44 Dreamy Pergola Plans

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

Via: SNOEI

Image: Jacqueline Volker 

Ideas 17-18:  HGTV Magazine / Lisa Romerein

Image: group one

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