29 Beautiful Pergola Ideas For The Backyard (Design Pictures)
Backyard pergolas are a great choice for those who want to enjoy their outdoor living areas longer throughout the year. Family and friends will enjoy the shelter they provide from the hot sun. The pergola ideas found on this page provide a variety of different design styles, sizes, and layouts to help you find the style you love.
As the homeowner, you will benefit from the increase in resale value they bring to your home. Below, you’ll see designs made from various materials to help you discover the right one to build in your backyard.
As the weather gets warmer and more pleasing for outdoor relaxation and activities, the backyard/garden becomes more frequently visited. Adding this fixture to your patio design will not only improve the look of the area but can also provide a great spot for lounging or dining outdoors. It helps add more personality to your outdoor space and creates a great focal point that can blend into the outdoor environment.
People are often confused about the difference between pergolas and gazebos and often interchange the two different terms. Gazebos are typically round or octagonal and have a complete roof structure, while pergolas are typically square or rectangular in shape and have no permanent roof covering.
Gazebos sometimes also come with side covers/screens or even low walls to provide privacy and protection from insects, while pergolas simply stand on posts and have open sides. In choosing between these two, it is important to know your needs, budget, and available space to determine which is the best for you.
Types of Pergola Designs
Those who want to add this fixture to their garden or yard would be pleased to know that they can choose from many types and styles to match their budget and style preferences. Below, we have listed different types to help you see the options needed for your requirements.
Pergola Kits – These are ready-to-assemble kits that come in a variety of materials and styles. They can be free-standing or even attached. This type is perfect for those who love DIY or those who don’t have anyone to design the pergolas for them. You can easily choose from the wide design selection & assemble the kit as it comes with complete materials. Since these are pre-fabricated, however, they can be quite expensive and you will also be limited to the sizes and designs they have available.
Wood – Wood has a very natural look that easily matches the outdoors. Whether freshly painted or somehow rustic-looking, it can give different looks that would match your requirements. Wood is easily sourced & easy to work with, so it is not difficult to find a professional to build your design. Depending on the type of wood used, it can be pretty affordable as well.
Wood is also the best choice if your location is at the beach as it is more resistant to salt & sand than metal. It is important to note, however, that wood has some limitations as it is a natural material.
Wood comes in limited span size, prone to cracks and warping. Also, it might need special treatment in order to prevent decay. Cedar wood is a popular choice as it is very light weight, however, it costs more than pressure-treated wood. It is therefore important to choose the right type of wood depending on your requirements and its application.
Metal/Steel – Compared to the other types, metal pergolas are more weather-resistant and are the easiest to maintain. There are also many colors and finishes you can choose from to match the design you have in mind. However, metal designs are generally more expensive and can be prone to heat expansion, depending on the type of metal you use.
Aluminum is a popular metal of choice as it is very lightweight. Compared to wood, it is definitely more expensive, but it does compensate as it has a lower labor cost and they are easier to build.
Patio Pergola – These are basically pergolas that are connected/attached directly to the main structure or house. This type may or may not be part of the original architectural design, but is usually an “extension” from the wall or roofing.
This type is perfect if you have a very limited space, as it simply connects with the main structure. However, because it is connected to the architectural structure, you will somehow be limited to the design and material choice.
Pergola Over Deck – These are usually freestanding types that are part of a backyard deck design. They are built primarily to provide shade, become a gathering area, or act as an outdoor dining space. A pergola on a deck can be custom-made to your exact specifications or constructed from a kit over an existing deck.
Covered Pergola – The name speaks for itself: it with a covering on top to add a shield from the sun and other environmental elements. This type is especially ideal if you’re placing furniture pieces under the covered fixture as this helps with the upkeep of the outdoor furniture pieces and will also keep the elements away when you relax in the area.
The only issue with this type would be the additional maintenance you would need to keep the cover clean & intact (which would vary depending on the type of covering you use), especially during storms or windy weather conditions.
Luxury Mediterranean-Inspired
This is another great example of a combination of classic design elements with modern materials. To match the Mediterranean-inspired look of the architecture, the design was made to stand on classic columns. However, instead of using solid stone or concrete, it uses a metal column which was molded into the shape of a classic order column and fixed on the masonry-clad counter. The top also uses metal, and were all powder-coated in a creamy off-white color for a more durable finish.
