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....

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...

How to Winterize a Pergola: Tips for Winterizing Pergolas

Even if it's winter, a pergola needs a little bit of love. 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 ready for winter protection is in the summer!   Can You Leave a Pergola Up in Winter? When you winter-proof the patio or your backyard,...

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 cedar or pressure-treated pine 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 wooden...

Pergola Flooring Ideas to Create a Beautiful Outdoor Living Space

So, you've made the exciting decision to install a pergola and you're looking for pergola flooring ideas? Congratulations! Now you can start planning how to enhance your pergola to create your dream living space and make your backyard your favorite room of the house! Choosing the right pergola flooring is important for complementing the overall look and feel of your new pergola and your home. What type of outdoor flooring options are there? This article will cover some of the most popular pergola flooring ideas to create a good foundation for your new pergola. Compare your choices and your consider replacing your current outdoor flooring if it makes the space more appealing and functional.   17x20 Big Kahuna on Slate Pavers What Is Pergola Flooring? A pergola is an open-air outdoor structure that is...

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...

Pergola Maintenance Tips for Summer Months

Pergola maintenance is not something that you probably think much about. But if you want your pergola to last, you'll need to add some basic upkeep and cedar wood care to your annual backyard garden maintenance list. So how much maintenance does a pergola require? Thankfully pergolas are pretty self-sufficient structures and don't require much care. They are similar to outdoor furniture maintenance, on a slightly bigger scale. Keeping a pergola looking like new will only add a couple of hours to your summer home maintenance. This article will go over some of the most important pergola maintenance steps to take during the summer months to ensure that your pergola will last for many years.   Do's and Don'ts of Pergola Maintenance As with any home décor item, a pergola needs to be...

Vegetable and Flower Raised Garden Bed Ideas for Cedar Planters

Have you heard of the old saying, "carrots love tomatoes"? According to this phrase, growing these two vegetables together will increase the yield of both. This same principle applies to flowering plants too. Certain combinations not only look better, but the plants also stay healthier. Grouping together plants with similar needs will keep your raised flower bed blooming and vegetable garden producing all season long. If you're interested in getting your garden growing, read more to discover how to maximize your space with garden box ideas for gorgeous blooms and higher yields. Companion Planting Guide for Raised Garden Boxes This is the basic concept of companion planting, a gardening concept that has been around since the dawn of agriculture. The right raised bed companion planting garden layout will help your garden flourish! Scientists...

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...

Pergola vs Gazebo

There are many options when choosing an outdoor shade structure that also adds beauty to your backyard design. Two of the best choices for offering shade include pergolas and gazebos. Which is best for your space? Pergolas and gazebos both serve similar functions on a patio or in a backyard space. When you compare a pergola vs gazebo, you’ll see 3 main contrasts. The biggest difference is in the shape and overall appearance. Other variations for these popular outdoor structures are price and use. Choose which structure is right for your backyard, garden, or community space based on your style preference, budget, and available space. Top Variations in a Pergola vs Gazebo Pergolas are outdoor shade structures offered in a wide range of sizes that consist of vertical posts that support an overhead...