Backyard Expressions 12 x 9 Metal Flat Top Pergola with Adjustable Grey Sling Top

Instructions could be a lil more clearer, but if you mechanically inclined you should be able to comprehend. But its definitely sturdy

There was ine minor part missing but I am so happy with this product . It was easy to assemble and looks amazing on our patio.

At first it looked overwhelming with all of the pieces and screws, but as we got started with the assembly, it started to come together. You really need at least 2 people and a ladder but the time spent (3 hours) and the end result was worth it. ✨I’m loving the shade from my pergola sitting outside in style. 😉

I don't think this can withstand a 5mph wind.3 of the 4 support brackets for the middle of the legs needed to be adjusted to either fit in place (bent out) or to catch the screw (bent in). And the legs are not straight. While setting up the pergola even with the support arms (45 degree pieces) in place and using two people the whole system bent. One of the support screws for a support arm just popped out of place.The "base plates" are almost worthless. While they do have holes for the pegs to "hold it in the ground" they don't actually give the structure any support and it still wants to fall over. The "pegs" to hold it into the ground are just little metal sticks that have no weight or friction in the ground, they are weaker than the spikes I used for the weed barrier in my garden.Even using two people and tying the structure to posts, and other items, while holding it up upright, it bent and folded in on it self. I would suggest to not buy. Even the screws are so weak they bend when the structure folded in on it self

Perfect for over my grill area

This pergola is pretty good for a 130 pound box of parts delivered to my door.The parts and pieces are sturdy enough for their intended purpose.We are in the process of decorating and landscaping our backyard and this is an affordable way to add another luxury element.It is somewhat tedious to assemble.It can be done without too much trouble with 2 people, 3 people would be very much easier, and 4 people would be a breeze.At least 1 ladder and a step ladder should be implemented.The paint is easy to scuff, so take care when laying out and aligning parts.Make sure that the four corners are square and all four elevations are as close to equal as possible. This will make the pergola look its best and ease in installation.I pre assembled the four sides of the roof to help find the corners in order to mark out exactly where the corner posts would sit. This made it easier to find elevations and level the ground.I did not like the ratio of bolt head to opening on some of the connection points so I used some washers in those areas.The decorative escutcheons do not fully cover the bolt heads as they were meant to.All decorative pieces are made of plastic, while the rest of the structure is made of fairly sturdy steel. *Discoloration from the sun will occur more quickly in the plastic, causing a mismatch of color over time.The connections in the middle of the roof slats were difficult for me to bolt to where they were perfectly aligned.I know it sounds like I just laid down a lot of negatives but it looks pretty good and didn’t cost an arm and a leg, so I like it.Luxury item on a budget.

I love this pergola so much! After buying a new gazebo tent every year for the past 3 years I'm grateful for this sturdy metal frame!It's not only the perfect ambiance but also a great piece of privacy! I can enjoy my outdoor space without being watched.Was easy to assemble and much quicker with 2 people! Great backyard addition.

Hints.No one in their right mind should DREAM of using the included hex tool to install this.Pay close attention to orientation of bolts and inside holes. The pictures show proper positioning, but you really have to study and squint. I assembled a few things backwards. BEFORE you start, go buy lock washers for the M6 bolts. The wind will jiggle the bolts loose over time.The U brackets that hold together the short sides need to be positioned with the screw hole facing upwards. The manual mentioned something outwards and I didn’t know what it meant. When I was installing the top slats, I figured it out. Grrr…. It would have been so easy for them to just drill another hole so instruction wouldn't be needed.Highly suggested to screw in and remove bigger bolts so they will go in easier when you are up on the ladder with pieces positioned.I actually assembled this alone. It wasn’t easy. They suggest 3-4 people. I used straps and tent stakes to hold up the posts so I could get on a ladder and place the cross bars.The long cross bars mount onto the short crossbars. I found it easier to mount the short crossbars on 2 posts for either side, and then place the long cross bars into the notch on the short ones. If you do this, be careful not to deform the notch with a driver that is too tight when you screw the bar into the post.I also suggest waiting until the end to install the frilly plastic end pieces. They kept falling out as I assembled. i ALSO suggest drilling a small hole in them to vent air. I had a couple pop off when the heat heated up the air inside them and turned them into mini rockets.For the most part the kit is good, though there are numerous dents and nicks. Luckily, it didn't look as ugly as the picture did. There are a few extra screws, which is good. There is a lot of loose metal from the holes punched in at the factory, so shake well. I got a big wind and it loosened bolts and started coming apart. The stakes provided are absolutely ridiculous. Go out and get some sandbags to attach to the legs, or get some heavy duty stakes and some parachute cord.... and get some safety pins or something because the company didn't thing to do something REAL SIMPLE like sew on a velcro strap to keep the bar from slipping out of the fabric sleeve from the wind. See first image.