Family and friends will enjoy the shelter they provide from the hot sun. As the homeowner you will benefit from the increase in resale value they bring to your home. Below you’ll see pergola designs made from a range of materials to help you discover the right one to build in your backyard.
The picture above is a great example of a contemporary style pergola, demonstrating the best of both worlds – the classic look of wood pergolas and the clean, sleek look and finish of contemporary design. It features a simple all-wood pergola design which uses a light maple weather-treated wood. The smooth finishing and the light color of the wood give it a very modern look which matches the style of the outdoor furniture pieces used.
As the weather gets warmer and more pleasing for outdoor relaxation and activities, the backyard / garden becomes more frequently visited. Adding a pergola into 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 into your outdoor space and creates a great focal point that can blend into the outdoor environment.
People are often confused on the difference of Pergolas & 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 has open sides. In choosing between a gazebo or a pergola, it is important to know your needs, budget and available space in order to determine which is the best for you.
Types of Pergola Designs
Those who want to add a pergola into their garden or yard would be pleased to know that there are many types and styles they can choose from to match their budget and style preference. Below, we have listed different types of pergolas in order to help you choose the perfect match for your requirement.
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 Pergola – 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 requirement. Wood is easily sourced & easy to work with, so it is not difficult to find a builder build your pergola 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 for pergolas 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 requirement and its application.
Metal/Steel Pergola – Compared to the other types, metal pergolas are more weather-resistant and is 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 pergolas 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 for pergolas as it is very lightweight. Compared to wood, it is definitely more expensive, but it does compensate as it has a lower labor cost as they are easier to build.
Patio Pergola – These are basically pergolas which are connected/attached directly to the main structure or house. This type of pergola may or may not be part of the original architectural design, but are 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 pergolas 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. An pergola on deck can be custom made to your exact specification or constructed from a kit over an existing deck.
Covered Pergola – The name speaks for itself: a pergola with a covering on top to add shield from the sun and other environmental elements.
This type is especially ideal if you’re placing furniture pieces under the the pergola 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 in this type of pergola 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
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 of the pergola also uses metal, and were all powder-coated in a creamy off-white color for a more durable finish.
Outdoor Kitchen Pergola
Whether its a shady spot by the swimming pool or a shelter for your outdoor home bar a pergola design can help beat the heat and help you better enjoy your backyard space.
Sunken Pool Pergola with Lounge Chairs
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 sufficient covering 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.
Covered Patio Pergola
Shade for the Grill
Indoor Outdoor Living Area
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, leaves and filter some of the sunlight.
Circular and Open in the Center
Extra Wide Design
Large Slats
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
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.
Patio with Outdoor Sectional and Curtains
Portable with Outdoor Dining Table
Rounded Tropical Oasis
This pergola 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
Modern with Roof Canopy
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 of the pergola was covered in a flat sheet of gray polycarbonate in order to help protect the outdoor furniture pieces placed on the patio.
Arched Wood Design
Geometric Design
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
This structure itself, is a very unique steel pergola design which 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 pergolas 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 gives a very modern-industrial look.
Enclosed Patio Cover
Teak Wood Patio Pergola
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
Ocean Overlook with Concrete Block Base
Due to the lightweight quality of the material for this pergola, this is best installed on a heavy, solid base, such as this example which uses a stone masonry base with plant accents.
Wood Trunk Design with sun Shade
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
The pergola does not serve as a sun shield or cover, as the large trees in the garden already does 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
Powder Coated with Fabric Shade
This pergola kit can be bolted on the floor/ground to keep it from moving, and also features a fabric sunshade on the top, as well as the sides to protect you from too much sun exposure.
Regal Faux Masonry Pillars
Simple Four Post Design
Wraparound Trellis with Benches
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 pergola, it would become a gorgeous wall/roof of plants and flowers.
Movable Pergola Design
The vinyl frame has a square footprint and natural brown finish. Instead of plain, straight posts, it instead uses a bracket-shaped support with x-shaped fretwork to match the white-painted wooden railing of the area.
Pool Shade Against Wall
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
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
Modern Kit
Shading Vines
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 was placed, as well as a driftwood dining table.
Over the Outdoor Fireplace
Fabric Shade
Wraparound Pool Pergola
This area was framed with a solid wood pergola which features 2 square pergolas and a “hallway” which uses the two pergolas on each of its ends as its base/support. The wood used are salvaged wood pieces so it has a very rough and weathered appeal to it the looks perfect with the natural style pool.
Pathway Pergola
The white finish of this pergola matches the white frames of the windows of the architecture, so it looks like it is a part of the main structure despite not being directly connected to the house.
Two Post Pergola
This example uses only two posts, so it is what we call a cantilevered pergola. Because of its design, the width of the top is limited, but it does produce a cleaner, more open look as it only uses two posts.
Vinyl Pergola Kit
Angled Out Wood Pergola Design
Outdoor Seating Area Pergola
Over the Deck Pergola
White PVC Pergola
Dark Stained Pergola
Its posts were fixed on a concrete and stone masonry base adding further to its look, and its top is almost completely covered in wood slats, allowing little light to pass through its top.
French Style Pergola
Stone and Wood Pergola
Its large wooden posts were fixed on a concrete and faux masonry base, keeping it stable and durable. Since the area is to be used as an outdoor lounging / living /dining area, garden lights and a ceiling fan were also installed to keep its users comfortable.
Pergola Next to Pool
Pergola Attached to House
Pergola Over Koi Pond
Electrical Powered Pergola
Fire Pit Pergola
This round outdoor firepit is framed with a wood pergola which uses weathered wood to match the rustic look of the design. The wood posts are fixed on a concrete and stone masonry base to keep it sturdy and stable.
Three Post Pergola
As it is made from a lightweight material, it also has the advantage of easy transportation & relocation, as well as installation, making this both practical and economical. What did you think of these pergola ideas? Make sure visit our Facebook page to let us know what you think.
Pergola Designs Infographic:
To see more outdoor structures and backyard ideas, visit our gallery of gazebo designs located here.