3 (see this same kit with 0, 1 or 2 privacy walls)
• Roof/wall slat spacing: Close (see this same kit with far or medium spacing)

Want something completely different? Use our easy design tool to create your own pergola configuration.

Included in this Kit (Our Best Pergola Kit for Maximum Shade):

• 8x base brackets (for 4x4 wood)
• 4x 3-arm post brackets (for 4x4 wood)
• 4x 4-arm post brackets (for 4x4 wood)
• 66x 2x4 rafter brackets for 33 roof rafters (2x4 wood)
• 120x 2x4 insert brackets for 60 wall slats (2x4 wood)
• Stainless steel screws (1.5-inch #10 self-tapping wood screws with pan/round head painted black) for securing wood into brackets
• NOTE: Wood (lumber) and anchoring hardware for securing the base brackets to a solid foundation are NOT included and will need to be purchased locally

This pergola kit will accommodate any stand-alone pergola ranging from 25-36 feet by 4-12 feet. The pergola does not need to be the exact dimensions shown in the images on this page.

The kit includes 66 2x4 rafter brackets so you can add 33 traditional rafters to the roof (11 rafters per roof section, each spanning 12' with close spacing). These rafters sit atop the beams and can be installed with or without overhangs. If you would like to space the rafters closer together, you can purchase additional 2x4 rafter brackets here. If you're wanting this same pre-configured pergola except with the roof rafters running longways (i.e. rotated 90 degrees so there are 11 "continuous" rafters running the full up-to-36-foot length of the pergola), click here.

The pergola kit also includes 120 2x4 insert brackets. While the intent is that all 120 of these insert brackets be used to add 3 privacy walls with 20 2x4 slats each (all 8' height with close spacing), you can use the brackets any way you'd like (i.e. adding another privacy wall or half/partial wall, adding a side railing, etc.). You can also purchase additional 2x4 insert brackets here.

Between the closely-spaced roof rafters and 3 privacy walls, this is probably our best pergola for creating maximum shade.

Want a Larger 6x6 Frame?

Click here to see this same pergola kit but with larger 6x6 wood posts and 2x6 roof and wall slats (instead of 4x4 wood posts and 2x4 roof and wall slats). With its wider roof rafters and wall slats, this is the best pergola for virtually 100% shade.

About Our Steel 4x4 Pergola Brackets:

• Made with premium quality steel
• Made of 14-gauge steel (~2.0mm thick)
• Laser-cut, bent and welded
• Advanced weather coating technology to withstand extreme weather conditions
• Pre-drilled holes for securing wood and accessories to brackets
• Made for dressed lumber commonly called 4x4s (actual dimensions are 3.5" x 3.5")
• Includes stainless steel screws (1.5-inch #10 self-tapping wood screws with pan/round head painted black) for securing wood into brackets
• Reduces your pergola build time by as much as 75%
• Backed by our 5-year warranty
• Shipped directly to your doorstep from Boise, Idaho