Pergola Ideas

A Beautiful Garden Feature

Take a look at some pergola pictures to get ideas for pergola design and construction based on the wood pergola plans, and see what can be achieved by exploring the 'Before' and 'After' photos.

A pergola is just a pergola, isn't it? Well yes....and no.

This is where 'different pergolas for different places' comes in. Your choice of pergola really depends on its purpose, and with this in mind, I've split the suggestions into five sections to reflect the main uses. Here, you can find more detailed information.

There are several pergola kits within each section, ranging from traditional wooden pergola kits to walkways, corner pergolas, canopies, pergola awnings, Asian-style pergolas, gazebos, rustic and metal pergolas and attached lean-to pergolas. Much will depend on the overall effect you are trying to achieve.

You might find a pergola that just suits your needs but would like to have a go making it yourself. If you are thinking of making a pergola yourself, there are several pergola plans to choose from.

All the plans are listed here. They can be fully adapted to fit your space. There are several other pergola ideas to make the plans fit your favourite style, including 18 free rafter tail templates, for great looking rafter tail ends, and there are other suggestions listed in Adapting the Plans.

Other Pergola Ideas from Guest Writer Adam Coholan

Written by Adam Coholan, an active blogger who writes about landscaping, remodeling and exterior design based on his experience working with properties for sale in Queens for Elliman Real Estate.

The concept of an outdoor living space has really expanded from a simple back porch or pergola in the garden for enjoying the weather to great structures featuring modern amenities such as an outdoor kitchen, televisions, and furniture. If you don't already have an outdoor living space, adding a pergola to your backyard will provide you and your family the extra living space for relaxing as well as for entertaining.

Whatever material you choose to create your new space, you can customize the shape and color to make your pergola work with your landscape and existing décor. If you have a meticulously manicured lawn, consider a square shaped pergola with clean, straight edges to keep the clean look you like. Go for similar shapes in the furniture that you choose. If you have a rambling, whimsical garden, consider a circular shaped pergola with soft, curved edges to have the same feel as your garden. Choose curved furniture with big soft cushions in light colors to match the relaxing feel.

Pergolas can be a great place for a hot tub than a typical installation. Your pergola will not only provide shade and some protection from the weather so you can soak all year round, but it will also transform the hot tub into an ornamental centerpiece for your yard. A pergola with a hot tub that includes amenities like a wet bar and soft lighting can create a great outdoor space for year-round relaxation and even entertaining.

Depending on how extravagant you want your structure will depend on whether you should look to hire a contractor or not. If you'd like features like lighting, televisions and an outdoor kitchen, it may be best to hire a contractor to get a custom build to fit all of your amenities as well as handle the installation of the electricity and plumbing that is safe for outdoors. Consider having an actual roof built for your structure if you're going to include all of the extras of an outdoor space. This will protect your space from the elements and provide shade and protection for anyone looking to enjoy the space without worrying about the weather.

With all of the creative options for you to choose from, you and your family will soon be enjoying your outdoor living space well into the fall, whether it's throwing a fun party or just enjoying the fresh air and beautiful landscape.

Visit the Elliman Real Estate website, or follow Adam on Twitter @Coho22.

Thanks, Adam, for your pergola ideas. It just shows how we can include a fabulous pergola in our gardens; from a very simple garden feature, to an all-singing, all-dancing structure. The final look is often down to the accessories, garden furniture and planting used to achieve the desired effect.

I hope these pergola ideas have given you the inspiration to have a go yourself!

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