250th Anniversary, July 4th Sale
Memorial Day Backyard Upgrade Guide: Is Memorial Day the Best Time to Buy a Pergola?
There’s something about Memorial Day weekend that makes summer feel official.
The grill comes out. Friends stay longer. Backyard dinners turn into late-night conversations, and suddenly everyone wants to spend more time outdoors.
For many homeowners, Memorial Day also marks the moment when the backyard stops feeling like “extra space” and starts becoming part of everyday living.
That’s exactly why Memorial Day has become one of the biggest shopping periods for outdoor upgrades — from grills and patio furniture to full outdoor living renovations.
And if you’ve been considering a pergola, you may be wondering:
Is Memorial Day actually the best time to buy a pergola?
In many cases, the answer is yes.
Beyond seasonal promotions, Memorial Day arrives at the perfect moment to maximize summer enjoyment, improve backyard functionality, and invest in an outdoor space you’ll actually use for years to come.
In this guide, we’ll explore why Memorial Day is one of the smartest times to upgrade your backyard, compare pergolas with other shade options, break down long-term value, and share practical ideas for creating a more functional outdoor living space.
Why Memorial Day Marks the Start of Backyard Season in the U.S.
In the U.S., Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial beginning of summer.
Temperatures begin rising, school breaks approach, and outdoor gatherings quickly become part of weekend routines. Backyard barbecues, pool days, graduation celebrations, and evening dinners outside all become more frequent.
For homeowners, this seasonal shift often sparks a simple realization:
The backyard needs an upgrade.
Whether it’s a lack of shade, an underused patio, or simply wanting a more comfortable outdoor space, Memorial Day tends to be the moment when people finally decide to invest.
That’s also why searches for Memorial Day backyard ideas, patio furniture, grills, and pergola deals Memorial Day shoppers are looking for tend to increase during this period.
Unlike indoor renovations that can wait year-round, outdoor upgrades are highly seasonal.
If you wait until late summer, you may miss the months when you’d enjoy them most.
Why Memorial Day Is One of the Best Times to Buy a Pergola
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to invest in a pergola, Memorial Day often makes the most sense for several reasons.
1. Seasonal Promotions Make Upgrading Easier
One obvious reason homeowners shop during Memorial Day is pricing.
Many brands launch Memorial Day sale outdoor promotions, making premium backyard upgrades more accessible.
For larger purchases like pergolas, timing seasonal promotions strategically can help reduce upfront investment while still getting the features and quality you want.
But pricing is only part of the equation.
The bigger benefit often comes from timing.
2. You Get Maximum Summer Use
A pergola is one of those upgrades that becomes more valuable the more often you use it.
Buying early in the season means you can enjoy your backyard during the months when outdoor living matters most.
Instead of waiting until the hottest part of summer — or worse, fall — you get immediate benefits like:
-
Comfortable outdoor dining
-
Shade during peak afternoon heat
-
Better entertaining space for guests
-
Protection for outdoor furniture
-
A more functional patio for everyday use
Rather than avoiding the backyard because it feels too hot or exposed, a pergola helps transform the space into somewhere you actually want to spend time.
And when summer arrives in full force, that extra comfort matters.
3. You Avoid Peak-Season Delays
Many homeowners wait too long to start backyard projects.
By mid-summer, demand often increases, schedules get busier, and people realize they missed weeks — or even months — of outdoor enjoyment.
Memorial Day gives homeowners a practical head start.
If improving your outdoor space is already on your list this year, starting before peak season simply means you get to enjoy the results sooner.
Pergola vs Umbrella vs DIY Shade Structure: Which One Is Worth It?
When comparing outdoor shade options, most homeowners consider three common solutions:
-
Patio umbrella
-
DIY shade structure
-
Pergola
The right option depends on your goals, budget, and how often you actually plan to use the space.
| Feature | Patio Umbrella | DIY Shade Structure | Aluminum Pergola |
| Upfront Cost | Low | Medium | Higher |
| Lifespan | Short | Moderate | Long |
| Weather Resistance | Limited | Varies | Strong |
| Maintenance | Low | High | Low |
| Shade Coverage | Limited | Moderate | Full |
| Long-Term Appeal | Low | Moderate | High |
Patio Umbrellas
Umbrellas work well for occasional shade and smaller seating areas.
