What is a Pergola & How to Use One?

5 Pergola Uses for Your Backyard

Compared to other popular outdoor shade structures like pavilions and gazebos, pergolas stand out due to their ultra-slim profile and open roof. When people ask, “What is a pergola?”, those are the key features we point to. The unique architecture of this structure allows it to complement and complete a wide range of outdoor living spaces. Check out these 5 pergola uses and imagine how they could complete your space:

1. Centerpiece for a Seating Area

This is one of the most popular pergola uses because it fulfills a universal need and fits almost any space. Adding a pergola with chairs or a small table turns loose furniture into a formal seating area that you’ll love to use. Whether you use this on your deck or patio or in your yard, a pergola effectively ties the space together. In addition, the vertical profile of a pergola can bring extra visual dimensions to the flat space.

2. The Perfect Poolside Accessory

Create the feel of a resort pool in your backyard with a perfectly placed pergola. Our white vinyl pergolas create an eye-catching color contrast with the tan of an in-ground pool. Just like with the seating area, the tall structure of a pergola provides the vertical aesthetic touch to complete the space.

3. An Accent for an Outdoor Kitchen or Bar

This pergola use pairs two of the most popular HGTV-approved outdoor trends together. There’s no question that outdoor cooking spaces are some of the most popular inclusions into any new deck or hardscape. By covering the bar or grill, you make it a focal point of the entire outdoor design.

4. A Decorative Hot Tub Cover

Soaking in your hot tub can be one of the most blissful ways to unwind after a long day! This exceptional structure takes an already beautiful part of your yard or patio and makes it into a true showstopper.

5. An Outdoor Privacy Solution

This is one of the most practical pergola uses — and it’s one most people haven’t ever seen before. By outfitting your pergola with one or more privacy walls, you can make the entire space as secluded as you want. These privacy walls are a popular add-on and make your pergola a practical (as well as an attractive!) addition to your outdoor living area.

See the options when you buy a pergola online from The Backyard Showcase.

These ideas are only the beginning when it comes to transforming your outdoor space with a centerpiece outdoor structure!

What is a Pergola? A Versatile Backyard Solution!

Not only did we answer your question, “What is a pergola?”, but we’d love to be the team that brings one to your backyard. Almost any outdoor space — and any outdoor aesthetic — can be enhanced by one of our pergolas. While the variety of pergola uses is impressive, so is the wide range of styles. Our rough and rustic cedar pergolas provide a truly distinct natural look that appeals to many homeowners. On the other hand, our sleek line of modern pergolas is designed to offer a cutting-edge 21st century take on the classic structure. Finally, the clean look of our vinyl pergolas is a truly timeless favorite that matches almost any home and any color scheme.

Pergolas and Pavilions: Similar Uses with Different Looks

At The Backyard Showcase, we build and install a wide range of awe-inspiring outdoor structures. However, there’s no question that two of our most popular are pergolas and pavilions — which happen to have more than a few similarities. Both of these shade structures come standard with open sides, four posts, a sleek look, and many options for a wide range of styles.

The main difference that sets these two types of structures apart is the roof. Pergola roofs tend to be flat — and are built in a lattice style. These flat roofs (often with ornamental accents) are one of the defining traits of a pergola and responsible for the signature look. In contrast, pavilion roofs are often sloped and always fully covered. In addition, there are far more pavilion roof styles such as the bell roof, the pagoda roof, the gable roof, and more.

Custom Pergola Options

There are many pergola uses that your brand new structure can fulfill, depending on how you accessorize and customize it. These are some of the most popular custom choices to consider when buying your structure:

• Material Choice: (Pressure-Treated Wood or Vinyl)
• Wooden Floor
• Privacy Walls (Multiple Styles Available)
• Full Roof
• Paint and Stain Color Choice
• Ornamental Post Design

Buy Our Modern Pergola Line Right Here

We’ve been featuring our new modern pergolas throughout this blog, since they are the newest addition to our luxury backyard structures. We designed them as the perfect solution for outdoor shade that provides a distinctly modern feel. The standout features of the modern pergolas are the striking matte black brackets, the no-frills roof and wall design, and the straight-line posts. We envision our modern pergolas as the perfect piece for either a sundeck behind a suburban home or an accent to a hardscape in a city.

Beyond the in-demand modern look, homeowners also love how convenient it is to make one of these pergola kits their own. We offer these modern wood pergolas for sale online — all you need to do is select a few options and enter your payment info!

Reach Out to Our Team to Get Started

If you have questions about how to take your space to the next level with a pergola, our design team is ready to collaborate. Our outdoor designers can help talk you through the pergola uses and select the custom touches that will truly make it your own. So, whether you want to craft something totally custom or order one of our popular pergola models, our team is here to help.

Reach out to our team to discuss your project or to get the quote to bring it home today!