Verdict: Backyard Discovery Sarasota for the ratings, warranty and price. Purple Leaf Athena if you want aluminum that will not rust at a scratch, or a size Backyard Discovery does not make.
Price at about 120 sq ft
$1,999 for the Sarasota 12×10 and $2,499 for the Athena 10×12, checked November 15, 2026.
Material
Athena: aluminum frame and louvers. Sarasota: powder-coated galvanized steel throughout, 530 lb at 12×10.
Ratings and warranty
Sarasota: 100 mph and 2,100 lb of roof load when anchored per the manual, 5-year warranty. Athena: 72 mph on a hard floor, no snow figure, 1 year.
Returns
Backyard Discovery charges a 15% restocking fee; Purple Leaf refunds unopened items within 30 days, return shipping on you.
Side by side
| Criterion | ||
|---|---|---|
| Score | 8.0/10 · Fair | 8.8/10 · Very good |
| Price checked | $2,499 for 10 × 12 ft Nov 15, 2026, kit only | $1,999 for 12 × 10 ft Nov 15, 2026, kit only |
| Price per sq ft | $20.8 | $16.7 |
| Sizes sold | 10×12, 10×14, 11×13, 11×14, 12×12, 12×14, 11×15, 10×16, 12×16, 12×20, 12×24, 14×20, 14×24 | 10×10, 12×10, 14×10, 16×10, 18×10, 20×10 |
| Frame / louvers | Powder-coated aluminum / Aluminum | Powder-coated galvanized steel / Galvanized steel |
| Roof control | Two independent roof zones adjusted with poles, 0–90° | Included wand opens and closes the louvers |
| Mounting | Freestanding | Freestanding |
| Wind (brand) | 72 mph | 100 mph |
| Snow (brand) | Not published | 17.5 psf (our calc.) |
| Warranty | 1 year (Purple Leaf comparison table on the product page) | 5-year warranty |
| Returns | 30-day refund for unopened, unused items; return shipping paid by the buyer | Returns within 30 days of receipt; 15% restocking fee and shipping paid by the buyer |
| Buy | Check price at Purple Leaf | Check price at Backyard Discovery |
Who should pick which
- Purple Leaf Athena: The widest choice of sizes and colors. The catch: A 1-year warranty, no published snow load, and 4–6 people to install.
- Backyard Discovery Sarasota: A 100 mph rating under $2,000, freestanding. The catch: Steel louvers and frame: heavier (530 lb) and a scratch needs touch-up. 15% restocking fee on returns.
Read the full reviews: Purple Leaf Athena review and Backyard Discovery Sarasota review, the Purple Leaf pergola guide, and the full ranking.
Questions buyers ask
Is steel or aluminum better for a louvered pergola?
Aluminum does not rust; steel is heavier and, in these two kits, published with higher ratings. Steel needs touch-up paint if the coating is chipped.
Which one has more sizes?
Purple Leaf: 13 sizes up to 14×24. Sarasota: six sizes from 10×10 to 20×10.
Can either one attach to the house?
Neither. Backyard Discovery sells a wall-mounted sibling, the Evanston.
Written by Laura Benson, updated November 15, 2026. Prices checked November 15, 2026, kit only.