They’re affordable, flexible, and easy to move around.
However, they typically provide limited coverage and may struggle in windy conditions. For larger outdoor spaces or homeowners who entertain frequently, they can feel more temporary than functional.
DIY Shade Structures
DIY pergolas or wood structures often appear cost-effective upfront.
But many homeowners underestimate the true outdoor renovation cost once materials, labor, maintenance, and repairs are considered.
Wood structures may also require sealing, staining, repainting, or replacement over time.
If you enjoy building projects and maintenance, DIY may work.
But for homeowners looking for a lower-maintenance solution, permanent structures often become the better long-term choice.
Aluminum Pergolas
For homeowners wanting a dedicated outdoor living space, pergolas offer a more complete solution.
Modern pergolas have evolved far beyond basic shade structures.
Many now feature:
-
Adjustable louvers for sunlight control
-
Rain protection
-
Integrated lighting
-
Privacy screens
-
Smart controls and automation
Instead of fixed shade all day, adjustable louver systems allow homeowners to control sunlight, airflow, and comfort based on weather conditions.
And for low-maintenance households, powder-coated aluminum pergolas have become increasingly popular because they resist rust, fading, and seasonal wear better than traditional wood.
If your goal is creating a backyard space you’ll use regularly — not just occasionally — a pergola often becomes the more practical long-term investment.
Are Pergolas Worth the Investment?
For many homeowners, the bigger question isn’t just price.
It’s value.
Are pergolas actually worth the investment?
In many cases, yes — especially if your backyard currently feels underused.
The value of a pergola goes beyond appearance.
It changes how a space functions.
A patio that once felt too hot suddenly becomes usable during summer afternoons.
A backyard that sat empty becomes the preferred gathering spot for dinners, birthdays, game nights, or simply relaxing after work.
That usability matters more than people expect.
A Pergola Adds More Than Property Value
You’ve probably asked:
Does a pergola add value to home resale?
Potentially, yes.
Outdoor living spaces continue to matter more to buyers, especially when they feel intentional and functional.
A well-designed pergola can improve:
-
Outdoor usability
-
Backyard aesthetics
-
Entertaining space
-
Perceived home value
-
Buyer appeal
But resale value is only one part of the return.
The Lifestyle ROI Often Matters More
For many homeowners, the real ROI comes from everyday life.
Think about how often you would actually use your backyard if it were more comfortable.
Morning coffee outside.
Family dinners that last longer.
Watching sports outdoors.
Hosting friends without worrying about direct sun or weather.
Sometimes the best home upgrades are simply the ones you enjoy using the most.
And that’s often where pergolas stand out.
Memorial Day Backyard Upgrade Ideas Beyond a Pergola
A pergola works even better when paired with thoughtful outdoor upgrades.
If you’re planning a seasonal refresh, here are a few backyard upgrade ideas worth considering.
1. Create an Outdoor Dining Zone
Adding weather-resistant dining furniture under a pergola instantly creates a more functional entertainment area.
Even simple dinners feel more enjoyable with shade and a defined gathering space.
2. Upgrade Your Grill Area
Memorial Day and grilling naturally go together.
Adding prep space, seating, or overhead shade can make hosting easier and more comfortable during hot afternoons.
3. Add Outdoor Lighting
Lighting can completely change the mood of a backyard.
Integrated LEDs, pendant lighting, or subtle beam lighting make outdoor spaces feel usable long after sunset.
4. Add Privacy Screens
For homes with close neighbors, privacy screens can make outdoor spaces feel quieter and more comfortable.
This works particularly well around pools, patios, and lounge areas.
5. Improve Summer Comfort
Outdoor fans, adjustable louvers, or shade systems help reduce heat exposure and improve comfort during peak temperatures.
The more comfortable the backyard feels, the more often it gets used.
How to Choose the Right Pergola for Your Backyard
If Memorial Day feels like the right time to invest, choosing the right pergola matters.
Here are a few things to consider before buying.
Backyard Size
Your pergola should feel proportional to the space.
Popular sizes often include:
-
10' x 10'
-
10' x 12'
-
12' x 12'
Larger backyards may benefit from oversized entertaining zones, while compact patios often work better with smaller footprints.
Freestanding vs Attached
Do you want the pergola connected to your home, or standing independently in the yard?
