The Biggest Problem With IKEA's Outdoor Pergola (And What You Can Do About It)

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People often love the DIY nature of IKEA products, and the IKEA FÅGELÖN pergola is no exception. While it can add a sun-blocking ability and some nice shade to your backyard, there's one caveat: Some customers have complained that the FÅGELÖN pergola leaks sometimes when it rains. Fear not, as we've got ways to fix this. Just add your own waterproof cover to the top.

There are different kinds of pergolas, and you can debate the water-resistance of aluminum pergolas vs. wood pergolas. Both types, however, can often leak. It's not an unusual issue with pergolas, since while people assume the covers should hold back the rain, many standard pergolas aren't actually waterproof. The FÅGELÖN pergola is made of steel, aluminum, and plastic, but customers complain that the slats on the cover can sometimes leak. While some reviewers say simply tightening a loose screw can fix the problem, others report that even a light rain causes water to pour in. One reviewer, Dawn, even said the rain came in from every single crack and ran down support poles!

This can be a problem if you want to enjoy the patio during a light sprinkle, or if you would rather that your lawn furniture stay dry. Also, leaks might even affect the integrity of the roof of your pergola, potentially shortening its lifespan. If there is a leak, first make sure that a tightened screw or slight adjustment won't fix it. If it still leaks, consider adding a waterproof cover to the top of your pergola.

A waterproof top can come in many forms. The important thing to remember is that the fabric or tarp should be made of waterproof or water resistant material. Always double-check that the cover you choose is made of polyester, vinyl, or polyethylene, which are all fabrics resistant to getting or staying wet. 

A waterproof or water-resistant tarp that fits securely over the roof will help fight leaks and keep your patio dry. You can buy one online, like the YardGrow canopy replacement top, which is a simple fabric cover that sits on top of the pergola. It latches on with Velcro tabs and costs about $40, which could save your $699 IKEA FÅGELÖN investment. If you'd rather opt for a cheaper option, grab a simple waterproof tarp instead that you can secure with zip ties. Just be sure to measure the pergola and the tarp to make sure you've got the right size. There are other creative solutions, too, like using part of an old camping tent. 

Having a dry place to sit under the pergola can help you enjoy a rainy day in the garden. Then, you can spend less time thinking about the rain dripping in, and more time considering the best patio plants for underneath that pergola. You might want to consider adding a few fragrant shade-loving plants, such as heliotrope, lily of the valley, or catmint.