Tag Archives | Pergola

Modern Pergola Designs Gallery and Notes

Here are some design notes when it comes to modern pergola designs. The most common pergola design is to have decorative and somewhat rounded ends on the beam. The easiest way of creating a more modern pergola is to do away with the decorative ends. In picture (1) the beams still hang over the frame of the pergola but the decorative shape is gone. In pictures (2) (3) and (4) the beams are built within the frame so there are no overhanging parts – creating a sleeker look.

Going Dark: Using darker wood (almost black) creates a more modern look (5) (6), compared to the natural brown tones common with traditional pergolas.

Alternative Materials: Mixing a steel or wrought iron frame with wooden slats creates an ultra contemporary pergola design (7) (8).

Different Styles: The pergola in picture (9) is more of an awning style – there are beams only on the left side while the right side is completely open.

Luxury Touches: Some premium design add-ons include: adding lights (Simple Outdoor Pergola Lighting Ideas), a fan, and having a retractable canopy or motorized slats (Pergola Roofing Design Ideas: From the Natural to the Motorized). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

March 26, 2013 in Outdoors

Resource Guide for DIY Pergola Construction

Even though we only write posts on design ideas, we’ve put together a list of resources for those looking to do their own DIY pergola construction. These links cover everything you’ll need to know from what materials to use, building plans, to kits, and instructions. 1/2/3/4/5/6

A very detailed step by step guide to building a pergola: Family Handyman
Popular Mechanic’s how to picture guide
Pergola kit (hardware, wooden stencils, and assembly instructions (lumber not included): Amazon
Lumber and kit: Amish Designers
Paid resource for all woodworking plans: Ted’s Woodworking

For ideas on what type of pergola to build, roofing and lighting options, and decorating accessories have a look at these posts:

March 26, 2013 in Construction

Pergola Roofing Design Ideas: From the Natural to the Motorized

Layering Up: A lot of pergolas will only have one layer of overhead beams – say going in a vertical direction. One way of adding more shade and roofing to the pergola is to add another level of beams – this time going in the horizontal direction as seen in picture (1).

Going Natural: A simple and inexpensive way of covering the pergola is to hang plants and vines across the beams (2) – this also adds to the decor of the space. Another eco friendly idea, though not as decorative, is to use the pergola as a solar station as seen in picture (3).

Retractable Canopies: A retractable roof lets you transform the pergola space, letting you control the amount of heat and light shining through. The most common canopy designs are fabric ones (4) (5) that are either motorized or manual pulling. Picture (6) shows a simple roofing system that can easily be done DIY – a fabric canvas slides along a wire that is attached the posts. Then there are motorized blind systems that can be opened to a certain angle, and can be solar powered like the system from Solarishield.co.uk seen in picture (7).

Fixed Covers: Here are some pergola roofing ideas and options that are fixed in place – a vinyl lattice (8), bamboo poles (9), a fabric mesh (10), glass (11), or polycarbonate (plastic) (12). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12

Here are some other pergola posts for more ideas:

March 26, 2013 in Outdoors

Simple Outdoor Pergola Lighting Ideas

A pergola can be a relaxing and beautiful place to hang out in at night. Here are some pergola lighting ideas that will turn it into an amazing outdoor space:

Overhead: A light can be fitted to one of the overhead beams (1). Depending on where you live, you might not want a light that hangs down, say a pendant light, as it will sway around a lot in the wind.

The Posts: There are quite a few lighting options when it comes to the posts of the pergola. These will need some electrical and wiring work done. Some ideas include fitting small wall lights, down lights, or having lights embedded into the posts (aka recessed lights).

If you choose to use solar lights, all you’ll need to do is just screw the fixtures to the posts – quick and simple (2).

Whimsical Lighting For Pergolas: To create a more whimsical and enchanting outdoor setting, have a look at using string lights (3). These can be easily wrapped around the posts of the pergola, or you can hang them on the beams overhead to create a starry night effect.

Tabletop: Tabletop lights would be the easiest way of subtly lighting a pergola. Some ways of doing this is to use candles (4), oil lanterns, table fire pits or bowls, or solar power lanterns like the SunJar (5).

Other Lighting Ideas and Solutions: Attach a spotlight to the wall of the house pointing toward the pergola. Another simple and inexpensive idea is to plant tiki torches in the soil around the pergola, or plant them in buckets of sand to hold them upright (6).