Freestanding pergolas work especially well near pools, gardens, or lounge areas.
Attached pergolas help create a more seamless indoor-outdoor transition.
Climate Conditions
Think about your local weather.
If your area experiences strong sun, rain, snow, or changing temperatures, material durability matters.
This is one reason aluminum pergolas have become increasingly popular compared to traditional wood.
Motorized vs Manual Louvers
Adjustable louvers create more flexibility throughout the day.
Motorized systems allow homeowners to adapt shade and ventilation based on changing weather, making outdoor spaces more usable year-round.
Final Thoughts: Why Memorial Day Might Be the Smartest Time to Upgrade Your Backyard
So, what is the best time to buy a pergola?
For many homeowners, Memorial Day makes a strong case.
It aligns perfectly with the beginning of outdoor season, offers opportunities for seasonal savings, and gives you the full summer to actually enjoy the investment.
More importantly, it helps turn an underused backyard into a space designed for everyday living.
Because a great backyard isn’t built around furniture.
It’s built around how you want to spend your time.
If your goal this summer is a cooler, more comfortable, and more functional outdoor space, Memorial Day may be the perfect moment to start.
FAQ
Is Memorial Day a good time to buy a pergola?
Yes. Memorial Day is often one of the best times to buy a pergola because many outdoor brands offer seasonal promotions. Buying early also allows homeowners to enjoy the pergola throughout the summer season.
What is the best month to buy a pergola?
Late spring and early summer — especially around Memorial Day — are often ideal because seasonal promotions are common and homeowners can maximize usage during warmer months.
Are pergolas worth the investment?
For many homeowners, yes. Pergolas improve outdoor comfort, usability, and aesthetics while creating a more functional backyard for entertaining and relaxation.
Does a pergola add value to a home?
A pergola can improve perceived home value, outdoor functionality, and buyer appeal, particularly when it enhances how the backyard is used.
What is better: a pergola or patio umbrella?
Patio umbrellas are better for temporary or occasional shade, while pergolas typically offer greater durability, weather resistance, coverage, and long-term value.
How long does an aluminum pergola last?
A high-quality aluminum pergola can last for many years with minimal maintenance thanks to its resistance to rust, fading, and weather-related wear.
Related Posts
How to Decorate Your Patio for Summer: 7 Ideas to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Retreat
Discover the best summer patio decorating ideas to keep your outdoor space cool, stylish, and inviting. From outdoor furniture and plants to louvered pergolas, find inspiration for your perfect backyard oasis.
Learn more
Can Your Patio Support a Pergola? Surface Readiness Guide
Before choosing a pergola, many homeowners start with size, color, roof style, and price. Those details matter, but they should not be the first question. Start with one question:Can your patio support a pergola? A pergola sits on posts, and each posts need a reliable support path. A concrete patio, paver patio, wood deck, grass lawn, gravel area, or existing slab can each require a different installation approach. Some surfaces may be ready for a standard pergola kit with the right anchors and hardware. Others may need additional foundation planning before you buy. This guide helps you understand whether your patio surface is likely ready for a pergola, what warning signs to look for, and when to pause before choosing a standard kit. This is not a construction manual. If you need details about footings, piers, anchors, post bases, frost depth, or deck-integrated foundations, read our foundation guide: How to Build the Perfect Pergola Base Foundation. Quick Answer: Which Patio Surfaces Can Support a Pergola? A patio surface that looks flat is not always ready to support a pergola. Some surfaces are structural. Others are mainly decorative or walkable. The difference matters because pergola posts need more than a finished surface under them. Use this table as a starting point. Patio Surface Surface Readiness Main Concern Best Next Step Concrete patio Usually easier if the slab is suitable Cracks, thickness, drainage, edge distance Check anchor and post base requirements Paver patio Needs review Pavers are usually a surface layer, not the structural base Review foundation options below the pavers Wood or composite deck Needs structural review Deck boards are not the main load path Check deck framing before choosing a kit Grass or soil Needs foundation planning Soil stability, drainage, and support depth Review footings, piers, or approved ground supports Gravel area Needs below-surface support Gravel alone is loose material Confirm what supports the posts below the gravel Existing slab Maybe, after inspection Unknown thickness, cracks, or settlement Inspect before drilling or anchoring This table is not an installation approval. It is a readiness guide. If your surface falls into a “needs review” category, do not rush into product selection. First confirm whether the surface, post layout, and installation requirements