Is it cheaper to build a pergola or buy one?

The cheapest option is to build a pergola yourself. However, you’ll need the tools and know-how. The next cheapest option is buying a kit and building the pergola yourself. This is slightly easier because all of the materials, hardware, and directions come in the kit. The most expensive option is to hire a contractor to build a custom pergola.

Do pergolas add value to a home?

Yes, adding a pergola to your home can increase its value. Outdoor living has become more popular with homeowners. Because of this, buyers are looking for houses that already have an outdoor space that’s ready to use. Having a pergola and patio or deck increases the desirability of your home.

What happens if you don't anchor a pergola?

Despite pergolas being large and constructed out of heavy materials, they need to be anchored into the ground. You risk your pergola moving, shifting, sinking, or even flying away if you fail to do this. The wind is surprisingly strong and, if moving fast enough, can pick up a pergola and move it. This is especially true if you have a fabric shade over the top because this acts as a sail.

Pergola Ideas for Your Backyard

You love having an outdoor kitchen or sitting area on your backyard patio or deck. The only problem is the lack of shade. You would enjoy your outdoor living space a lot more if it weren’t so darn hot. Adding an outdoor structure like a pergola can provide you with much-needed relief from the sun. You may not realize that pergolas come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, styles, and materials. Choosing the right pergola for your backyard will depend on your budget, space available, and desired style.

These pergola ideas will help you add some much-needed shade to your outdoor area.

1. Maximize Space with an Attached Pergola

You don’t have to have a freestanding pergola. An attached pergola gets built off of the side of your house. You could have a wooden pergola constructed to extend from the roof of the house outward o cover your patio.

Patio with a wooden pergola, table with chairs, a green umbrella, and a white chair on a concrete area in a backyard — Source: @3leavesllc via Instagram

Modern patio with pergola, large glass doors, and white walls, gray tiled floor and clear sky visible through wooden beams

Outdoor patio with a wooden pergola, built-in grill, and stone tiles under a clear blue sky with lush greenery surrounding the area

Modern patio with wooden pergola, seating area, and dining table, lawn and trees in the background, connected to a white house

This is a great solution if you want seamless protection from your house to your outdoor living space. This style also works better when you have limited space and need a uniquely shaped pergola. Instead of a square, you could have a long rectangle shape that extends the length of your house.

2. Enhance Protection with Pergola Cover

A traditional patio does not have complete overhead protection. There are long beams that provide some sun blocking, but not completely. It also won’t protect you from rain or falling debris. If you want more protection, you need an additional patio cover.

Outdoor patio with cushioned chairs, brick flooring, and black pergola overlooking pool, lush garden, and tall trees in the background — Source: @megbehrensdesign via Instagram

A cozy outdoor seating area with a wooden pergola, gray couch, and potted plants on a sunny day — Source: @nesting_in_grey via Instagram

A cozy backyard with a hammock chair on a wooden deck, under a pergola with a fabric canopy, surrounded by lush greenery and plants — Source: @sodel.design via Instagram

Outdoor patio with wooden pergola, dining table, chairs, and a small kitchen area. Green lawn and trees are visible in the background

Modern patio with wooden pergola, outdoor seating, and warm lighting, adjacent to a contemporary house at dusk

Outdoor patio with a wooden pergola covering a dining area with tables and chairs, adjacent to a grassy yard and modern house

A cozy outdoor patio with a wooden pergola, wicker furniture, cushions, potted plants, and ambient lighting in a lush garden setting

A popular pergola design idea is to use large strips of fabric that get woven through the roof. This blocks more light but won’t fully protect you from the sun. Another option is a mechanical roof. The beams are all interconnected so that you can move them either manually or have a motor connected to them. The beams then rotate to partially or fully cover the roof.

3. Upgrade Your Deck With a Pergola

If you already have a deck attached to the backside of your house, then adding a pergola to it can make the outdoor space more enjoyable. What’s nice about pergolas is that you can buy them in different sizes. So you can add a pergola roof to small spaces.

