Comparison of Pergola Styles

Pergola Uses for Today’s Outdoor Living

Pergolas have become a cornerstone of modern outdoor living, offering both form and function to create usable extensions of a home or business.

One of the most popular uses for a pergola is creating a comfortable shaded area. Unlike solid patio covers, pergolas filter some sunlight while still allowing natural light and airflow to pass through. This brings the outdoors in without feeling restricted.

A pergola can anchor an outdoor area to help maximize the usability of a patio or garden space. They effectively extend the amount of time an outdoor area can be enjoyed throughout the year, providing protection from intense summer rays while remaining breathable during warmer months.

Landscape designers often incorporate a pergola to visually frame an outdoor living room, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This architectural element establishes a clear sense of purpose and structure, turning open yards into more intentional living areas. Popular uses are covering a hot tub, creating shade next to your pool, or building a structure around an outdoor kitchen and fireplace.

Pergolas are also commonly used to make an outdoor kitchen or dining space even better! When placed over a grill zone, a pergola provides some shade without closing you off from the party. It’s an ideal solution for homeowners who love to entertain outside, or for a restaurant to add a bit of charm to their outdoor dining area.

Another key use of pergolas is protection from Mother Nature. With the addition of a pergola canopy, shade sail, or metal pergola roofing, you’re guaranteed coverage from the sun, rain, or snow!

Ultimately, a pergola is the perfect addition to your design that blends your indoor space with your outdoor space. Whether defining lounge areas, enhancing outdoor kitchens, or creating a shaded garden escape, pergolas play a vital role in elevating today’s outdoor living experience.

pergola over a hot tub
pergola with outdoor kitchen and fireplace

Pergola Installation Tips

Proper installation of your pergola is key to ensuring your new structure looks great and remains sturdy for years to come. These installation tips will help you understand what to expect, whether you plan to build it yourself or hire a professional.

Shipping & Preparation

Once your kit is on its way, you can start gathering tools and helpers to assemble your new pergola! Your pergola kit will arrive complete with all wood components, installation hardware, and step‑by‑step assembly instructions. Designed for DIY installation, most of our kits only require tools such as a drill, level, hammer, and ladder + 2-3 helpers. Larger pergola kits or pergolas with a roof may require the help of 4–6 adults. If DIY pergola kits aren’t your preference, enlist the help of a local contractor or builder.

Professional Installation

While many pergola kits are suitable for DIY assembly, professional installation ensures proper anchoring and long‑term structural stability, especially for larger or more complex designs. Local contractors, landscapers, or handymen/handywomen are great resources for installing pergolas.

Regular Maintenance

Maintenance varies by pergola material. Wood pergolas will be a beautiful solid structure for many years when properly maintained beginning at the time of installation. Pressure‑treated pine pergolas should be installed and allowed to dry for 2–3 months before applying stain, paint, or sealant, depending on climate. After drying, stain or seal the wood and reapply every other year. Rough‑sawn western red cedar can be sealed immediately (before or after installation) and should also be resealed every other year to maintain its natural beauty.

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Pergola FAQs

Often your homeowners association, city, or county will require a permit to install your pergola. If the pergola is being used outside a restaurant, apartment, or community pool often those are located in zones where a building permit is required. Contact the building department in your zip code and ask what the requirements are during your project planning phase. Building standards are put in place to ensure proper construction materials and installation techniques are used. Several of our pergola designs have engineered stamped drawings that can be provided when you purchase your pergola kit. These stamped drawings can help with your permitting process.

Pergolas are intended to last for many years when properly maintained and installed. Our pergola kits are built using durable materials and are engineered for harsh weather conditions. When installed and sealed properly, you can expect several years of enjoyment and from your pergola.

The size pergola that will fit your space will depend on the mounting surface and hos much space you’d like around the perimeter of the structure. We offer guidance to measure for a pergola, and can also talk through your project to determine the best fit. Our pergola kits are offered in over 90 standard sizes, and we can build custom pergola kits to fit in small or expansive spaces.