How Smart Is a Smart Pergola? How They Work, Pros and Cons, and Cost

Smart pergolas aren’t too different from traditional pergolas, but the differences are important. Sure, they still add shade and a sense of whimsy to your yard, but they can do more than that. What distinguishes them from the pack is, well, their intelligence. 

Smart pergolas can be adjusted using a remote control or smart speaker systems. Sudden downpour spelling doom for your outdoor game night? With a smart pergola, all you need to do is hit a button, and the moveable louvers adjust to shelter you from that rain, keeping all your patio furniture dry and ready for game time. In some cases, you might not even have to do that much work, thanks to high-tech rain and sun sensors. 

How Does a Smart Pergola Work?

Traditional pergolas and smart pergolas are both topped with louvers, which are slats that provide partial coverage from the elements. But with a smart pergola, you can adjust those louvers using either a remote control or, in some cases, an app on your phone. 

When the rain comes down, a click of a button can direct the water to built-in pergola gutters. When the sun’s back out, one more click will let you enjoy the warmth. Electric smart pergolas often have built-in rain and sun sensors, too, which means many of them will automatically close when they detect rain and can open back up again when conditions are sunny. 

Sensors may not be automatically included on every smart pergola on the market, but you can add sensors to any smart pergola you want to purchase for an extra cost. Even if you don’t add sensors, having complete control over your pergola at the touch of a button or just by using your voice with a voice-activated smart home device isn’t too shabby.

How Much Does a Smart Pergola Cost?

Smart pergola costs depend on the size of the pergola you buy, the materials that the pergola is made with, and any extras you choose to add. You’ll find that prices for smart pergolas can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more. 

Prices closer to the low end typically indicate a DIY approach to smart pergola installation. However, we always recommend that a pro install your smart pergola. Pros have a ton of experience in safe and durable construction. The right local smart pergola installer will also have the expert ability to make sure the mechanical and electrical systems in your smart pergola are up to par. Plus, a pro can walk you through all the amazing add-on options you may want to splurge on for your pergola. 

Common Smart Pergola Add-Ons

Smart pergolas are really cool, but they’re not as cool as smart pergolas with a ton of awesome added features. If the budget allows, here are a few common optional features you can look into purchasing when you get your smart pergola.

• Heaters: Perfect for anyone who faces chilly winter conditions, heaters in your smart pergola will keep you cozy and keep your entertaining space operational year-round. 

• LED lighting: Whether you opt for multicolor LEDs, which are all the rage right now, or classic warm white lights, lighting up your smart pergola is sure to add a sense of awe for those late-night hangouts. 

• Wind-resistant screen: Your smart pergola can adjust in response to rainy days, but a wind-resistant screen also offers constant protection from those random gusts of wind without sacrificing looks. 

• Sensors: Smart rain and sun sensors mean that your pergola will do all the hard work for you. And by “hard work,” we mean the grueling task of clicking a button to close or open the slats when rain rolls in. 

Pros and Cons of Smart Pergolas

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of smart pergolas before making a final decision on if you want to install one.  

Pros of Smart Pergolas

Here are some of the top reasons you may want to dive into pergola life. 

• Enjoy an outdoor space in any weather: Traditional pergolas or uncovered overdoor spaces are lovely, but they don’t make your garden or backyard accessible in all types of weather. Smart pergolas do. 

• Protect your deck or patio: Bad weather isn’t just bad for your social life. It’s also bad for your deck and patio. Even the sturdiest stones and most well-treated wood can warp in the water or bleach in the sun. Installing an awning can help, but smart pergolas provide more adaptable coverage. 

• ROI: A pergola, and especially a smart pergola, is an incredibly valuable addition to any property. If you plan to sell at any point in the future, a properly maintained smart pergola will have you seeing some extra green. 

Cons of Smart Pergolas

As with any installation, there are a few downsides to consider. 

• They can be costly: Smart pergolas are expensive without a doubt, which can be a major deciding factor for many people considering them. 

• Options are limited: Smart pergolas are not as customizable as standard pergolas, meaning you might not be able to get the exact vibe you were envisioning for your backyard. 

• Complicated technology: Smart technology is relatively new in the grand scheme of things. Not everyone can pick up the ins and outs of using a fully integrated smart system, so there may be a bit of a learning curve.