A wooden pergola on a deck with steps, surrounded by a grassy yard, a potted tree, and a table beneath the pergola — Source: @arttmfg via Instagram

A wooden deck with a pergola, table, and chairs, attached to a blue house; grass and a wooden privacy fence complete the outdoor space — Source: @mustangjonny84 via Instagram

Sunny wooden deck with a pergola, wicker furniture, and colorful cushions. Trees and a garden surround the space, creating a cozy atmosphere

Spacious wooden deck with a pergola, surrounded by lush green trees and a vibrant backyard garden under a clear blue sky

When adding a pergola to your deck, consider building it onto the existing deck. This integrates the design and helps everything to look cohesive. You can upgrade the design by adding lighting. You can have lighting around the lower deck area and then add more string lights overhead.

4. Match the Style of Your Pergola to the Style of Your Home

While all pergolas have a basic design of supporting legs and parallel beams overhead, they are a wide variety of pergola styles. When choosing your backyard pergola, consider its style, construction, materials, size, and color. This will ensure you pick the right pergola that complements your home.

Modern house with dark siding, large windows, and a raised deck featuring a pergola, with trees in the background — Source: @premierpatioconcepts via Instagram

Wooden pergola on a stone patio in front of a brick house with large windows, set against a clear blue sky and grassy lawn — Source: @topbarntimberframes via Instagram

Wooden pergola with wicker furniture and soft lighting on a grassy yard, surrounded by a wooden fence under a clear evening sky — Source: @what_shall_we_do_to_number_two via Instagram

A stone pathway with wooden pergolas, surrounded by vibrant red flowers and greenery under a clear blue sky

Wooden pergola structure with vertical beams against a background of lush green trees and a blue sky

Your pergola should look like an extension of your home as if they were built at the same time. Otherwise, it will look like an awkward add-on. You also need to consider the climate you live in and the direction your backyard faces. This will help you choose the right setup for your backyard to provide the right amount of protection to make your backyard comfortable.

5. Ensure Stability and Safety with DIY Pergola Building

Do not try to DIY your pergola unless you have experience with woodworking and building. Depending on where you live, you may need a permit to build your backyard structure. If you build the right support for your pergola, it could sink into the ground and become crooked or completely fall.

Wooden pergola over a patio with pink walls, gray cushioned seating, plants, and two wicker chairs under a clear blue sky — Source: @catrin.stuart via Instagram

Outdoor patio with pallet sofas, colorful cushions, pergola, hanging plants, and a cozy atmosphere; laundry hangs in the background — Source: @rachelsbudgethome via Instagram

Outdoor seating area with pergola, hammock swings, fire pit, and chairs on a gravel patio where sunlight filters through the trees — Source: @redress.the.address via Instagram

You also need the right support for the top to ensure it stays standing during inclement weather. If you don’t have a lot of home improvement experience but still want to build your own pergola, you could buy a kit. They come with everything you need, from precut wood to hardware. Follow the directions and put your pergola together.

6. Create a Vertical Garden Oasis with Your Pergola

Turn your pergola into a living vertical garden. You can encourage a climbing plant to grow up the supports and across the top. Or you could hang potted plants from the pergola to add an accent of color. Put climbing vines in your hanging pots, and you can keep the garden off the ground and only above you.

Wooden pergola in a garden with potted plants underneath, surrounded by mulch and trees in the background on a sunny day

Wooden pergola in a garden with pebbled ground, potted plants, and a terracotta-tiled walkway; stone wall and lush greenery in the background — Source: @greenprojects_algarve via Instagram

Cozy patio with pergola, surrounded by lush plants and flowers; outdoor seating area with cushions and hanging flower pots — Source: @justjehn via Instagram

A wooden pergola in a garden with lush greenery, a wooden table, and a hanging basket chair in the background — Source: @megacoopercontracting via Instagram

A backyard with a wooden pergola, wicker furniture, a stone fountain, a compass wall feature, and a rope-bordered walkway — Source: @newhousenewbeginnings via Instagram

Modern backyard with a wooden pergola, stone pathways, raised planters, and a small fountain, surrounded by gravel and plants — Source: @silverstonelandscaping via Instagram

Patio with potted plants, glass block wall, and a pergola. View of a lush garden with trees and shrubs in the background

Wooden pergola with pink flowering vines against a white wall and blue sky backdrop, gravel ground below

Wooden pergola with trellis sides over a curved pathway, surrounded by greenery, with two benches along the path

You don’t need a trellis when you have a pergola because the frame acts as the support. This is why you commonly see grape and lemon vines growing over a pergola. Flowering vines are also popular because it can create a natural cover full of colorful blooms.

