Pergola Kits and Outdoor Living Ideas Pergola Depot Blog

  • Home
  • Pergola Kits and Outdoor Living Ideas Pergola Depot Blog
Winter Pergola Kits

How to Winterize a Pergola: Tips for Winterizing Pergolas

Even if it's winter, a pergola needs a little bit of love and you'll want to implement some DIY pergola protection steps to make sure your structure is ready for the winter season. We know that in the spring, summer and fall, you'll spend a lot of time outdoors enjoying your pergola. In the winter (for those of you in one of the cooler winter climate or snowbelt states), you're probably going to spend fewer waking hours outside, but you'll still want to make sure your pergola is protected. But how can you help safeguard it from frigid temps, harsh winds and snowy weather? Keep reading to find out how to protect pergola kits in the winter. Keep in mind that sometimes the best time to get it...

Patio StructuresRead more...
woodpergolakits

DIY Spruce-ups for Wood Pergola Kits and Patio Pieces

Get your outdoor furniture and structures ready for the season! Grab a paintbrush and quickly spruce up your front door, garage door, patio furniture, and other exterior wooden features. Summer heat can crack and warp a wooden front door over time, so repainting or staining doors, benches, and furniture helps protect them from the elements. Plus, it gives everything a fresh, welcoming look! Check your larger wooden structures—like your pergola, deck, trellis, or fence—and decide whether to apply another coat of seal ant or stain to preserve their natural beauty. Depending on your climate, spring is typically the best season to clean, refresh, and prep your patio furniture for use. If you're in a warmer climate, fall can be one of the best times to do a quick spruce-up of your wood...

Ideas for Your Backyard Living SpaceRead more...
A pergola lit up at night

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Pergola?

Are you planning to install a pergola in your outdoor space? Normally one of the first questions people ask is, "Do I need a permit for a pergola?" Often a pergola does not require a building permit, but exceptions exist in various locations throughout the contiguous United States. Installing a wood pergola is similar to other outdoor home improvement projects, so it's highly recommended to investigate the regulatory requirements in your area as part of your initial outdoor project planning phase. Do not wonder, "do I need a building permit for a pergola?" — find out for sure before you make a purchase to avoid headaches and additional costs later. While exploring common requirements, Pergola Depot cannot offer legal advice. Every locality has different ordinances, so customers must make sure their...

Big Kahuna Pergola Kits, Ideas for Your Backyard Living Space, Outdoor Living Space Ideas, Patio StructuresRead more...
Outdoor Fireplace with Pergola - 14x19 Big Kahuna Pergola

Pergolas and Outdoor Fireplace Ideas for the Fall

Backyard hosts and patio lovers agree—pairing a covered pergola with a fireplace is the ultimate trend in outdoor entertaining. Whether you're sipping hot cider under the stars or hosting a fall gathering, this combo brings warmth and style to your space all year long. Pergolas offer shade and structure, while fireplaces add that irresistible glow. And the best part? Spring, summer, fall, (and winter in some locations!) are all prime seasons to upgrade your outdoor setup. Today’s homeowners want to enjoy their outdoor spaces well into the cooler months—and a covered patio with a fireplace makes that possible. From rustic wood-burning hearths to sleek pizza ovens and DIY fire rings, there’s a design for every taste and budget. Keep reading for creative ideas and photo inspiration to spark your next project. Outdoor...

Outdoor Living Space Ideas, Patio StructuresRead more...
Big Kahuna PLUS

7 Benefits of a Pergola

Dreaming of a backyard that’s perfect for hosting gatherings or simply unwinding after a long workday? One of the most timeless ways to elevate your outdoor space is by adding a wood pergola. These sturdy structures do more than just enhance your landscape—they create a functional, inviting extension of your home. Whether you're working with a blank slate or looking to upgrade an existing patio, a pergola from Pergola Depot can bring beauty, comfort, and value to your property. In this post, we'll explore seven compelling reasons why installing a pergola might be the best decision you can make for your outdoor living space.   What Is a Pergola? Before we get into the benefits of a pergola, it's important to know what one is. A pergola is a large structure usually made...