Sunken Pool Pergola with Lounge Chairs
This is a rustic wood pergola design that uses a combination of different wood to create this look. Light maple weather-treated wood decking was used as the base/floor material, while solid teak wood was used for its main post/structure. The simple square design of the posts creates a very modern & sleep look, while the natural wood finish gives it a rustic vibe.
For its trellis, instead of timber, natural maple driftwood was used, adding texture and a very organic/natural feel. In case the wood trellis is not sufficiently covered from the sun, curtains were also installed on three sides of the pergola so you can close them for protection or privacy as you require.
From this perspective of this luxury swimming pool, you can see there are three sunken pergolas built into the pool for the ultimate relaxation spot. It features canopy curtains to offer privacy and shade from the hot sun.
Covered Patio Pergola
This is a covered patio pergola that naturally blends into the architecture of the house. The use of wood adds a chic, natural feel to the area while keeping its sleek modern appeal by using simple, clean lines in the design. Since the patio was furnished, a clear roofing material was added in order to help keep the inside dry.
Shade for the Grill
A gorgeous classic-style wood pergola is placed right by the back door of the house. The dark mocha finish matches the finish of the wooden posts used on the house, making it look like it is part of the architectural design, despite being a separate structure. This design is quite large, as it has room for a sitting, dining, and even a grilling outdoor kitchen area.
Indoor Outdoor Living Area
This patio pergola has a semi-indoor, semi-outdoor design principle as the area is adequately protected from the weather and elements yet keeps some areas open & transparent, allowing you to view the garden and the sky as if you were completely outdoors. This allows the area to be furnished with comfortable furniture pieces. It uses solid wood in a dark mahogany finish and tops the trellis with a clear sheet of polycarbonate to keep the rain and leaves and filter some of the sunlight.
Extra Wide Design
This backyard wood pergola sits on a poured concrete patio and offers sweeping views. Cushioned outdoor chairs with a glass table provide a place for conversation and relaxation.
Large Slats
This wood patio pergola is just as colorful as the blooming flowers in the garden that surrounds it. The small design uses simple white-painted wood framing to match the white wood siding on the exterior walls of the house. It has a slightly raised wood deck flooring in maple, and a matching built-in bench for added sitting area. There are also two lime green wooden armchairs where you can relax & enjoy the beauty of nature.
Romantic French Inspired Design
While most types use a uniform finish throughout, this example uses two different finishes to create a romantic, French vintage look to match the general style of the garden. It has a solid teakwood raised platform base and matching trellis for the top area. The posts are also solid wood but were painted in a sage green color for a more vintage appeal. The sides of the pergola were semi-covered by a simple diamond-shaped fretwork, in the same sage green color as the posts. Like the trellis, this style of fretwork provides an area for creeping vines and other plants to crawl along at, therefore making it look magical & romantic. See more creative deck ideas here.
Rounded Tropical Oasis
This large, expansive design serves as a walkway and a semi-cover around the pool area for those who want to lounge and relax. It uses solid cypress wood with a nice natural orange color the matches perfectly with the garden & pool concept. It is covered with an outdoor sunscreen material which filters the sunlight and allows a certain percentage of light to pass-through, so that you still get to enjoy the sun but without having to suffer from overexposure.
Garden Pergola with Seating
This modern design is draped with hanging vines and is nestled within a beautiful green garden. It features an outdoor fireplace with synthetic rattan outdoor furniture.
Modern with Roof Canopy
Another great example of a modern covered patio pergola that attaches directly to the outer walls of the house & was designed to match the architectural design. It uses solid teak wood for its posts, beams and trellis, and fixes the wooden posts on a concrete base for a more stable structure. The roof was covered in a flat sheet of gray polycarbonate in order to help protect the outdoor furniture placed on the patio.
Geometric Design
This modern kit features an innovative modern design and a unique combination of materials and finishes. The top has a kite or wing-like shape and is made from solid wood boards, which stands on solid wood trunks that acts as the posts/pillars. The wing-shaped top was also provided an additional polycarbonate cover to protect you from the sun while still allowing light to pass through.
Sitooterie with Daybed
In Scotland, this might be referred to as a ‘Sitooterie’, otherwise known as a small sheltered space to sit and relax. A sitooterie or sitootery can also take the forms of pavilions, pergolas, or a small enclosed patio. This structure itself, is a very unique steel design that was built to create small private spots in the garden area. After walking on a wooden deck pathway, you will arrive at several small pergolas with built-in beds.
These designs are on a raised concrete base where the steel side and top slats are also attached. The continuous vertical and horizontal lines, combined with the black paint & raw concrete finish, give a very modern-industrial look.
