7 Issues With Pergolas and How to Overcome Them

Updated on October 15th, 2025

AD | Pergolas are a ubiquitous backyard feature, and for good reason. It is an attractive structure that offers a winning combination of shade, style, and purpose to your outdoor space.

With the right amount of care and maintenance, your luxury pergola can last for years and become a much-loved addition to your outdoor space. It can also help your ownership experience to have an understanding of what sort of common issues you might have to deal with to keep your pergola in top shape, and how to overcome these problems.

Here is a look at some of the most common issues with pergolas and how to deal with them.

Weather Resistance

One of the most common problems is poor weather resistance. This is a particular problem when your pergola is made of wood, which, if untreated or poorly maintained, is vulnerable to moisture, sun damage, and even pests.

Over time, this can lead to warping, cracking, and rot. To prevent this from happening, you should choose weather-resistant materials like cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated lumber, and be sure to seal the wood regularly.

A great alternative option if you prefer less maintenance would be to buy an aluminum or vinyl pergola. Both of these offer greater durability against the elements.

Lack of Shade

Another common issue that some pergola owners suffer from is inadequate shade. A basic pergola with spaced-out beams might not block enough sun to make a difference during hot summer days.

You have several options to fix this. Growing some climbing plants or fitting a retractable canopy will help to increase shade coverage. Alternatively, a motorized louvered pergola gives you the best of both worlds, allowing you ultimate control over how much shade and shelter you get.

Keeping Your Pergola Stable

Stability problems impact certain types and ages of pergolas. DIY builds and older structures are particularly vulnerable.

As you would expect, pergolas need a solid foundation. This means either footings are anchored in concrete or properly secured posts are used. This is necessary to help withstand wind and shifting ground.

The solution is to reinforce the base. Alternatively, having a new pergola professionally fitted will ensure that your pergola remains stable for years to come.

The Threat of Pests

Insect damage is another frequent headache, particularly with wooden pergolas. Make no mistake, termites and carpenter bees can cause serious structural harm if left unchecked.

The best way to protect against this is to treat the wood with insect-repellent finishes and inspect it regularly for signs of infestation. For expert guidance and pest prevention solutions, you can visit callwaynes.com. In contrast, if you invest in an aluminum pergola, for example, you immediately remove the threat of pests.

Problems with Drainage

If the area under your pergola does not drain well, water can pool and cause wood rot, mold growth, or even damage your patio. Make sure the site is properly graded and consider using gravel or pavers to encourage proper drainage.

Having a pergola professionally installed or adding gutters to nearby structures can also keep runoff from causing drainage problems.

Constant Maintenance is Tiring

Maintenance fatigue is a real issue, especially with wooden pergolas. They need regular cleaning, staining, or painting to stay in the best shape.

If you are tired of the upkeep or the thought of that work is distinctly unappealing, it might be worth switching to a lower-maintenance material. Aluminum and vinyl require minimal care. An occasional rinse is all that is needed, meaning you have much more time to actually enjoy your pergola rather than working on it.

Lack of Functionality

Lastly, limited functionality can soon become an issue. A pergola by itself looks nice, but without lighting, fans, or accessories, it might not get as much use in your outdoor space.

You can solve that with some easy upgrades like low-voltage lighting, hanging curtains for privacy, or installing heaters for cooler nights. These improvements can make a big difference to how much you enjoy your pergola.

Once you know how to get around these common issues, you will get so much more out of owning a pergola.