7. Transform Your Space with Modern Pergola Aesthetics

Unlike other pergola design ideas, modern pergola plans feature a simple design with straight lines and crisp 90-degree corners. While they could be made from wood, you will also find fiberglass pergolas.

Wooden pergola with black slats over a paved patio with landscaping, white house and wooden fence in the background — Source: @accuratebuilding via Instagram

Wooden pergola with a slatted roof attached to a house, casting shadows on a dirt yard with rocks and shrubs, under a clear blue sky — Source: @couty_design_build via Instagram

Modern outdoor patio with a pergola, sofa, chairs, and a coffee table. Surrounded by greenery and features a stone pathway — Source: @knaakdesigngroup via Instagram

A modern backyard pergola with a gray framework over a tiled patio, surrounded by a black wooden fence and gravel — Source: @our_forever_home_at_no.2 via Instagram

Modern backyard with wooden deck, pergola, seating area, grass lawn, and sun loungers. Surrounded by lush greenery and glass doors

Modern outdoor patio with a metal pergola, red wooden floor, and a wooden swing, featuring white walls and greenery in the background

A modern backyard patio with a pergola, blue cushioned seating, a small table, and lush landscaping under bright sunlight

Outdoor patio with pergola, dining table, barbecue grill, and greenery. Steps lead to a house with a TV and seating area

Modern patio with black and white furniture, wooden decking, potted plants, and a slatted overhead structure casting striped shadows

Wooden pergola with a table and chairs in a park, surrounded by greenery. A bench is nearby on the paved path, clear blue sky above

They will come in more colors and have a simple and clean design that looks beautiful on modern homes. They can update an older home and look good with modern patio furniture. Skip the curtains with this pergola style as they look better with a stamped metal screen.

8. Embrace Elegance with Mediterranean Screen Pergolas

A Mediterranean screen-style pergola is perfect for creating an oasis in your backyard. Unlike other pergola design ideas, these pergolas have a screen built into them. This could be a screen over the top to provide gentle light filtering.

Wooden pergola over a patio with wicker chairs, a fire pit, and a house in the background under a blue sky — Source: @_kim_schneider_ via Instagram

Outdoor patio with a striped couch, curtains, and string lights at dusk; a potted plant and umbrella are visible in the background — Source: @_kim_schneider_ via Instagram

Garden with a wooden pergola, seating area, and a terraced lawn; potted plants and gravel path in the foreground — Source: @justagirlfromtheheath via Instagram

Cozy outdoor patio with wicker seating, fire pit, string lights, and curtains under a pergola, forest backdrop and fenced yard — Source: @shiplapshanty via Instagram

Wooden pergola on a paved patio in a sunlit backyard, surrounded by grass and trees, with a white fence in the background — Source: @theamishcraftbarn via Instagram

There could also be a screen on one or more of the sides. Look through pergola designs to find one that complements your home’s style. It could have large statement columns or screens made of metal. A lattice style of screen is perfect for growing a vine plant to create a living wall.

9. Transform Poolside Space with a Pergola

If you already have a pool in your backyard, adding a pergola is the perfect addition. It will provide you with a much-needed escape from the sun. You can outfit your pergola with home decor-inspired elements. This creates an indoor feel to your outdoor space. Add an outdoor sofa, area rug, and lighting.

Outdoor wooden pergola with cushioned seating and a coffee table beside a pool, white wall and trees in the background — Source: @andalucia.arteenmadera via Instagram

Backyard pool and spa with illuminated pergola, surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery at dusk — Source: @stonecorejax via Instagram

Lounge chairs and umbrellas by an infinity pool overlooking a beach and ocean, surrounded by tropical plants and a wooden pergola — Source: @stonecorejax via Instagram

Patio with a wooden pergola, four lounge chairs, and surrounding greenery. Stone steps lead up to the seating area

A sunken dining area with wooden furniture sits surrounded by a pool and lush tropical plants under a wooden pergola

A few throw pillows will create plenty of cushion. A chaise lounge or lounger chair is perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day. Curtains are also nice because they can block the sun as it moves across the sky from morning to evening.

