What Are the Disadvantages of a Pergola?

Pergolas are a beautiful way to elevate any outdoor space—but before you build one, it’s important to understand what they’re truly designed for—and what they’re not.

One thing to note right away: the term “pergola” can mean different things depending on the design. Some pergolas are purely decorative, while others are intended to provide functional shade or limited shelter. Because of this wide range, the potential disadvantages of a pergola really come down to the type of pergola you’re considering.

1. Limited Protection with Traditional Pergolas

Traditional pergolas often feature thin wooden slats spaced across the top, offering partial shade but little to no protection from harsh sunlight, rain, or snow. These types of pergolas look great and can add architectural interest to a yard or patio—but they are best for aesthetic purposes, not functional coverage.

Disadvantage: Minimal protection. You’ll still get wet during rainstorms, and the sun can shine directly through at certain times of day.

If you're considering building a traditional pergola, start with our Pergola Bracket Kits for a sturdy, modular foundation.

2. Shade Sails Offer Heat Relief—But Not Weatherproofing

To enhance comfort, many pergola owners install shade sails over the top of their structure. These sails can significantly reduce exposure to sunlight and heat, making your outdoor space more usable during the summer months.

Disadvantage: While shade sails help with the sun, they still offer little to no protection against rain or snow. Most aren’t waterproof, and moisture will either seep through or pool awkwardly.

For additional shade and visual appeal, check out our Shade Sail Pergola Brackets designed to work seamlessly with your pergola structure.

3. Roofed Pergolas Offer Shelter—With Limitations

Some pergolas take it a step further by incorporating a solid roof made of metal, polycarbonate, or shingles. These structures do a good job of blocking the sun and keeping the area dry during light rainfall.

Disadvantage: While more functional, most pergola roofs have minimal slope and are not optimized for effective water runoff. This can cause issues with standing water or snow accumulation in colder climates.

Need to improve roof support? Add Joist Hangers or Gusset Brackets to increase strength and stability.

Need Real Shelter? Consider a Lean-To Instead

If you’re planning an outdoor kitchen, hot tub area, or covered patio that needs real, year-round protection from the elements, a lean-to shelter may be the better option.

Bjorn Woodworks Lean-To Shelter Kits are designed with both form and function in mind. These kits feature a clean, modern profile and a built-in taper that encourages proper runoff during rain or snow. Unlike flat-roof pergolas, the slope of a lean-to allows snow to slide off naturally and keeps the area beneath well-protected from sun, wind, and precipitation.

Final Thoughts

Pergolas are a great addition to any backyard, but they aren’t always the right solution when full protection is the goal. Whether you’re hosting guests, housing outdoor appliances, or just looking for peace of mind in any weather, a Bjorn Woodworks Lean-To Kit might be exactly what you need.