The TikTok-Viral DIY Pergola Kit You'll Want To Snag Before Summer

When it comes to products going viral, TikTok is naturally where you'll discover them. The same can be said for TikTok user @d.i.y.bri's viral DIY pergola kit. In the TikTok, the creator demonstrates exactly how to put the DIY pergola kit together in a seemingly seamless step-by-step transition, and the results speak for themselves: an affordable yet stylish pergola backyard upgrade. 

Unlike many viral things, this DIY pergola kit appears to stand the test of time. After plenty of our own research — especially in the form of TikToks showcasing how it handles adverse weather conditions — and many a review read, we came across this particular review on Mirador's website that appears to sum up this pergola kit perfectly: "We've had this for a little over 2 years now and [are] still very happy with the product. We leave the louvers open in the winter and have had ZERO issues with snow accumulating on the top... it'll handle winters just fine." If you live in a part of the world where climate changes throughout the year are holding you back from purchasing a pergola, think again. You may just have your answer.

Although this specific DIY pergola kit was purchased on Amazon, you can find a complete selection of products on the Mirador website. However, for the purpose of this viral DIY pergola kit, we're going to walk you through a few more details — the good and the bad, of course.

It may seem evident, but the primary purpose of any pergola is to offer some level of shade and respite from the sun, creating a cool outdoor space to relax on a hot summer's day. That said, not all pergolas can withstand the colder months of the year, and that's what sets Mirador's 111DA 10" x 13" Pergola in Charcoal apart. Aside from the reviews singing its praises, it's proven through aluminum as its primary material — complete with a double-layer aluminum louver — that it is considered weatherproof and, therefore, able to withstand the elements. In addition, the pergola offers an option to open or close the louvered roof, allowing you to enjoy as little or as much sun as you like.

Aesthetically speaking, it's a minimalist number that could easily complement an array of backyard designs — while claiming to be "easy to assemble." However, some customers have expressed that it's a "high-quality pergola [with] low-quality hardware" and that they "got tripped up on some of the directions." So, it's worth gathering an extra pair of hands if you feel overwhelmed at the thought of DIYing your pergola alone.

The obvious downfall of the viral DIY pergola kit is the price tag, sitting at a fairly hefty $2,699. While considerably more cost-effective than building one from scratch — or hiring someone else to do it for you, it's a large sum of money to drop on a DIY project. So naturally, we're here with an alternative for you. This free-standing pergola kit from Zen Pergolas starts at $1,599, although despite the lower price point, it also comes in a smaller size. However, it might fit into your backyard just right and save you a dollar or two. And if you're keen to spruce up the whole area, consider adding some shrubs to your super sunny spots around the pergola.

On the flip side, if you're looking to go all-out on your backyard and want to splash the cash, consider the Sombrero Pergola Kit from Pergola Depot, coming in at a whopping $6,445 — with all the bells and whistles you could ask for. However, no matter which DIY pergola kit you use, remember to measure your backyard and consider how that specific pergola will look in your space to avoid disappointment. It's a worthy investment, so be 100% sure to weigh all the pros and cons before proceeding.