What You Need to Know About Adding a Pergola

Learn about design choices, material options, and other considerations for adding a pergola or shade structure.

Pergolas are very versatile. Depending on the material it is made from and where it is placed in the garden, it can go from a functional, basic structure to a unique piece of character. Additional amenities range from lighting, ceiling fans, and adjustable overhead partitions to entertainment systems, fire features, and outdoor kitchens.

A pergola covered with plants both outside and inside is the definition of a garden space. For the avid gardener, this makes a pergola the perfect place to show off some stunning creepers or climbing plants, from ivy and wisteria to roses and clematis. You can also add edibles like tomatoes or grapes.

Here’s what you need to know about adding a pergola to your yard, including ideas for design andlocation, the pros and cons of different materials, and who to hire.

What is a pergola?

The design of the classic pergola is deceptively simple. It consists of four columns supporting four girders or a mix of beams and rafters around the top perimeter of the structure. Slate or lattice roofs provide filtered shade.

Pergolas are shaped like gazebos and are traditionally covered with vines or climbs. The main difference between the two structures is their size. Since a pergola is designed as a space to stay rather than a space to pass through, it is usually much larger and similar in size to a pavilion or arbor. Think of it as a hybrid of garden structures.

Whom to hire ?

For most homeowners, adding a custom pergola will require hiring a landscaper, designer, or contractor. Even if you use a pergola kit, hiring a contractor is a good option. For more extensive landscaping projects, find a landscape architect or designer. Although the cost is higher, a professional can help you finalize your plan, including the best way to provide the right combination of sun and shade.

A landscaping professional will also analyze the proposed site and perform any necessary preparatory work, get permission, mark water, gas and power lines and coordinate workers. Adding electricity to lights and fans requires a licensed electrician. You will need to hire a professional to install gas and plumbing. Installing your entertainment system may require professional help.

Before choosing a professional for your pergola project, make sure he or she has experience building the type of pergola you want. As with any project, check reviews on places like RDKHardscaping, ask for references, and see examples of their work.

Professional DIYers can order pergola plans or kits that include pre-cut parts. If you choose a kit, make sure the materials are suitable for your climate and site conditions. Know your tools and level of expertise before considering this route. In addition to construction, you’ll also need to perform other footwork, including obtaining permits, preparing the site, and inspecting gas and plumbing. Most of the work is performed on top of the pergola, so it is important to stay safe while working in the overhead area.

Find a landscape designer or landscape contractor near you on RDKLandscaping.

Pergola design considerations

Pergolas can be incorporated into almost any area of your landscaping and can be used for a variety of purposes. You can also customize it to suit your personal style and preferred materials. Here are a few things to consider when adding a pergola to your yard.

Where it will go?

Consider placing your pergola where it best suits your needs. Create a retreat or secondary dining or sitting area that gazes at starry views, catches the summer breeze, and provides shade in a yard that’s too hot.

Pergolas can also add a sense of closure to a hot tub or spa while keeping the space open to the landscape. Placing a pergola at the end or next to the pool provides a comfortable space to relax and avoid direct sunlight.

You can also add a pergola as part of a larger deck or patio project, as a free-standing structure, or attached to one side of a home or other structure. Use a pergola on a larger deck or patio to define a dining area or outdoor kitchen, create a conversation area, or add afternoon shade.

Size

Once you’ve decided how you’ll use your pergola, you’ll need to decide on its size. If you plan to use the space for lounging or dining, make sure there is enough space for you and your guests to be comfortable.

To learn more about pergola sizing, see Key measurements for the perfect patio design

Style

The desired shape is also an important factor in choosing a pergola design. Match the style of your pergola to your home and landscape so that it feels like a cohesive part of the overall concept. You can choose wood for naturalistic gardens and traditional homes, or sophisticated metal designs for modern homes. If you want to really make your pergola stand out, consider a design that adds unexpected contrast.

The size of the support posts and overhead pieces will affect the shape of your pergola. Slender pillars and columns made of metal or wood create a more sophisticated and less intrusive look. The sturdier pillars add weight and presence along with a rustic charm.

Roof structure

Consider whether you want your pergola to protect the space beneath it from sun and rain, orsimply provide a structure for climbing plants or overhead string lights.

The spacing of the overhead slats and how they are installed horizontally, vertically, or at an anglewill determine the amount of sunlight that reaches the inside of your pergola throughout the day.Movable overhead partitions or louvers can be adjusted for sunlight or closed completely in wetweather.Shades and retractable canopies provide additional overhead protection. If you want a more open,less confined feel, consider designing a gable or arched roof, or eliminating any type of roofentirely.

Side walls or screens

The sides of a pergola are traditionally open, but you can provide privacy if needed by adding a lattice screen, partial wall, or full wall to one side of the pergola. Less permanent privacy options include installing curtains or awnings that can be closed when needed, or planting tall plants on the sides.

