Pergola Kits and Outdoor Living Ideas Pergola Depot Blog

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Pool Pergola for Shade – Sombrero 14x14

Poolside Pergola Ideas to Beautify Your Pool Deck & Backyard

When you think of a backyard swimming pool pergola, what comes to mind for the perfect design? The most common answer is shade, classic design, and a structure that blends with natural surroundings. Maybe you're looking for a pavilion style patio cover that provides ultimate shade? A roof that lets a breeze float through but shield you from the UV rays? Either one will work for many types of backyard designs. Two important factors to consider when deciding amount of coverage, is what you’ll be using it for and how much space you have on your pool deck. Wood pergola kits are a way to achieve your objective so you're ready for outdoor gatherings quickly. Compare them with other options and choose the best fit for your space and...

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pergola installation

Nine Site Preparation Tips for a Successful Pergola Installation

A pergola adds beauty and a sense of intimacy to any outdoor space. But there are crucial steps you need to take before your pergola installation to ensure the success of your project. This article will provide site preparation advice, yard prep suggestions and other tips to help you get ready for your pergola installation. As you learn how to properly install your pergola, you'll want to follow these steps: Select Your Material Check Local Building Requirements Review HOA Regulations Choose Your Pergola Installation Site With Care Investigate Impediments Look Out for Landscaping Inspect Site Lines Call 811 Consider Hiring a Pergola Installation Professional   Why Build an Outdoor Structure? People choose to build an outdoor structure like a custom-built pergola for many reasons. Wood pergola designs can: Offer shade Extend a home's livable space Create an outdoor living area Add a focal point to...

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Homeowner’s Guide to Restoring Cedar and Pressure-Treated Pine Pergolas

Transform your weathered outdoor wood pergola into a stunning centerpiece with our experts at Pergola Depot. Whether it's a neglected relic begging for renovation, or a new addition requiring maintenance, cedar and pine pergolas are easily restored with regular care and attention. In our comprehensive guide, we'll show you the straightforward steps to revive your beleaguered pergola. Let's turn that eyesore into an asset to be proud of. In this article, we will provide advice for restoring a pressure-treated pine or cedar pergola. We'll go over the various steps to turning a weathered eyesore into a pergola you can be proud of once again.     How To Restore an Outdoor Wood Pergola In order to keep the natural splendor and structural stability of pine or cedar pergolas, regular maintenance of outdoor...

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A pergola in the snow

How to Winterize a Pergola

It's no secret that the general purpose of a pergola is to provide a comfortable oasis that is exclusive to you and your guests. When the weather is sunny and warm, these structures are excellent for relaxing with a good book and nice glass of wine, and for hosting football watch parties or barbecues with the family. But can you use a pergola in winter? And how do you winterize a pergola? As soon as the temperatures begin to drop and you receive the winter season's first snowfall, you may be tempted to retire the pergola until spring. While this is understandable, don't miss out on making lasting memories year-round — learn how to winterize a pergola from the pros at Pergola Depot!   Benefits of Using a Winter Pergola We get it...

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Rough Sawn Cedar Pergola Wood

Best Wood for Pergolas

This easy to follow wood pergola guide offers a brief overview of two of the most popular wood types for pergolas. What are the most important factors when choosing pergola wood? We've found that durability, sustainability, and easy of installation are 3 of the top features that homeowners are looking for when shopping for a wood pergola. Two classic choices of wood for pergola kits that offer those features and more are #1 pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine and Western Red Rough Sawn Tight Knot Cedar. Both are excellent choices for a sturdy pergola that will last for many years. These wood types offer strength and durability that look good in many types of settings from rustic to traditional. Which type do you prefer? We’ll compare...

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splits in timber

A Guide to Wood Checking and Splitting

Have you ever wondered why your wooden pergola starts to crack and split over time? Many pergola owners begin to worry if they see their wood checking and splitting. We know this can cause concern, so let's answer the question, what is a wood check and why does wood split? Typically, checks in wood run the length of the timber grain, while splits go from one side of a beam to the other. Excessive loads on the structure can cause these breaks to occur. But don't worry, we're here to help! This article will define a wood check, answer the question, "Why does wood split?". We'll also cover how to repair a cracked wood post and ensure your pergola remains beautiful for years to come. You...

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