A pergola is basically a garden structure which is much similar to the arbor. It forms a shaded sitting area, walkway or passageway of vertical pillars or posts which usually support cross beams and a strong open lattice, usually upon which vines are trained. While it offers shade, it also serves as support for the climbing plants or simply adds visual appeal to a space. You can add a pergola to your patio or backyard and use it to relax, sit and entertain guests. Here are some points you should know about pergola plans and their main types.
Types of pergola plans
There are indeed many types of pergola plans you can choose for your home’s outdoor decor. The material that the majority of them is made of is wood. However, this is not to say that you can’t find some pergola plans made of other materials like vinyl, aluminum, or even fiberglass. As always, you should definitely opt for that type that best fits your needs and budget. Below we have compiled a list of different pergola plans for you, in order to get some inspiration and ideas.
Pergola with Latticework
You can use beams, latticework and wood posts to build a popular type of pergola. Build a square type pergola which measures 10 ft long, 10 ft wide and 8 ft high. Try covering the sides and the top with latticework. The details of it will make your pergola look more fascinating and beautiful. Also, when sitting under the pergola you won’t be completely isolated from the sun, so that you can get some vitamin D while relaxing.
Next, use the redwood for minimal upkeep and longevity. Paint or stain the wooden pergola so as to match the overall design. The pergola will provide your sitting or entertainment area with shade and privacy, just as much as it is necessary.
Columned Pergola
Why not use columns to create your pergola? Use 4 Roman or Corinthian style columns which are made of PVC (abbreviation for, polyvinyl chloride). Or made from poured concrete, which is something that will offer more strength.
You can frame the top 4 sides using wooden beams & add some trellises or smaller beams to build the pergola’s top. Leave the pergola top plain or you can cover it with canvas shade. A pergola made with column style is an excellent choice for Tuscan or traditional style homes. Architectural presence of these columns adds visual impact to the landscaping.
The vintage style they create will completely transform your yard and make it look like a small yet beautiful palace. Add your favourite furniture in it and off you go for some laid-back mood moments.
Arched Pergola
Pergola plans of this kind give a more aristocratic look at your backyard. Rather than using the flat beams on the pergola’s top, build it in arch style. Arch provides dome like curve on the pergola’s top which adds airiness. Some materials to create your arch are iron, redwood or steel. You may buy ready made arches which are made of weather resistant iron or steel from a home or garden improvement store. Using the arch style gives your garden that rustic feel. It’s a good option for entryway to a garden or/and as a passageway.
Japanese Pergola
Pergola plans of such type are great for people who desire to have an Asian inspired garden. Select redwood or cedar material and then stain or paint it red so as to make it be the centerpiece of the garden. Even though your garden or home isn’t in Japanese or Asian style, you may still use this pergola to add appeal to it. Actually, if you don’t own this kind of style on other parts of the house, it’s even better! Because just like that you will make the pergola stand out and be more eye-catching.
You can place the pergola between the flower garden and the lawn to give the 2 spaces a good transition point. You can also place some potted trailing rose flowers on every side so as to help in anchoring the piece and also soften it’s look.
Pergola plans from recycled plastics or vinyl
This is another alternative you can go for. It is something less usual but still widely approved. No one said that you must use pergola plans out of wood if you don’t want to. So this is something you can consider as an option. Plus, this perola type has a great benefit. Many of the newer wood look alikes are usually used like wood but won’t need any painting and wont rot or decay.
Isn’t something that we all want? An ideal pergola would never decay in the nick of time. So why not choose one made out of plastics or vinyl?
Note: Do not be hesitant to use these materials in fear of losing quality of your decor. Plastic and vinyl can still be classy, chic and elegant if used properly.
Solid structure
You can build any type of pergola you desire from a very wide assortment of different materials including recycled and found objects. Ensure the structure is strong, solid and well seated in the ground.
A metal pergola
ANother good option, among others, is to install a pergola made of metal. Some metals such as rebar will rust, while cast iron may be formed into all sorts of shapes, and the copper metal will form patina of blue greens and coppery browns. Metals may also be used to offer a curved design or angular design. They will be more shiny than the above examples. So, if glam is what you want, even in the outdoor part of your house, then this is a good choice you can make.
Make the pergola from living materials
No, we don’t actually mean making your pergola out of fruits or vegetables. But materials like bamboo can pretty much do the work here. You can grow bamboo or some other flexible trees or shrubs in rows. Then tie and train the branches so that they can curve & meet over the pergola’s top to create a great living pergola.
This will make your yard look very exotic. The best result here would be acheived if you already had a swimming pool in your backyard. Just imagine the combination of those two, creating relaxing environment and vibes. In this case, you won’t need vacation in any exotic island. Because the island will be right next to your house!
Pergola plans with paths
Pergolas can be light or heavy, decorative or minimal, elaborate or simple, rustic or formal in design. You can build an elaborate and beautiful environment by simply adding paths all through the pergola which can be textured or paved or can even be planted. Plants and flowers can form some gardens on either sides of the pass-through. Also, vines may lightly accent some areas or can smother the whole structure.
Tips for your pergola plans
You should always remember a thing or two about pergolas. They are great ways of dividing areas of the property, they offer a chance to grow some wonderful vines such as grapes, wisteria, or other such flamboyant climbers. And also they create passageways which have a serene feeling of being enclosed.
You can use the pergola to lead the way from your house to other structures such as the work room, the garage or the guest house. Or you can build one which opens to a meditation area or a swimming pool. You can also create a smaller one in more limited areas which opens to small patios with seating or to a sculpture or fountain at the end.
Tips
-Having at least 2 people when building the pergola will make the work easier.
-When building the pergola, it’s important you put safety 1st. When mixing fast drying cement, always follow the instructions exactly as they are.
-Use the appropriate pergola kits.
-Follow all the power tool operating directions and wear the proper safety gear and clothing.
Enthusiastic about pergolas? Check out our Outdoor decor suggestions to get more ideas on the exterior of your lovely home.
Image: Titan Designs
Images 8-11: janiceparker
Ideas 17-18: HGTV Magazine / Lisa Romerein
Via: The Handmade Home
Image: A Beautiful Mess
Picture: Backyard Unlimited
Image: DIY network
Photo: BHG
Image: Rolling Stone Landscapes
Picture: Midwest Living
Image: Ana White
Ideas 39-40: cane plex
Image: BHG
Via: Woodmeister Master Builders
Tags: exterior plants, Outdoor Patio Furniture
Master Builders:
Nice job for the contractor and the layout design of the units………good photography.
Great pergola ideas! I love the photos, really helpful as we’ll be building one this Spring.
Outstanding pergola designs. Many of them would greatly enhance the appeal of any back yard and patio area.
The pergola covering the fire pit has great ambiance and warmth
I don’t usually comment but I gotta admit appreciate it for the post
on this perfect one :D.
My husband wants a pergola over our deck for him to grow his hops plants on. I would prefer a free standing one like the one by Titan Designs you showed. It looks so romantic with the wysteria too!
I like how you mentioned that you should ensure that the pergola you want to build has a strong structure and is seated well to the ground. My wife and I are thinking of looking for pergola builders because we’re considering renovating our backyard to make it look nicer since we’re contemplating hosting more parties in the warmer months. I think it’s a good idea for us to consider hiring a reputable professional that can help us build a strong and good looking garden structure for our yard to impress our guests.