Bonus features
Depending on your needs and where you live, you may want to consider adding amenities like lights, fans, and mounted heaters. Other options include permanent seating including swings and gas and electric lines for features like a fire pit or spa. Keep in mind that these features may increase the overall cost and installation time of your project.

Pergola material options

Many people think of wood when they think of a pergola, but the range of material choices is surprisingly wide. Vinyl and fiberglass pergolas are lightweight, long-lasting options, as arealuminum pergolas. Steel pergolas are heavier but are a good option to consider.

Wood

Wood is the most preferred choice for outdoor structures, especially pergolas, thanks to its natural appearance, adaptability, and durability. Wood can withstand most weather conditions. Woodenn pergolas can be freestanding or attached. Costs are generally in the mid-range of material options.

Naturally decay- and pest-resistant woods, such as California redwood and western red cedar, aregood choices for pergolas, but these materials are regional and may be difficult to find dependingon where you live. If difficult to find, you can contact your local building supplier to find a suitablereplacement for your location. Tropical hardwood options include Ipe, teak, and mahogany. It isresistant to pests and diseases and is suitable for coastal areas. Before purchasing, check whetherthe wood has been certified as sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This wood can be more expensive and more difficult to work with than other types ofwood.

The final option is pressure treated lumber. Although these products are generally inexpensive and easy to work with, people may be concerned about using chemically treated materials to extend their lifespan.

Outdoor grade wood is great for landscaping projects, but may not last as long as high-quality vinyl, fiberglass, or metal. All types of wood require sealing when first installed and usually require staining or painting. Sealing helps prevent cedar, redwood and mahogany from turning gray.Although hardwood can be painted, many people prefer to simply seal it to show off its natural beauty. Redwood and pressure-treated wood can also be stained or painted.

You’ll also need to maintain the finish and reseal, stain, or repaint every few years, every one totwo years. Even with regular maintenance, it may require more extensive repairs after 10 years orso.

If you grow plants in a pergola, the moisture and weight of the plants themselves can cause damage to wooden beams and overhead. Trim your plants and check them annually for signs of damage.

Vinyl and fiberglass

High-quality custom vinyl pergolas and vinyl pergola kits are readily available and are an excellent choice for creating a traditional look at an affordable price. Vinyl pergolas have a very long lifespanand are relatively maintenance-free, so you only need to clean them annually to keep them looking good.

Vinyl pergolas are available in limited colors mainly shades of white and cannot be painted. Their light weight limits their overall length and can sag when snow accumulates. They are usually free- standing, but some companies offer the option of attaching them to your home.

Whether you choose a kit or a custom build, fiberglass pergolas are less common than their vinylcousins, but they share maintenance requirements. It’s also one of the more expensive choices, but its lower long-term maintenance costs make up for the initial cost. They can be freestanding or attached and have a much wider range of styles and color choices than vinyl options. Painting is also possible. It’s still lightweight but much stronger than vinyl. This is especially true if there is accumulated snow.

Metal

For a clean, modern look that will last for years, consider a pergola made of aluminum or steel with a rust-resistant finish. Your options include both custom designs and pergola kits. If you choose the latter, make sure it is of good quality to achieve the long lifespan that is the hallmark of these materials. Pergolas of either material can be free-standing or attached to the house.

Aluminum has excellent resistance to rust, making it ideal for coastal areas. Prices are higher than vinyl, but are usually the same or lower than wood prices. One thing you need to know about aluminum pergolas is that they are light in weight, so they should be well anchored in windy areas.

Steel is heavier, so it is stronger and less affected by weather. Additionally, it can be expanded toa greater distance without supports, making it advantageous for large-scale installations. This corresponds to the highest level of material costs.

Both materials are sturdy, very low-maintenance, and are a good choice for a variety of climates. Clean finished steel or aluminum with a non-corrosive cleaner once a year. This is also a good time to check that the pergola’s connections have not come loose.

Other considerations for adding a pergola

Permits and codes

Check with your local building department (Add Support Links) for permitting and code
requirements before beginning your pergola project. In general, small structures under 100 square
feet may not require permits, but there may still be regulations that affect overall height and where
they can be built. You should also check the location of gas, water, and power lines before leveling
the ground or digging the foundation.

If you are part of a homeowners association, check for any guidelines or restrictions regarding
location, size, materials or finishes.

Secure the pergola

No matter what material or style your pergola is made of, you need to make sure the posts are
securely anchored to the ground. Pergolas and concrete slabs on decks can be secured with
fasteners specifically designed for that purpose. For other surfaces, including pavers, the poles
must be installed into the ground. This involves pouring a concrete floor or installing anchors in a
foundation that can literally be screwed into the ground. If you live in an area that experiences
freeze-thaw cycles, you should install poles below the freeze line. An experienced landscape
contractor can handle all of these installation tasks.

When should I do this project?

As with all outdoor projects, the best time to build is when the weather is nice, from spring through
fall.

How long will it take?

Depending on the complexity and preparation required, including setting a concrete foundation,
staining materials or finishing time, it can take about a week to build a basic pergola once you have