California Soft Top Pergola
California Soft Top Pergola
California Soft Top Pergola
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Bring West Coast-inspired style to your backyard with the California Soft Top Pergola, a pergola built around premium craftsmanship and a manually adjustable canopy. Part of our Custom Pergola Program, the California is constructed from 100% corrosion- and rust-free aluminum with stainless steel hardware, so it holds its finish in any climate with zero maintenance. Signature 6"x6" posts with an innovative "H" design deliver structural stability that lighter aluminum pergolas cannot match. Choose from four pre-designed sizes or build a fully customized configuration tailored to your outdoor space.
Customizable Soft Top Pergola
Made to order in 10 Weeks
Adjustable Canopy
Description
Description
Meet the California, a made-to-order soft top pergola engineered for presence and built for longevity. Heavy-gauge aluminum construction runs 3X heavier than our Modena and Florence models, which is what allows the 6"x6" posts and the "H" post design to carry a larger footprint without visual bulk. Stainless steel hardware pairs with the aluminum frame so no part of the structure rusts or corrodes over time. Every California Pergola is hand-cut by skilled craftsmen in the USA, and the finish reflects that attention.
The manually adjustable pergola puts sun and shade under your control through the day. Open the canopy fully for direct light over a morning coffee, draw it closed for shade over an outdoor dining table at midday, or set it anywhere in between. The canopy is woven from high-grade, thick polyester that reads as luxurious rather than utilitarian, which matters on a structure this size.
Features
Features
Engineered for scale and refinement, the California delivers on every detail.
- Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Frame: 3X heavier than our Modena and Florence pergolas for a substantial, stable structure.
- 6"x6" Posts with "H" Design: The innovative post profile provides structural integrity across longer spans.
- Adjustable Pergola Canopy: Manually open or close the canopy to set your own balance of sun and shade.
- Premium Fabric Cover: High-grade, thick polyester in a heavy duty weave combines weather protection with a refined finish.
- Corrosion and Rust Free: 100% aluminum construction paired with stainless steel hardware for any climate.
- Hand-Cut in Illinois: Each structure is cut to order by skilled craftsmen rather than mass produced.
- Zero Maintenance Design: No sanding, sealing, or staining, unlike a wood pergola of the same size.
- Four Pre-Designed Sizes: 16' x 16', 12' x 24', 14' x 20', and 16' x 24', plus fully custom dimensions.
- Made to Order: Built to your configuration and shipped in approximately 10 weeks.
- Warranty: 5-Year Limited Warranty on Structure, 2-Year Limited Warranty on Roof
With its scale, high quality materials, and clean lines, the California becomes the architectural anchor of your outdoor living space.
Warranty
Warranty
Warranty covers damage due to manufacturing defects only for a period of 5 years on the frame and 2 years on the canopy from date of purchase. Warranty does not cover weather inflicted damage and/or damages causes caused by not following assembly instructions and adhering to warnings in manual. Warranty does not cover user error, negligence, or misuse.
Assembly
Assembly
- Ready to assemble kit
- All hardware and components included
- Dedicated Customer Experience Team to help with any assembly questions
Assembly Features
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Ready to assemble kit
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All hardware and components included
-
Dedicated Customer Experience Team to help with any assembly questions
Preparing For Installation
Prior to installation there are a few things you can do to help make the assembly process easier.
1. Review the Manual
Read through the step-by-step illustrated instruction manual prior to installation. When the product arrives, you can find the Instructions in the box or you can download a copy on the product page or by visiting our Help Center.
2. Check Inventory
To save time and prevent issues, please check your inventory before beginning assembly. If you’re using a professional installer, reviewing the parts beforehand will help avoid delays. Should anything be missing, contact our Customer Experience Team right away.
3. Contact Customer Support
If you have any questions along the way, reach out to our Customer Experience Team at 877-782-4482! They are here to help.
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California Soft Top Pergola
Custom Pergola
Why Homeowners Choose the California
Make it Your Own
Love the California Pergola but want to make it your own? With our configurator, you can easily adjust dimensions, number of beams and choose your canopy color to create a pergola that’s uniquely yours.
Choose Your Canopy Color
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Dove White
Light, open, and airy.
The Dove White canopy is the brighter of the two neutrals, lifting the space beneath the charcoal gray frame and keeping the structure from reading heavy over a large footprint. Best for:
- Patios that sit in partial shade or face north
- Light stone, travertine, and pale concrete surfaces
- White, cream, or pastel outdoor furniture
- Coastal, transitional, and Mediterranean style homes
This canopy creates a bright, open backyard retreat that keeps a 16' x 24' structure feeling light rather than imposing.
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Sterling Silver
Deep, grounded, and architectural.
