When 10×13 is enough
A 10×13-ish footprint often works well for a dining table or a single lounge/conversation zone while keeping the structure compact.
When 10×20 earns the extra cost
A 10×20 footprint makes more sense when you need two functional zones—such as dining plus lounge, or outdoor kitchen plus dining—or when your furniture layout simply cannot breathe in a smaller footprint.
Measure posts, not just roof area
Compare actual exterior dimensions and post locations from each manufacturer. Combined-module 10×20 configurations may have more posts or separate powered sections.
The cost effect
Moving to 10×20 can increase both product and installation cost substantially. Buy the larger size because the layout needs it, not because the nominal square footage sounds better.
Answer eight questions and build your pergola buying profile.