• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Backyardscape

Backyard Living Ideas

  • Home
  • Fence
  • DIY & Projects
  • Outdoor Lighting
  • Hot Tubs
  • Fire Pits
  • Landscaping Tips
  • Decks
You are here: Home / Pergola / 5 Deck Pergola Ideas for Your Backyard

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

5 Deck Pergola Ideas for Your Backyard

Last Updated April 24, 2022 By Christina

Having a pergola on your deck is a great way to create shade and add some value to your home. A pergola is different from an arbor in that it has four corners and a roof that can be covered with vine or fabric for extra shade. What are some pergola ideas for the deck?

Pergolas go great with lawn features but will really pop if they occupy a large space on the deck. Building or assembling a pergola could be an easy job for a handyman, but there might be some problems if you are on your own. Read on and learn some great pergola ideas for your deck.

Table of Contents

  • Ideas for a Deck Pergola
  • Types of Pergola
  • Assembling the Pergola
  • Conclusion

Ideas for a Deck Pergola

Depending on your deck’s size, you can have a gigantic pergola that covers the entirety of the space or a tiny section to keep your hot tub out of the neighbor’s view. When choosing how big you want your area to be, you should also think about how many things are going to go inside of the structure.

Popular Stories Right now
7 Ways on How To Hang String Lights in Backyard Without Trees
Can a Hot Tub Sit on Gravel? (And Why to Use It)
What to Feed Squirrels in Backyard

Deck furniture or other features should fit inside the pillars of the structure so that if you want, you can add shades to the sides to create a more intimate cabana feel. Open tops and sides are great for fire pits and places that could work with wood or run off a pilot light. Measure your space before you sink money into a new pergola.

Types of Pergola

Before you can begin construction on the deck, you should know what kind of pergola you are going to have and how large it will be. Measure the portions of the deck that will house the shelter and is accurate. Repeat the measuring process as many times as needed before you start shopping.

Pergolas can be some cheap landscaping ideas if you keep things simple and do your own installation.

#deckpergola

View

Nov 16

Open
Nice little transformation in this little backyard area for the lovely Belinda, nothing to something 🙌🏻 
#pergola #deckpergola #decking #merbau #treatedpine #roundposts #mentone #beams #baylinecarpentry
21 2

View

Jun 9

Open
Love how this home owner reproduced this Privacy wall set up that we had shared from a previous install. It is great to be able to share these to hopefully help inspire an idea for your own outdoor space!
hideaway_screens 
#outdoorliving #backyard #landscapedesign #deckpergola #cedardecking #pergola #hideawayscreens #diy #doityourself #summertime #bbq #bbqseason #patiodesign #patio #patiodecor 
#privacywall
118 3

View

Jul 14

Open
We are super happy with this structure. It is the first contempo style we've done with smaller timbers! 
.
Details: Regular Contempo pergola with 6x6 posts, 3x10 rafters, 2x4 latice and custom stain color. 
.
.
.
#hiring #nowhiring #nowhiringinutah #nowhiringutah #hiringinutah #notched #notchedtimbers #notchedteam #notchedstructures #notchedbrand #outdoorlivingspace #outdoorstructures #outdoorspaces #shade #shadestructures #shadeinthesummer #shadestructure #notchedshade #summerready #summerparties #summerliving #summertime #getoutside #modern #modernpergola #deckpergola
23 1

View

Aug 19

Open
The afters and the before. Completed Quincy deck and pergola.
•
Decks don’t have to be square. This L-shaped deck was customized with angled corners, a double course accent border and a vertical slat skirting. Top it all off with a custom pergola. Excited to come back once the painters do their magic. 
•
Thank you to koopman_lumber and Goliath Helical Piles for another great project!
•
Decking: 
trexcompany Pebble Gray (body)
trexcompany Winchester Gray (accent)
Railings:
rdirail Transform
Pergola:
Claymark Tru-Pine
•
#sparksconstructionco #koopmanlumber #deck #decks #outdoorlivingspace #outdoorliving #backtowork #carpentry #carpenter #residentialconstruction #residentialremodeling #residentialrenovation #outdoordesign #outdoordesignideas #pictureframedeck #trexdeck #trexdecking #trexdeck #pergola #pergolas #deckpergola #deckskirting #deckskirtingideas
36 4

View

Jul 29

Open
Attacking this deck skirting while we await the pergola.
•
We’ve seen an increase in requests for this vertical slat look under the deck. Along with custom built access doors that blend into the skirting, these added details are well worth the extra time to spruce up your new deck.
•
#sparksconstructionco #koopmanlumber #deck #decks #outdoorlivingspace #outdoorliving #backtowork #carpentry #carpenter #residentialconstruction #residentialremodeling #residentialrenovation #outdoordesign #outdoordesignideas #cortexhiddenfastening #cortexhiddenfasteners #hiddenfasteners #cortexplugs #pictureframedeck #trexdeck #trexdecking #trexdeck #pergola #pergolas #deckpergola #trexhiddenfasteners #deckskirting #deckskirtingideas
20 0

View

Aug 10

Open
Pergola well on its way. 
•
This is our first install of a Tru-Pine Pergola brought to us by warrentraskcompany and koopman_lumber. This pre-primed timber pergola is as solid as they come. 
•
#sparksconstructionco #koopmanlumber #deck #decks #outdoorlivingspace #outdoorliving #backtowork #carpentry #carpenter #residentialconstruction #residentialremodeling #residentialrenovation #outdoordesign #outdoordesignideas #pictureframedeck #trexdeck #trexdecking #trexdeck #pergola #pergolas #deckpergola #deckskirting #deckskirtingideas
21 3
Load More

Cedar is an Excellent Choice for a Deck Upgrade

A cedar pergola is one of the most breathtaking shelters you can place on your deck. When paired with a sweet-smelling vine or an autumn colored set of shades, there aren’t many other pieces that can rival its look and feel. Using a natural product like cedar also gives the deck a homestyle feel that could rival a night camping under the stars.

