The pergola is well thought through in terms of its design. Each part is marked, the hardware comes in labeled bags. The accompanying BILT program makes it very easy to visualize. One improvement would be a diagram showing the exact center locations of the four posts.

Shipping was surprisingly fast. (1 week from purchase to delivery) Assembly was relatively easy. I put it together myself, with a little help from my wife and son when it came to installing the main joist beams. Finished structure was a little wobbly. But I chalk this up to the lightweight, soft, wood, and the manner of design which enables the whole thing to be hand delivered to your front door. (Main joists, which are comprised of three pieces bolted together, have a little too much play.) I did a couple of simple structural additions to firm up its integrity. We also added a shade cloth attached to the underside of cross joists. We did not use the top 2x2’s (intended for shade) as most were warped. We liked the idea of the cloth more anyways. All in all, for the cost, look (and easiness of constructing), we are very pleased.

I purchased this pergola with very minimal building/construction experience outside of of small furniture. I didn’t know what to expect, but I needed some shade in my yard and much faster than companies could come out to build one for me. I ordered the product and it arrived fast! I built it with the help one person and it was a breeze. I did have to borrow a few neighbors to help move the completed product, but that took no time and it was a breeze. Unfortunately, I sold that home and have relocated so I do not get to enjoy it at the moment, but I am considering another for my new home and doing it all over again. Also, so many people that came and viewed my home commented on how great it looked and couldn’t believe I built it myself! It certainly added more value than the price I paid and looking forward to getting another soon!

Pros: Great wood, durable hardware, good design. Very solid. Extra hardware. Cons: Plastic caps on top of four set posts leave 1/8" gap so that brace boards are unable to have bolds and nuts be threaded through - too much space. We tried cutting some of the edges and ultimately discarded the caps. Instructions not detailed enough to explain that two of four brace boards have a row of holes along their top (for the lattice) and need to be placed on outside of the two that lack holes. Probably should have had an extra page in the instructions for this or give the boards with holes a separate number. Neutral: Plastic base plates too flimsy for Florida hurricanes. We used steal base plates that worked well. Interior of set post are not solid cedar, but ripped pine 2x4s. However, cedar overlay done very well - looks like solid cedar. Wish the brace boards were 14' long w/o extensions, but shorter boards with extensions seems to work. Really need three people for this construction, not two.

I purchased the 14x10 pergola last fall and absolutely love it. I put it together myself over the course of a weekend (without an extra set of hands, I had to be creative and used step ladders to lean sections upright when fastening together). It’s trickier that way…but still manageable. I was amazed at how well the pieces were marked. Most pre-drilled holes were lined up well, except for a few where I simply had to help with a drill. I have it on our back deck, which has created an entirely new feel and an outdoor oasis - almost like a bonus room. Now I am just looking for some type of cloth shade covering to add on for additional sun protection. BYD - do you have any recommendations?

We have been looking for a pergola big enough for a large sitting area and dining table and finally found this one. I love that it is wind tested too as our backyard can get wind gusts and I know this pergola is quality and will withstand the elements.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love this pergola . Got it 7 months back and have gotten many compliments from friends n family. It makes hosting backyard get togethers so much more fun n special! Or even just enjoy your quiet cup of coffee or a glass of wine! Love my pergola !!

Very nice product for the money. We received this a couple of months ago, and took our time sorting and staining Redwood. We only had two boards that were warped severely, but they were replaced within two days. Excellent service from the company on any parts or replacement boards that you need!

We've had this for awhile now. It's not exactly what the intended use was going to be, but we decided to go with an entertainment space (was originally doubled to use as covered carport but my SUV was too big). We are very pleased. It is well built (though the top boards could be a little sturdier). It has ample room for entertainment space and we've really enjoyed using it! It was also super easy to put together.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Bought this in June as part of redoing our backyard and we loved it over the summer. Everyone that we have had over thinks it is great looking and a real value. Our contractor was amazed by the quality of the kit and had no trouble setting the footings in the new pavers. The service from BYD has been so good that we also bought one of the large Grill Gazebos which let me keep grilling during a really wet winter here in Northern California.