The Sterling Silver canopy is the deeper neutral, sitting closer in tone to the charcoal gray frame so the pergola reads as one considered piece rather than a frame with a cover on top. Best for:
- Open patios with full sun exposure
- Concrete, porcelain, and slate surfaces
- Gray, charcoal, or black outdoor furniture
- Contemporary and minimalist style homes
This canopy delivers a refined architectural look that lets the 6"x6" posts and clean lines carry the design.
Pergolas Comparison
Warranty
11' x 16'
12' x 16'
12' x 20'
Structure Colors
Canopy Colors
Amount of Beams
Materials
Main Structure:
Aluminum
Connecting Parts / Hardware:
Galvanized Steel
Main Structure:
Aluminum
Connecting Parts / Hardware:
Galvanized Steel
Main Structure:
Aluminum
Connecting Parts / Hardware:
Stainless Steel & Aluminum
Post Cross Section
Post Dimensions
Post Dimensions
Post Dimensions
Beam Cross Section
Beam Weight/ Linear Foot
Beam Weight/ Linear Foot
Beam Weight/ Linear Foot
Need help choosing?
Warranty
Structure: 3 Years Canopy: 2 Years
Structure: 3 Years Canopy: 2 Years
Structure: 3 Years Canopy: 2 Years
Height
Customizable
Available sizes
11' x 16'
12' x 16'
12' x 20'
Customizable
Structure Colors
Canopy Colors
Amount of Beams
Materials
Main Structure:
Connect Parts/Hardware:
Aluminum
Post Cross Section
Post Weight/
Linear Foot
Post Weight/
Linear Foot
Post Weight/
Linear Foot
Beam Cross Section
Post Weight/
Linear Foot
Post Weight/
Linear Foot
Post Weight/
Linear Foot
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes is the California Pergola available in?
The California comes in four pre-designed sizes: 16' x 16', 12' x 24', 14' x 20', and 16' x 24'. The 14' x 20' measures 9'10"H x 20'L x 14'W externally with 8'10"H x 19'L x 11'8"W internally, using four posts and thirteen beams. If none of the four fits, you can set your own dimensions through the configurator.
How does the California differ from Paragon's other pergolas?
The California is part of our Custom Pergola Program, built from one of the most requested sizes and pre-configured for easier shopping. Custom pergolas use heavy-gauge aluminum 3X heavier than the Modena or Florence, with 6"x6" posts and the "H" post design that gives the structure its stability across longer spans. Our comparison chart puts every model side by side if you are still deciding.
What if I want to change something about this pergola?
You can. The configurator lets you adjust dimensions, number of beams, structure color, and canopy color to build a version that suits your outdoor space exactly.
Is this a covered pergola or an open pergola?
The California is a covered pergola with an adjustable soft top. Draw the canopy closed and it functions as an aluminum patio cover with shade and weather protection. Open it and you have an open pergola with beams overhead and full sky above. Our guide to louvered versus retractable pergola tops covers the difference in more detail.
Do I need a building permit for a pergola?
Requirements vary by municipality, so check with your local building department before you order. Permit type often depends on square foot coverage, whether the structure attaches to an existing structure, and how it is anchored. Many homeowners find a freestanding pergola faces fewer requirements than a permanent covered patio addition, but the only reliable answer is your local code. Our pergola installation guide walks through what to sort out before delivery.
What is the warranty on the California?
The California carries a 5-Year Limited Warranty on the structure and a 2-Year Limited Warranty on the roof. Warranty covers manufacturing defects. Register your structure through our warranty page to activate coverage.
How long does the California take to arrive?
Each California is made to order and ships in approximately 10 weeks. Every structure is hand-cut by our craftsmen in Illinois rather than pulled from a shelf.
Does the California require regular maintenance?
No. Aluminum pergolas do not rust, rot, or splinter, and the California adds stainless steel hardware throughout. A rinse with water or mild soap is all it asks, which is the practical difference between this and a wood patio cover.
Is the canopy waterproof?
The polyester canopy is built for shade and light weather conditions rather than sustained downpours. In heavy rain or high wind, retract the canopy to prevent water pooling and keep the structure clear.
How does a soft top compare to a louvered pergola?
A soft top gives you a fabric pergola cover that opens and closes for adjustable shade. A louvered pergola gives you a solid roof when the louvered system is closed, which suits climates with frequent rain. Both use the same aluminum construction and low-maintenance finish, and our pergola price guide breaks down what separates the tiers.
Can the California work as a covered outdoor room?
Yes. At 16' x 24' the California covers enough square footage to function as a California room in spirit, with a defined roof over a full seating and dining arrangement. Pair it with furniture and pergola lighting and the patio reads as an extension of the house.