can work together. Why Surface Readiness Matters Before Buying a Pergola A pergola is more than a shade feature. Once installed, it becomes an outdoor structure exposed to wind, rain, sun, seasonal temperature changes, and daily use. Your patio surface affects: How the posts are supported Whether anchors, post bases, piers, or footings may be needed Whether the pergola stays aligned over time Whether water can drain away from the posts Whether accessories can be added safely Whether the installation matches manufacturer instructions Whether a standard pergola kit is a good fit for your space This becomes even more important if you plan to add privacy screens, curtains, lighting, fans, heaters, or a motorized louvered roof. Accessories can change how the pergola interacts with wind, weight, power access, and long-term use. In simple terms: the surface under the pergola is part of the buying decision. Concrete Patio: Usually Easier, But Still Needs Checking A concrete patio is often one of the easier surfaces for pergola installation, especially when the slab is sound, stable, and well-drained. Before assuming your concrete patio is ready, check: Are there visible cracks near the post locations? Is the slab uneven or settled? Does water pool where the posts would sit? Are the posts too close to slab edges or joints? Do the base plates and anchors match the pergola kit requirements? Is the slab condition known, or is it older and uncertain? A suitable concrete patio may work well with a surface-mounted pergola. But damaged, thin, poorly drained, or unknown concrete should be reviewed before drilling. What this means for standard pergola kits Concrete patios often pair well with aluminum louvered pergolas and surface-mounted patio pergolas when the slab is suitable. Before choosing a kit, confirm the post spacing, base plate layout, and anchor requirements. If your concrete condition is unclear, use the foundation guide as your next step before buying. Paver Patio: Beautiful Surface, But Not Always Structural Support A paver patio can look strong and permanent, but pavers are usually a finished surface layer. Many paver systems sit over bedding sand and compacted base material. That system may be suitable for walking, furniture, and outdoor living, but it should not automatically be treated as the structural support for a pergola. The common mistake is thinking that large pavers can hold pergola posts by themselves. Over time, pavers can shift, settle, or loosen. For many permanent pergola installations, the support needs to reach below the paver layer. That may mean planning footings or piers at the post locations, then finishing the pavers around the posts or bases. What this means for standard pergola kits A paver patio may still work well for a freestanding pergola kit, but only when the post layout and below-surface support plan make sense. Before buying, check: Where will each post land? Can the pavers be removed or cut at post locations? Is there a plan for support below the paver layer? Does the standard kit’s post spacing match your patio layout? If your pavers move under foot pressure, pause before choosing a kit. Wood or Composite Deck: Check the Framing, Not Just the Boards A pergola can be installed on some decks, but deck boards alone should not be treated as the main support structure. Deck boards are mainly the walking surface. The more important question is whether the framing below the boards can support the pergola posts and the forces acting on them, especially over time and under wind, snow, or moisture exposure. Before considering a deck-mounted pergola, check: Where are the joists and beams? Is there blocking or reinforced support under the planned post locations? Is the deck raised, floating, or attached to the home? How old is the deck? Are there signs of movement, rot, rust, water damage, or repair? Can the pergola be connected to structural framing instead of only to deck boards? Does water pool where the posts would sit? What this means for standard pergola kits Do not choose a pergola based only on deck size. If the framing cannot be confirmed, concrete footings, added structural support, or placing a freestanding pergola near the deck may be safer and more practical than mounting directly on the deck boards. Grass or Soil: Flexible Layout, But Requires a Real Support Plan A backyard lawn can be a great place for a pergola. It gives you flexibility to create a dining area, lounge space, poolside shade zone, or garden retreat. But grass and soil are not a finished structural surface. Pergola posts usually need a support method that reaches stable ground. That may involve: Concrete footings Concrete piers Approved ground screws Engineered ground anchors Another manufacturer-approved support method Soil conditions matter. Wet, soft, recently disturbed, rocky, or poorly drained soil may change the foundation plan. If digging is required, contact 811 or your local utility-locate service before excavation. What this means for standard pergola kits Grass and soil areas often work well with freestanding backyard pergolas when the post layout and support plan are clear. Before buying a kit, confirm the required post spacing and foundation approach. Gravel Area: Good for Drainage, Not Enough by Itself Gravel can help