Unique Pergola Designs for Outdoor Living

If you’re looking for something unique to improve your outdoor living space, consider these prefab pergola designs to make your space usable year-round. Pergolas add a design element that can expand your existing backyard area by virtually creating an extra room. Some of the newest pergola designs can be used to create an outdoor kitchen, expand your entertaining area, or make a simple secluded spot to relax. Whether you’re an old pro at planning and designing or a newbie on the DIY scene, we recommend starting with these 3 questions to get the ball rolling. How Will Your Outdoor Living Space Be Used? Are you trying to expand your usable backyard space by building an outdoor living room? Or simply just looking for a patio cover? One of our standard pergola designs...

Several of the Best Backyard Shade Ideas & Solutions

Looking for backyard shade ideas you can add to your outdoor space for maximum protection from the elements? Is your patio sitting empty for many of the hot summer months because there's not enough shade? There are many types of structures you can add to cover your patio ranging from umbrellas to retractable awnings to pergola roof kits. But if you're looking for a more permanent structure that can withstand extreme weather conditions and create an inviting space, consider adding a wood pergola. Pergolas provide shade and can transform an exposed, sun drenched outdoor space into a cool, relaxing retreat. Where do you start? If you're a DIYer and would like to tackle the project yourself, start by figuring out the best size for your space. If you'd rather have someone...

3 Time-tested Elements for Outdoor Living Space Design

A leading trend in outdoor room design incorporates outdoor pergola kits into the landscape. Designs have evolved over the years, but core elements that still remain to create the framework for your outdoor space include patio flooring, natural boundaries, and structures such as outdoor pergola kits, gazebos, pagodas, and similar wood structures. One of the first steps is to define the borders of your outdoor room. Measure off the area and make your wish-list for the space. Are you trying to preserve the natural aspects of your surroundings? Do you want to be sure you don't obstruct your view or are you trying to create more privacy? Are there space or building restrictions? Answers to these questions will lead you to one of your first decisions on how you'll create the...

Planning a Spring or Summer Garden Party?

Are you getting spring fever? Now's the time to get your patio plan in place, starting with an outdoor wood structure kit! Perhaps you'll be hosting an outdoor gathering for your high schooler's prom or spring formal. Maybe you have a graduate to honor and are looking for backyard graduation party ideas so you can host the party on your patio? Or, you could be offering your backyard for a garden wedding the happy couple has always dreamed of! Any of these events would be made even more magical with a special area for dining, relaxing, or a unique photo op complete with a gorgeous pergola. If you have an empty spot on your deck, patio or backyard, an outdoor wood structure could be the missing piece to bring it...

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....

Pool Shade Structure Ideas That Stand Out

Want to make a splash with your neighborhood pool party? Maybe this is the year to look at pool shade structures to finish off your patio. Pool shade structures can be anything from a portable umbrella over a sturdy picnic table to a cedar or pine pergola with stylish seating. If you have an expansive area to fill, a larger 6 post pergola could provide the extra coverage you're looking for. Creating more shade around your pool deck with a pergola kit can range from something simple like a 10x10 attached pine pergola to a 20x20 freestanding cedar pergola. If you're opting for a covered pergola kit to complete your space and you're looking for a DIY pergola, read on! The following comparison shows options for the best pool patio...

How to Transform Your Patio with a Wall Mounted Pergola

In the world of outdoor structures that enhance your outdoor living area such as a wooden pergola, there are two types - a wall mounted pergola and a free standing pergola. Also known as attached pergolas in our industry, a wall mounted pergola can transform your patio into a comfortable lounging area to host a your next dinner party right out your back door. When it's attached to the wall, there are two posts in a standard size pergola like a 12x14 attached. As you can see, it's a great way create a space outside to relax by an outdoor fireplace, grill your favorite meal, or just lounge around and enjoy the fresh air during your time off. Attached pergola kits are a great patio cover option to maximize your...

Creative Ways for Building Patio Shade

Patio shade is incredibly important year-round in states like Arizona, Florida, Nevada and New Mexico. These top 20 sunniest states for sunny day frequency need shade in summer and well into the winter months. Creative ways to build patio shade include adding lots of shade trees, retractable canopies or shade sails, or constructing a pergola. Pergolas offer a nice balance of shade and sunlight to your backyard retreat. A solid wood pergola can enhance your outdoor living by creating a space where you can escape those sunny rays year-round, but still see glimpses of filtered light. Do you live where you need extra patio shade? How to Create Extra Patio Shade If you're in one of the top 20 sunniest states or simply want to expand your outdoor room, adding a pergola with...

Backyard Shade Covers for Year-Round Patio Entertaining

Whether it's warmer weather with climbing A/C bills or cooler temps are here and you're stretching out the days you can spend outside, you're probably looking for a way to extend the life of your patio. If you live where it's a sun-drenched yard year-round, backyard shade covers such as trees, plants and outdoor structures might help cool things off. If sun is streaking directly into your windows during the peak of summer, your house can soak up extra heat and challenge your overworked cooling system. Consider time tested backyard shade ideas such as landscaping with larger trees and shrubs, and adding surrounding structures to help keep your home shaded and cooler this summer. Or create a new backyard shade area with pergola patio cover to use as a mini-retreat away...

What to Do with an Empty Backyard Living Space

Trying to make the most of your veranda? A wood arbor kit can be a classic way to accent your outdoor patio space. Creating your dream backyard can often be a challenge if there are space constraints. There are so many choices and design ideas, and yet only so much square footage in your outdoor area. But don't despair! If you live in a downtown area or have a compact space to design and fill, an arbor or a pergola always look amazing and will never go out of style. Add some easy string outdoor lighting, a cooking area, and a patio dining set, and you're ready to entertain! Wood Arbor Kit Styles Wood structures can be used as an easy yet memorable entrance to a garden area or outdoor patio. Not...