10. Add Curtains and Screens to Your Pergola

Once you build your backyard pergola, you’ll want to spend more time outside. This can lead to a new problem, a lack of privacy. You don’t want your neighbors inviting themselves over every time you try to enjoy some outdoor dining. Instead of just having a pergola frame, you can mount curtains.

Cozy patio with wooden decking, pergola, outdoor sofa, bench, chairs, round rug, plants, and string lights — Source: @christinanygard via Instagram

Outdoor pergola with a wooden table, six black chairs, and hanging plants, surrounded by a gravel area and planters under a clear blue sky — Source: @tellesabelle via Instagram

A garden pergola with green lattice panels, hanging flowers, and potted plants, accompanied by a chair and table set on the wooden deck

This transforms your structure into a white pergola with billowing white curtains flowing all around. Having multiple curtains allows for plenty of airflow while also creating privacy. If you’re looking for more privacy, you could turn your pergola into a more solid structure with screens or even glass doors.

See more backyard privacy ideas here.

11. Generate an Outdoor Ingenuity With a Rustic Wooden Pergola

A sleek and modern pergola won’t make sense if you have an old house. Your pergola should blend in with the rest of your home’s style and architecture. Take a lesson from southern living trends and build a wood pergola.

Outdoor patio with a wooden pergola, dining table, chairs, and colorful flowers in planters surrounded by lush green grass and trees — Source: @touchofeleganceinteriors via Instagram

Wooden pergola over metal picnic tables, with a trash bin nearby, surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky

Backyard with a wooden pergola over patio furniture, pink table and chairs, grill, and a lawn, beside a gray house with white trim

Outdoor cabana with white curtains, wooden seating, and a table on a wooden deck, surrounded by palm trees and greenery

Outdoor patio with a wooden pergola, cushioned seating, and potted plants, set in a garden with trees and a pathway

A stone picnic table and benches under a pergola with greenery around, set on a stone patio against a clear blue sky

A picnic table under a pergola casts grid-like shadows on the ground, with greenery and a fence in the background

Outdoor patio with wooden tables and chairs under a pergola, surrounded by plants, next to a building with blue framed doors

This traditional building material looks good with a wide variety of home designs and can be cut or carved to mimic the details of your home. You could have a rustic pergola that looks hand-built or an ornate pergola with intricate carving details throughout.

12. Transform Small Space with Pergola Kits and Canopies

Pergolas are typically large, permanent structures that cover your entire patio. If you don’t have the budget for this type of investment, there are smaller options. The first is to buy a vinyl pergola kit. They come in a range of sizes to fit your backyard space and budget.

Wooden deck and pergola frame attached to a white house, with greenery on the left side — Source: @baylinecarpentry via Instagram

Cozy outdoor patio with a hammock chair, string lights, cushioned seats, and lush greenery under a wooden pergola — Source: @creativityjinks via Instagram

Outdoor patio with a white round table, wooden chairs, a pergola overhead, and lush greenery surrounding the area

The other option is to put up a canopy; these temporary structures typically have a metal frame and a canvas or other fabric covering. They come in smaller sizes, making them perfect for micro patios. These small patio pergolas limit the number of people you can fit under them, limiting the size of the entertaining you do.

13. Add Swings and Hammocks to Your Pergola

Give yourself a place to sit back and gently sway as you enjoy a cool afternoon refreshment. Instead of having a porch swing, you can hang one from your pergola. If your pergola is large enough, you could hang two that face each other.

White wooden pergola with a swing seat in a garden, surrounded by greenery and a clear blue sky in the background — Source: @3leavesllc via Instagram

Wooden pergola with a hanging swing seat in a grassy yard, trees in the background — Source: @moorewoodcrafting via Instagram

Wooden outdoor gazebo with a cushioned daybed, colorful pillows, and a stone wall backdrop, surrounded by lush greenery

Wooden garden swing with a canopy surrounded by lush greenery, trees, and shrubs under a partly cloudy sky

Each swing should be large enough to seat more than one person for them to be functional. If wooden porch swings aren’t your style, take a tropical or bohemian approach with a macrame hanging chair or hammocks. They’ll cradle your body and are perfect for a more organic feel to your pergola seating.