A Backyard Discovery cedar pergola is a great example of how well cedar looks. The slats along the top make a great platform for a roll of fabric shading or a lovely flowering vine. The color is a bit neutral, which means that you can add it to almost any style of deck, and it should blend in just fine.

Popular Stories Right now
Are Backyard Fire Pits Legal?
Best Mosquito Repellent: 10 Plants That Mosquitoes Hate
How to Mulch: The Definitive Guide

Open Top Pergolas Shirk Roof Coverings for Fantastic Views

An open-top pergola is precisely the way it sounds. As other structures have slats or rails on the roof, an open-top leaves the Skyview unobstructed. The pillars make a great spot to hang flowers or mount a trellis that opens the area for some unique flower growing. An open-top is excellent for families looking for a bit of shelter for their fire pit.

One of the great things about an open-top pergola is that you can choose to leave the top open or hang some bits of shade in the corners. The Fly Hawk is the perfect example of what you can do with the extra space. Their versatility of them makes it a definite option for those looking to spice up their deck.

A Steel Pergola is Exceptional for Severe Weather Areas

One of the great things about steel is that it will stand up to anything. A steel pergola will last for decades and can be an eye-catching piece on your deck. Steel is also great for having outdoor furniture. It creates a much better bit of cover for the furniture instead of being thrown out in the elements from day one.

Steel pergolas, like the Purple Leaf, also have moving pieces that can give them more functionality. This particular model has a set of louvers that can be raised or lowered to let in or keep out light. Extra side panels can also be attached to give it a bohemian outdoor feel good for any time of day.

Popular Stories Right now
6 Best Outdoor Towel Warmers for Hot Tub
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in Trees
Hot Tub Dangers: How to Prevent Getting Electrocuted in a Hot Tub

A Lean To Pergola Takes More Building but is Worth it.

The last type of pergola is the lean-to. A lean-to is a bit of a roof extension that covers the four pillars of the layout. These are becoming more and more popular since they can be done with just about any material and can form a seamless line with your roof and back deck. Seek out a professional’s help with this one.

Another great thing about a lean-to is that there are free plans across the internet that will give you all the information you need to build them. Some of the designs are simple enough that a few extra boards and some nails will make them rise from the deck in a jiffy. Remember that if you are going to cut into the roof, you need a professional’s help.

Assembling the Pergola

If you bought a pergola that has to be assembled, get ready for the most gigantic puzzles you have ever undertaken. It is just as simple as a puzzle to put together, but some major differences must be followed to allow for proper installation. Read all the instructions before jumping into the deep end on your own.

The steps to assemble your pergola are:

  • Unbox the Pergola – The box will be a large crate or a bundle of plastic pieces with the extra pieces thrown to the side. Take all the contents out and match the pieces with the instruction manual. Place them in an easy to reach area and set the attaching pieces where you won’t lose track of them.
  • Set the Pillars – The thickest pieces of plastic should be for the pillars. They will cover 4×4 poles cemented into the ground or attached with metal clamps screwed into the ground. Make sure that the posts are level, or the rest of the pergola could not fit correctly.
  • Install the Trim – Depending on the type of pergola you buy, there will be bits of trim that need to be installed before moving on to installing the slats for the risers and ceiling. Be careful as some trim bits could be made of thin vinyl or plastic and could tear or rip easily.
  • Place the Risers – There will be a box atop the set of pillars. This square or rectangle section will be where the struts are installed inside or across the top. They will be made from thin flat pieces of covered vinyl and will need to be screwed or attached to the pillars for security.
  • Time for the Struts – Once you have the risers secured, you can begin the time-consuming process of placing the struts. Ensure that the pieces of roofing are stable enough to hold the sheeting for shade and move freely if they are manipulated.

Conclusion

Putting a pergola on your deck is a sure thing to make the value of your home increase. They are modular and will only take a few hours to set up; once you have your deck measured and your budget in mind, you can begin to shop for one of several different kinds of pergolas to fit your need.

Of the four types of pergola, you should choose one that fits your needs and fits aesthetically with your deck. You will be the host of several outdoor parties that will feature your taste and style once you have a nice deck setup. Be sure to check out our article on different lighting ideas for your pergola.

PinLikeTweet

Filed Under: Pergola

About Christina

Hey there and thanks for coming to our site. We love doing projects in our backyard. We do many of the projects ourselves and it's always a work in progress.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Us

jena and christina at beach

Hey There. Thanks for stopping by. You're probably wondering who in the world is writing all about backyards. We're Jena and Christina.  Our friends call us the Inas and now you can … read more about About

  • How to Store Patio Furniture in Winter
  • How To Clean Outdoor Wood Furniture
  • How to Replace Deck Nails with Screws
  • How To Extend the Life of Your Deck
  • How to Build a Fence for Your Backyard (Step by Step)

Footer

  • Pinterest
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.