Enclosed Patio Cover
This is another example of a covered patio pergola structure. Since the area is in between the property wall and the external wall of the house, it does not have posts/pillar supports anymore and instead relies on the strength of the walls. It uses solid wood, topped with a combination of wood slats and a flat sheet polycarbonate.
Teak Wood Patio Pergola
This is a classic wood design that goes perfectly well with the country style architecture of the house. It is connected to the raised deck on the back door and is made of solid wood construction. It uses natural teak wood with no roofing/covering which allows vines and crawling plants to naturally grow on the pergola and provide adequate shade to the area.
Neo-classic Design
Made to match the neo-classic architectural details, it combines various materials to achieve this look. It uses salvaged antique wood for that rustic/aged look for the trellis and beam, and is supported by a pair of concrete ionic columns and a pair of classic wall bracket. This creates a simple yet stylish pergola that perfectly blends in with the existing architecture.
Wood Trunk Design with Sun Shade
Going for a very utilitarian and tropical-inspired look, instead of using machine-cut wood, this pergola keeps the natural shape of the small wood trunks to create this design. The wood keeps its weathered finish so it looks very natural and rustic, while a fabric sunscreen was added as a covering to filter the sun, as well as roll up sunshades for extra protection.
Tall DIY Build Attached to Fence
This cozy garden patio features weather-treated wood decking floors, a sitting area with rattan outdoor furniture and a simple wood type made of solid teak wood. It does not serve as a sun shield or cover, as the large trees in the garden already do the job. However, the simple pergola helps emphasize the area and also provides a place to hang the fairy garden lights, making the area look more romantic at night.
Sloped and Attached to House
This covered patio pergola is a great way to extend the living area of the home and provide a spot for relaxation and entertaining.
Regal Faux Masonry Pillars
Another great example of a pergola combining classical details & modern materials. This covered design stands on ionic column supports and uses solid teak wood for the beams and trellis. It also uses poly-carbonate roofing material to filter the sun and protect the rattan furniture placed underneath the structure.
Simple Four Post Design
Wood pergolas come in all shapes and sizes, and this example is a very small and compact wood kit that nicely fits into this backyard pool-side well. It uses natural teak wood to match the wooden fence and the lounge furniture pieces in the area.
Wraparound Trellis with Benches
This garden features a white-painted pergola simply used as an accent piece in the garden to where vines and flowers can crawl and grow into. This was fixed on the raised portion of the ground which surrounds a sitting area with two long benches in the same white-painted wood material. Once the flowers and vines completely grow into this outdoor structure, it will become a gorgeous wall/roof of plants and flowers.
Pool Shade Against Wall
The design for this example was made to match the clean, sleek & modern look of this pool area. This backyard pool uses simple, plain-colored materials. To follow the simplicity of the architecture, the pergola was built using white-painted concrete columns, and topped with white-painted wooden beams and trusses. A polycarbonate sheet was added on top as a covering material for added sun protection.
Attached with Vining Plants
This design is unlike all the previous examples as it has a unique combination of materials made to blend in with the architectural finishes. Featuring a million-dollar view, this pergola is open and unobstructed, made from natural stone posts of the same material as the stone masonry finish on the exterior walls of the structure, and combined with natural wood logs for the trellis top. Vines and plants are already crawling on top of the trellis, providing the stone table & benches adequate shade during daytime.
Pool Overlook Seating
This small pool-side wooden pergola uses weather-treated timber in big & thick blocks, giving it a massive & bulky look. One side has a latticed decorative accent where vines could grow and crawl on, eventually providing shade for the sitting area placed in the structure.
Shading Vines
Once the vines have completely grown into your pergola, you will have a gorgeous shaded area with a very mysterious and romantic appeal. This example uses a simple all-wood structure which was fixed on a solid concrete base. To take advantage of the ambiance and the shaded area, a bench made from natural driftwood and a driftwood dining table were placed.
Wraparound Pool Pergola
Pergolas located above water feature designs can make an impressive statement. To complement the gorgeous natural-style pool area with rock water features, a small relaxation area was placed under the fixture. This area was framed with a solid wood pergola which features 2 square pergolas and a “hallway” which uses the two structures on each of its ends as its base/support. The wood used is salvaged wood pieces so it has a very rough and weathered appeal to it that looks perfect with the natural-style pool. Make sure to visit our Facebook page to let us know what you think.
To see more outdoor structures and backyard ideas, visit our gallery of gazebo styles located here.