with drainage and create a clean outdoor surface, but loose gravel should not be treated as the structural base for a pergola. A pergola over gravel still needs a reliable load path below the surface. The posts may need to connect to footings, piers, ground screws, or another approved support method that reaches stable ground. Before planning a pergola over gravel, check: How deep is the gravel layer? What is under the gravel? Is the soil stable? Can the post locations align with real support points? Will hardware remain accessible for inspection or maintenance? Will water drain away from the post bases? What this means for standard pergola kits A gravel area may work for a freestanding pergola if the support system extends below the gravel. Do not assume that gravel alone can hold the pergola in place. Existing Slab: Inspect Before Anchoring An existing slab can look like a ready-made base, but older concrete should be inspected before drilling. Check for: Cracks Surface damage Settlement Unknown thickness Poor drainage Edge distance Joint locations Previous repairs Soft or broken areas around the planned post locations If the slab is suitable, a surface-mounted pergola may be possible. If the slab is damaged or uncertain, review the foundation requirements before choosing a standard kit. When to Pause and Request a Patio Fit Check You do not need a perfect patio to consider a pergola. But some surface conditions should make you pause before choosing a standard kit. Request a patio fit check before buying if: Your concrete patio has visible cracks, settlement, or unknown thickness Your pavers shift, move, or sit over sand Your deck is raised, older, floating, or has hidden framing Your soil is wet, soft, recently disturbed, or poorly drained Your gravel area has no known structural support below it Your post locations are close to slab edges, joints, steps, or slopes You plan to add privacy screens, curtains, fans, heaters, lights, or motorized features You need to dig but have not contacted 811 or a local utility-locate service You are unsure whether a standard pergola kit fits your patio layout These conditions do not always mean your project cannot work. They simply mean the installation plan should be reviewed before you buy. For a quick patio fit check, helpful details include: Your patio surface type Approximate patio size Photos of the full installation area Close-up photos of cracks, pavers, slab edges, steps, slopes, or deck framing if visible The pergola size or model you are considering Any planned accessories, such as screens, lights, fans, heaters, or slat walls Whether the area is exposed to strong wind Any known HOA or permit requirements The goal is not to create a custom design. It is to help you understand whether your surface appears compatible with a standard pergola kit, or whether you should review foundation requirements first. Not sure if your patio can support a pergola? Share your surface type and photos for a quick fit check. Check My Patio Fit Before You Move to Product Selection Once you understand your surface condition, you can make a better product decision. Before choosing a standard pergola kit, confirm: Available space Post spacing Base plate layout Installation surface Anchor or foundation requirements Drainage around post locations Planned accessories Local permit or HOA rules Manufacturer installation instructions If the surface is straightforward, you may be ready to compare standard pergola kits. If the surface is complex, your next step should be the foundation guide. Read Next: How to Build the Perfect Pergola Base Foundation FAQs About Patio Surface Readiness Can my patio support a pergola? It depends on the surface and condition. Suitable concrete may support a surface-mounted pergola, while pavers, soil, gravel, and some decks often need additional review or foundation planning. Can you install a pergola on concrete? Yes, if the concrete is suitable for anchoring. Check cracks, drainage, edge distance, and manufacturer hardware requirements before drilling. Can you install a pergola on pavers? Possibly, but pavers alone should not be assumed to support a pergola. A permanent installation often needs support below the paver layer. Can a pergola be installed on a deck? Yes, but only if the deck framing can support it. Pergola posts should not be fastened only to deck boards. Can you put a pergola on grass? Yes, but grass or soil usually needs footings, piers, approved ground screws, or another proper support method. Can you install a pergola on gravel? Possibly, but gravel alone is not structural support. The pergola usually needs support below the gravel layer. Should I check my patio before buying a pergola kit? Yes. Before buying, confirm your surface type, available space, post spacing, base plate layout, drainage, and installation requirements.
Learn more
How to Assemble the Louvre L5 10' x 12' Motorized Pergola: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
Thinking about installing a motorized pergola yourself? The Louvre L5 10x12 is designed for easy DIY assembly, with pre-assembled components, fewer screws, and a beginner-friendly design. Learn how most homeowners can complete installation in just 3–5 hours and start enjoying a more comfortable outdoor living space.
Learn more
