Pergola Installation: Learn How to Install a Pergola

Outdoor Living Space Ideas, Patio Accessories

Pergola Installation: Learn How to Install a Pergola

February 12, 2025

Installing a pergola can enhance your outdoor space, but proper planning is essential to avoid mistakes. In this article, we will help you discover tips for installing your backyard pergola. Here are the first 3 steps to starting your outdoor pergola installation plan:

Choose the best pergola design for your space. Since a pergola is a garden structure with columns and cross beams forming an open roof, first decide if you want your pergola covered or open.
Compare your shade options. Pergolas naturally provide some shade, with designs that include top slats or purlins. Optional additional cover can be added like metal roofing, pergola covers, or shade sails.
Review common mistakes as you make your pergola plans. Poor planning or improper installation can ruin the experience—ensure you have the right tools and instructions. Consider contacting a qualified pergola installer to assist with your project.

Follow our step-by-step guide complete with tips on how to install a pergola correctly and create your dream outdoor oasis.

Pergola Installation Tip No. 1: What's the Best Pergola Design for My Space?

Seems obvious, but remember, there are no dumb questions. One of our best tips for pergola installation is to get acquainted with the pergola concept and how it will fit in your space. A pergola is a garden structure outside with open roofing supported by columns and cross beams. You can leave the roof open or cover it between the beams. It comes in either a freestanding or a joining form with a permanent structure such as a house. What about shade? It’s a misconception that a pergola without roofing offers shade — it only does if you’ve placed a roof element on top of the top slats and cross beams. If you’ve left them open, there will be shade with our Big Kahuna pergola, medium shade with our Sombrero pergolas, and less shade with our Melbourne or Fedora open design pergolas. If you’re looking for more protection, our metal roof pergolas provide shade and shelter from UV rays while creating an ideal outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment. If the pergola is installed with the beams being open, there will not be as much shade from the pergola structure. Some people use pergolas to grow flowering vines and hanging gardens, in which case the plants provide some shade. Our designs will tell you the type of shade each pergola provides, and there are pergola covers and shade sails you can add to provide shade and make your pergola everything you want it to be.

Pergola Installation Tip No. 2: Picking the Right Design

Many homeowners thinking of pergola installation sift through a few online sites and choose the pergolas they find most aesthetically pleasing. Neglecting several important factors, they push on with buying materials and click on a couple of sites that explain how to install a pergola. But critical questions need to be answered first regarding local weather, how much space you have for your pergola posts, and what wood will be best in your climate:

Your Outdoor Space: What are the dimensions of your yard? Is it smaller or larger than the yards with pergolas you viewed online? Are there any uneven, always wet or otherwise unstable spots in your yard? Do you have overhanging trees or other natural obstacles? You're going to want multiple size options to maximize the space you have. Our Big Kahuna Pergola is always a perfect choice, offered in sizes ranging from eight to twenty feet.
Your Local Weather: Do you get heavy sunshine, or is your home in a rainier location? Is it warm there year-round, or do you live in a less temperate climate? Are snow and ice frequent winter visitors? Is it windy seasonally, year-round or never? Maybe you're in a hot, dry area where our Sombrero Pergola would be an excellent choice! Are you near a coastline with trade winds or salt spray? What's the best season to build where you're located? Considering these factors is an important part of the pergola installation process.
The Best Materials: What materials will be used? What type of pergola wood? Is your chosen wood able to withstand the elements? Will you be fastening the pergola to the house, or will it be freestanding? How will that affect the materials used? What about the hardware and tools needed? Does the design come with the plans and materials or just the plans?

All of these questions can be answered before making your purchase. Our pergola installation plans are available for each kit we offer to download, save and print. The kits we sell come with easy-to-read, detailed plans. Each one includes all the wooden planks and beams with pre-drilled holes and hardware for your convenience. We offer online help to answer any questions you have, as well. Rest assured, you've come to the right place. If you determine that you'd rather have help installing your pergola, we have a list of qualified pergola installers in locations coast-to-coast. Contact us and we'll help you find a pergola installer near you.

How to Install a Pergola Tip No. 3: Are You Up to It?

Our pergola kits are easy to install, with plans that are carefully written. But for some, researching how to install a pergola isn't the same as actually installing a pergola. All of these pergola installation tips and instructions won't help if you or someone working with you isn't ready for the physical challenge of assembling it. Not to worry! We're here to help you with that dream pergola so you can enjoy the best installation possible. If you don't feel that you're up to installing it yourself, or staining the wood once it's up, we have resources to help you, including a list of pergola builders near you.

DIY Pergola Installation Tip No. 4: Choose the Right Vendor

Nothing is more frustrating than realizing too late you've made a mistake by buying from a particular vendor. Pergola installation shouldn't be a nightmare; our ready-to-assemble pergolas have been featured on Military Makeover, DIY Network and HGTV. We were awarded "Best Houzz for Customer Service" since 2017. We've sold thousands of pergolas since 2008 — all proudly built in the USA. With our high-quality products, easy to follow instructions, and top-shelf customer service, you'll be enjoying your beautiful new pergola in no time!

Pergola Installation Made Easy with Pergola Depot

You don't want to be left with a terrible pergola installation that results in the wrong size or configuration. And you don't want to miss out on the fun and enjoyment a pergola brings. That's why, at Pergola Depot, we've considered all these common mistakes and thoughtfully provided you with everything you could need at a great price. From detailed plans to a full line of accessories and award-winning service, we know you'll be completely satisfied. Once you learn how to install a pergola, your family and friends will be enjoying it for years to come! Contact us if you need any additional pergola installation tips to get the ball rolling. We look forward to providing you with the pergola you've always wanted!