Pergola Kits and Outdoor Living Ideas Pergola Depot Blog

Festive Christmas Pergola Ideas: Tips for Lighting & Decorating a Pergola

Add some finishing touches to your backyard for outdoor holiday entertaining! Deck out your pergola with festive lights, garlands, and holiday cheer, and enjoy the season outdoors—frostbite-free. If colder weather is more your style, stock up on firewood or invest in outdoor heaters to keep guests cozy under your pergola. Add a fireplace, warm blankets, and ensure everyone bundles up for a magical evening under the stars. No matter the weather, the holiday season is perfect for transforming your pergola or patio into a welcoming, festive space. It's the perfect time to decorate your pergola and patio to put your outdoor kitchen to use! Whether you’re a pro party planner, or need a little inspiration, we’ve got simple decorating ideas to create a charming setup that’s easy to assemble, enjoyable...

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...

Pergolas and Outdoor Fireplace Ideas for the Fall

Backyard entertaining enthusiasts have spoken - pergola with a fireplace is today's top trend. With year-round use in many parts of the country, an outdoor fireplace is a great all-season addition. And what's a pergola? Another crowd-pleasing structure! The best part? Spring, summer, or fall is the perfect time of year to get your outdoor entertainment ready. BTW, let's talk fireplaces. For anyone pressed for time, space, or cash, a fire pit is a great alternative that creates an equally cozy atmosphere. Whether you're mid-project or just getting started, we've got you covered with a couple of ideas to suit your patio design and budget. Outdoor Fireplace Ideas with a Pergola Most of today's homeowners are looking for a way to spend time outside well into the autumn and even in to winter....

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...

Where to Put a Pergola

Discover the perfect spot in your backyard for your new pergola. Ever dreamed of having a luxurious outdoor space but unsure where to start? Regardless of the size of your backyard, a large or small pergola can transform it into an inviting sanctuary. In this guide, we'll reveal the top locations to place your pergola, ensuring it adds charm and functionality to your outdoor area. Get ready to turn your backyard into a "wow" space and get answers to one of your top patio questions "where to put a pergola". Whether you have a large poolside retreat or a small backyard, a pergola makes a wonderful addition to your outdoor space. This article will share some of the most popular options for pergola placement, so when you're ready to order...

How to Build a Pergola on a Deck

Are you looking to upgrade your backyard sanctuary with an attractive pergola as the centerpiece of your brand new deck? Nowadays, more and more homeowners are choosing to incorporate cozy pergolas into their outdoor living spaces. Not only do these inviting structures provide shade and respite from the sun, but they also add visual appeal to both large and small decks—not to mention a touch of sophistication! If that's the direction you'd like to go with your backyard design but you're not sure how to build a pergola on a deck, follow along here for helpful tips. How to Build a Pergola on a Deck in a Few Easy Steps Building your own pergola can be a daunting task, especially for those without much experience in DIY projects. But don't worry, you...

Best Plants for Planter Boxes: Explore Planter Box Plant Ideas

With thousands of plants to choose from for your backyard container gardening, it's a daunting task to narrow down your list to only 20! The choices are endless but some of the best choices for container & planter boxes are space saving fruits, veggies, and flowers. If you're blessed with a backyard bathed in sunshine, you'll have a variety of plants to choose from. If your backyard has has limited sunlight, enhance your garden boxes with wheels and roll on into your yard's sunniest spot - or opt for one of the many shade-loving blooms! Best Plants for Planter Boxes Looking for planter box plant ideas to brighten your porch, patio, pool deck, or backyard patio structure? Wishing you could step outside and grab a fresh-picked handful of green beans for...

Pergola Landscaping With Potted Plants

Any season is a good time to think about sprucing up your pergola by landscaping with potted plants. You've found the best wooden pergola kits and taken the effort to learn where to put a pergola and how to install a pergola properly. Now it's your chance to finish off the look of your pergola with potted plant arrangements. Whether you have a concrete patio with a pergola or a pergola in a garden or on a deck, landscaping with planters and flower pots offers a lot of options. This article will look at the top tips and tricks for landscaping around a pergola. Plan Ahead for Potted Plant Arrangements Consider Your Containers Select Your Spacing Choose Your Colors Pick Your Plants   Plan Ahead...

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...

Easy and Low-Maintenance Patio Plants to Grow Under and Around Your Pergola

You've just installed a Pergola Depot pergola — congratulations! Or perhaps you're still planning out your perfect custom pergola or looking to perk up an existing structure. In any case, you'll be looking for some low-maintenance patio plants to enhance the look and feel of your outdoor living area. Whether you want glossy, heart-shaped foliage, climbing vines or colorful flowers, we have you covered with ideas for pergola plants that do well in full sun or partial shade. Read on for recommendations on the best pergola hanging plants and climbing plants for pots. Enjoy the blooms of each season and consider choosing some that are evergreen for a year-round display of beautiful greenery.   Pergola Planters for Every Need Pergola planters are an excellent choice when you want to soften the look...