Transform Your Backyard into an Idyllic Oasis with These 25 Enchanting Pergola Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a pergola and a pergola? ›

Both are designed to provide additional shade for outdoor spaces and both can be used to create wonderful focal points in the garden. The key difference between a pergola and a pergoda is that the latter has a solid roof made of slats.

A pergola is a structure made up of vertical posts or pillars that support a roof of crossbeams and an open lattice. The beamed roof is typically left open, to allow air to flow through. Garden pergolas provide a shaded area for outdoor dining or relaxation.

The purpose of a pergola really is to protect the homeowner. Often pergolas are used to provide shade to outdoor living spaces such as patio furniture, hot tubs, and outdoor grills. Pergolas provide just the right amount of shade, while still letting in all of the other elements.

You can decorate a pergola with hanging plants, outdoor curtains for privacy, or a dining table for evening meals, with string lights overhead to add a festive atmosphere.

Pergolas attached to a home (or other outdoor building) are more structurally secure than freestanding ones. They share the stability of the structure, which also provides added protection against the elements. For this reason, permitting is typically required for attached designs.

Pergolas provide shade, much like pavilions and gazebos, but they do it differently. They also allow in light and air, which gives them a more open feeling than an enclosed gazebo or a fully roofed pavilion.

CON: Pergolas provide little protection from weather.

Because a pergola is typically open along the sides and across the top (depending on the design chosen and where it's positioned in the yard), it won't keep out much sunlight, rain, wind, or other elements.

While there are many caveats, in short, the answer is yes. A pergola has the potential to add value to your home, with many estimates putting the return on investment at somewhere around 50% to 80%. That makes pergolas one of the more valuable additions homeowners can put on their homes.

As the footprint of your pergola increases, so do the material and labor costs. DIY pergola kits come in standard sizes, but if you want a unique size or shape, you'll likely need to hire a landscaping contractor to build a custom pergola.

This is because most pergolas don't have a conventional roof. Instead, their unique open-top design, often with a slotted or louvered roof structure, defines them and limits their ability to offer complete protection from the rain.

What happens if you don't anchor a pergola? ›

It's possible for your pergola to collapse. If the pergola is attached or close to your home, it could cause structural damage to your property. You'll have to pay to re-install your pergola, which can be costlier than simply anchoring it.

Gazebos are more robust constructions than pergolas. Pergolas tend to be less expensive and easier to build. Both pergolas and gazebos add shade and flair to your yard. Both structures can increase your home's value.

Yes… but almost everything you build for yourself will be cheaper than buying it from someplace. When purchasing a pergola from a builder or manufacturer instead of building it yourself, you are also paying for the quality materials used to craft the pergola and the time invested into constructing the pergola.

Commonly Rounded Vs.

Gazebos are typically rounded, making them less space-economical for a garden, leaving unusable space at your garden's edges. However, a pergola is generally rectangular, so you can make the most of your outdoor space without creating awkward areas.

Pergolas with a cover are often referred to as pavilions. Although they are quite similar in design, a pavilion is a freestanding pergola with a fixed, stationary cover that generally completely covers the pergola.

The word pergola is derived from the Latin word “pergula” which refers to a “projecting eave”, commonly found as an extended roof or arbor. The first known use of the term pergola dates back to the 1640's during the late medieval period. It was used by John Evelyn at the cloister of Trinita dei Monti in Rome.

While grass may not seem ideal, proper preparation makes it possible to install a pergola directly on your lawn. By leveling the ground, removing obstacles, and using sturdy supports, you can create a stable base.