What Is the Best Wood for Pergolas? 7 Options for Your Backyard Oasis

A pergola can offer you a bit of respite from bright, hot sunshine or cool rain showers while also making your backyard space feel more complete. But when you’re considering building a pergola for your deck or patio, how do you know what material is right for the project? Wood is one of the most common options, especially for DIYers. Here are the best woods for a pergola.

1. Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is one of the best woods for outdoor pergolas and other structures, like decks or even siding for your home or garage. Found in the Pacific Northwest, this wood is long-lasting thanks to its natural oils, which help make the material more resistant to rot and insect infestations.

Western Red Cedar has a relatively soft surface that can be vulnerable to scratching or denting, so be careful when building with this wood to not damage it in the process. But on the plus side, it has a beautiful color, even after years of wear. Cedar is also easy to paint or stain and seal if you want a look that’s more unique to you and your home.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the natural oils that make this type of wood so durable against decay and pests can also cause staining when in contact with iron nails. Instead, pergola installers will use adhesive or stainless steel nails when building a wood pergola with cedar.

Best for: Areas with extreme weather

2. Redwood

Similar to Western Red Cedar, redwood is a long-lasting and naturally insect- and rot-resistant type of wood that is great for pergolas. Its natural deep, reddish tone is highly sought after for woodworking projects, including pergolas. Because of its attractive look and high durability, keep in mind that pergola costs will be higher if you opt for redwood.

While worn redwood still looks great and can be stained or painted, regular cleaning and annual sealing are important if you want to keep your redwood looking fresh. Again, a professional installer will have to build the structure using epoxy-coated outdoor screws. Otherwise, the metal screws may interact with the oils in the redwood, which can change the color or cause staining.

While redwood is beautiful for a pergola and less vulnerable to insect damage and rot, one thing to keep in mind is that this type of wood is more difficult to obtain since it comes from a vulnerable and protected species of wood. That means it can be more expensive and less sustainable than other types of wood.

Best for: Humid climates

3. Douglas Fir

Douglas fir trees are native to North America, making them a more budget-friendly wood for pergolas. Because they are widely available, Douglas fir trees also provide a more sustainable option for wood.

Douglas fir wood can come in many tones, including yellow, light brown, or even red that will turn to a more gray color over time. But keep in mind that if you’re hoping to change the look with wood stain or paint, Douglas fir is porous and won’t take finishes as easily as other woods, like cedar.

Douglas fir is fairly lightweight compared to its incredible strength, which makes it great to build with. Just be careful not to scratch or dent this softwood while constructing your pergola, or make sure to hire a pro for an expert’s touch. Once your Douglas fir pergola is installed, seal it as soon as possible. You’ll want to reseal it annually, as this type of wood can be vulnerable to insect damage.

Best for: Dry climates

4. Oak

European green oak is one of the best woods to use for pergolas for many reasons. If you want something that requires very little maintenance, holds up well against moisture and pests, and is incredibly strong, oak is a good choice for your pergola.

This type of wood comes in brighter, light yellow to light brown tones that turn silver over time. Fortunately, you won’t need to constantly finish this wood, either, thanks to its natural rot- and insect-resistant properties.

There are some things to consider before you start building a pergola with oak, though. A wood this easy to maintain and this durable comes at a higher price than some other types of wood, like Douglas fir. 

Especially for beginner DIYers, oak can be challenging to work with. Fresh oak can be prone to cracking, especially when you try using tools on it. It’s also heavy, meaning you should leave constructing an oak pergola to a local pergola contractor to avoid improper installation or injury.

Best for: Humid climates

5. Southern Yellow Pine

When used for pergolas, pine is typically pressure-treated for added durability. This process adds chemical preservatives to make the pine less vulnerable to decay and pest damage. Pressure-treated wood can be a good option for outdoor structures like pergolas, but if you opt for southern yellow pine, note that you won’t be able to paint over the natural yellow- to green-toned wood for at least a few months after construction, as the lumber needs to fully dry out first.

Pressure-treated wood is popular because it comes at a lower price point than some other woods, like cedar, redwood, or tropical hardwoods. This wood is also easy to work with, making it more accessible for DIYers who want to build a pergola for their home.

A pressure-treated pine pergola will require a lot of maintenance, including regular power washing and finishing, to maintain its resistance to pests and moisture. If you live somewhere humid, plan to seal your pergola about once per year to extend the life span of the pressure-treated wood.

Best for: Dry or humid climates

6. Teak

Naturally resistant to moisture and even pests, teak is a tropical hardwood worth considering for a pergola. Teak is durable and less likely to split compared to other pergola wood options, such as pressure-treated pine. Thanks to the high amount of natural oils in teak, it works well in environments with high humidity or a lot of rain.

To keep teak in its prime, you’ll need to oil or reseal it frequently, about once per year. This higher maintenance, in addition to the higher upfront cost of teak, means this is one of the more expensive material options for a pergola.

Part of the reason for its high cost, aside from its highly coveted properties, is that teak takes a long time to mature. It can take about 60 years before the teak can be harvested, so availability for this hardwood may be limited.

Best for: Humid climates

7. Ipe

Ipe is a type of tropical hardwood from trees found in Central and South America. It’s highly durable and naturally insect- and rot-resistant. This wood also has more resistance to fire than many other woods and has earned a Class A fire rating (that doesn’t mean it can’t catch fire, though, so be careful with open flames beneath or around your pergola).

Ipe wood can feature a variety of rich, brown tones that vary from beam to beam, and this wood isn’t easy to paint or stain. If you’re looking for a uniform color, consider a different wood for your pergola. Otherwise, the varying tones of ipe can offer a unique look, perfect for creative pergola ideas.

Some ipe tree species are considered vulnerable to or threatened with extinction, though, and sourcing the wood may require clearing rainforests. Working with a trusted pro can come in handy if you choose ipe wood, as they can help determine if the wood is being sourced responsibly and often have reliable retailers on call.

Editor’s note: Three genera in the ipe family (Handroanthus, Roseodendron, and Tabebuia) have officially been submitted for the CITES Appendices of endangered species. Their inclusion goes into effect in November 2024, after which trade of ipe will be more strictly regulated and prices will likely increase.

Best for: Humid climates