Outdoor Living Space Ideas, Patio StructuresRead more...
pergola-wood-pine

Guide to Premium Pergola Wood Types

When planning your outdoor pergola, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right type of wood. The durability, appearance, and longevity of your pergola all depend on the materials used and the quality of the construction. At Pergola Depot, we handcraft our kits using premium-grade wood that’s not available at big box stores and we build pergola kits that are engineer-stamped for extreme weather. In this guide, we’ll compare our two top pergola wood choices: Rough Sawn Western Red Cedar and Pressure Treated Southern Yellow Pine. Both are excellent options for durability and beauty—but each has unique characteristics that might make one a better fit for your climate, aesthetic, and budget. Contact us if you'd like to talk through which wood type is best for your region. Why Wood Quality...

Patio StructuresRead more...
measuring standard pergola dimensions

How to Measure Pergola Dimensions

Ready to take the big leap and add a backyard pergola to complete your patio design? First step - you'll want to measure your space so you know the best size pergola for your outdoor living setup. Here are a few steps that'll walk you through how to measure and find the pergola dimensions and size to fit your space. We've outlined how to measure for a pergola attached to a wall or a freestanding pergola. For our pergola kits, standard pergola dimensions range from 8x8 to 20x20. Once you take your measurements, you'll know if a standard size will work, or if you'll need to request a custom pergola size. Planning Your Pergola Space One of the first considerations is how much useable...

Ideas for Your Backyard Living SpaceRead more...
Pergola Designs Shade

Pergola Designs for Shade

There are few moments more relaxing than sitting on your outdoor patio on a warm summer day sharing stories with your loved ones. The grass is green, the flowers are in bloom, and life is beautiful. Backyard covered pergolas offering some relief from the sun are the perfect complement to these happy afternoons. Pergolas are how we sit outside comfortably in the height of the sun's busy day. So what are the best pergola shade designs to keep the sun from burning up the nicest moments of summer? Best Pergola Shade Solutions A lot of consideration goes into adding a pergola to your patio or yard. As the main focus of your overall landscape design, both the look and function of your pergola will alter the way you feel about your yard...

Outdoor Living Space Ideas, Patio StructuresRead more...
Pergola Lighting Attached to Fedora Pergola

Illuminate Your Pergola: 6 Ways to Incorporate Lighting into Your Outdoor Space

The sky’s the limit when it comes to outdoor pergola lighting. Small, medium, or large pergolas could all benefit from some type of lighting. One of the easiest ways to add an extra touch of style to your pergola is with pergola lighting. Whether you opt for adding lights on pergola posts and rafters, installing a pergola chandelier, or enlisting a contractor to add perimeter lights, you’ll certainly enhance the ambiance of your outdoor space! A great place to begin is defining how much time and effort you’d like to put into your pergola lights. Are you looking for an easy DIY lighting solution or are you considering more elaborate pergola lighting ideas? DIY Pergola Lighting Whether it’s the holiday season or outdoor picnic weather, there are plenty of ways to light...

Outdoor Living Space IdeasRead more...
Freestanding Pine Pergola and Outside Bar - Big Kahuna

Patio Design Ideas for Fall Patio Season

Looking for inspiration to create the patio you’ve been dreaming of to enjoy throughout the fall and winter? If you want to create an outdoor space to enjoy more time outdoors during those cool evenings around the corner, there’s a range of ideas you can choose from. Maybe you already have some components in place and are in the home stretch, or perhaps you’re at square one. Either way, check out these fall patio ideas for go-to guidance and pull together a gorgeous and relaxing fall retreat! Fall Patio Design Ideas When planning out your patio ideas for fall, first consider your location and climate. Since autumn in Ohio looks much different than fall in Florida, your fall patio design could look very different! A fireplace feature or hot tub near your...

Outdoor Living Space Ideas, Patio AccessoriesRead more...