

When it comes to building a pergola or gazebo, there’s a wide range of options to suit any style and budget — from classic Western Red Cedar pergolas to sleek vinyl and metal structures. Whether you’re looking for added comfort, shade, or visual appeal, there are countless cost-effective ways to personalize your pergola or gazebo and make it a centerpiece of your outdoor space.
Turn your pergola-covered space into a cozy seating area with a patio table, chairs, or even a hammock. Painting the furniture to match the tone of your pergola adds a thoughtful touch, while placing a hot tub underneath can transform it into the ultimate relaxation zone.
Most pergola kits come with essential rafters or joists, offering partial shade. But if you want more coverage or support for hanging baskets or climbing plants, consider adding extra joist beams. This customization adds functionality and visual interest.
Trellis or lattice panels can be installed on one or more sides to create a “garden room” feel. Ideal for climbing plants like roses, clematis, or honeysuckle, lattice also provides privacy and shade. Be sure to use durable 1/2- to 1-inch thick wood, and pre-drill holes to avoid splitting.
While pergolas are often open-air structures, adding a lattice wall or solid panel to one or two sides offers both privacy and a decorative touch. It softens the lines of the structure and enhances its room-like feel.
Introduce vibrancy with flowering plants like sweet alyssum, marguerite daisies, or spider flowers. Whether they climb up a lattice or sit in pots around the base, flowers bring warmth and seasonal beauty to your pergola.
Protect your pergola with a solid polycarbonate roof or retractable canopy. These additions allow you to enjoy your outdoor space through rain, snow, or scorching sun — extending usability year-round.
Add a built-in swing beneath your pergola for a fun and relaxing touch. Perfect for two people, swing seating makes the space more dynamic and provides a great spot to unwind.
Replace standard seating with hanging cushioned chairs to create a laid-back, breezy vibe. Hanging seats add movement and charm, making the pergola feel more like a retreat.
Stain your pergola to match the deck it stands on to create a cohesive look. Add potted plants and soft seating for a secluded, calming vibe that feels like a natural extension of your home.
Choose a classic white or go bold with color. Painting your pergola can give it a refreshed look that aligns with your backyard’s style. For cedar pergolas, use an acrylic, non-toxic paint that won’t harm nearby plants.
Want a unique twist? Sporadically placed glass blocks provide privacy and visual interest while letting light through. Pairing wood and glass creates a stunning modern contrast.
Add pillows, fairy lights, or outdoor curtains to complete your pergola personalization. These finishing touches offer comfort, style, and charm for entertaining or unwinding outdoors.
At Outdoor Living Today, we offer premium cedar pergola kits that are easy to assemble and ready to personalize. Whether you’re looking for shade, structure, or a statement piece, our customizable backyard structures are built to last.
An outdoor pergola is a stylish open-air structure perfect for creating shade and adding ambiance to your backyard. Whether covered in climbing vines or paired with retractable canopies, pergolas made of wood, vinyl, plastic, or metal require regular care to maintain their appearance and structural integrity. Here’s a complete guide on how to properly maintain your pergola and ensure it lasts for many years.
Regardless of your pergola’s material, the first step in maintenance is a thorough rinse. Use a high-pressure hose to remove surface dirt, pollen, or debris. Start at the top and work your way downward. Be sure to clear the area of furniture and décor to avoid damage during the process.
Choose a bristle brush and a suitable cleaner for your pergola’s material:
Wood: Use a wood-safe cleaner and remove any peeling paint or splinters.
Metal: Scrub away any rust buildup using a wire or bristle brush.
Vinyl: Follow manufacturer guidelines—usually, mild detergent works well. Use a toothbrush to reach tight corners or areas around hardware.
Combat mildew with a mix of one cup of oxygen bleach and one gallon of water. Apply this solution after the initial rinse and let it sit until the mildew stains begin to fade. Rinse again thoroughly with soap and water.
If you notice black or brown rust stains from fasteners, consider replacing corroded hardware with stainless steel or aluminum options.
After applying cleaning solutions, rinse again using a hose to remove all residue. Check for spots that may need a second round of cleaning and repeat as necessary.
Use a touch-up or repair kit to fix cuts, dings, or gouges. Wood or metal putty can patch small damage, and many vinyl pergolas include specialized kits for surface restoration. Sand down any rough spots before refinishing.
If you have a cedar pergola, you’ll notice it gradually turns from a rich reddish tone to a silvery gray. To preserve its original hue:
Clean thoroughly
Apply a translucent oil-based wood stain for cedar
Let it dry and then seal Reapply stain and sealant every other year to maintain appearance and protection.
Inspect all fasteners and replace any that show corrosion. Use rust-resistant stainless steel or aluminum. Tighten loose bolts and screws to keep the structure secure.
In hot, dry climates, UV rays can cause wood pergolas to crack and fade. Apply a durable, heat-resistant exterior paint for long-term protection and aesthetic appeal.
While creeping vines add beauty and shade, overgrowth can increase the pergola’s weight load. Trim vines a few times a year to reduce stress on the frame. They’ll grow back quickly and stay healthy with regular care.
Conclusion With proper maintenance, your outdoor pergola can remain an attractive and functional centerpiece in your backyard for years. Regular cleaning, careful inspection, and minor seasonal upkeep can prevent costly repairs and preserve the pergola’s beauty and strength.
Not all yards are flat, and not all gazebos are the same — but every solid outdoor structure begins with a stable foundation. Whether you’re building on soft soil, a slope, or a rugged backyard, choosing the right gazebo base will ensure your structure stays level, secure, and long-lasting.
Here are five of the most common (and effective) foundation types you can use when installing a gazebo.
Best for: Flat terrain, structures under 14 ft.
Patio stones are the simplest and most cost-effective option for small- to medium-sized gazebos. Available at most building suppliers, they provide even weight distribution and a level surface without the need for concrete.
Tips:
Place one stone under each corner and a few under the center.
Ensure stones don’t extend past the gazebo’s floor perimeter (so skirting fits properly).
Use cedar shims or other materials to level the floor.
For added support and drainage, place the patio stones on top of compacted crushed gravel.
Best for: Slightly uneven terrain where affordability and strength are priorities.
Cinder blocks (8″x16″) are easy to use and provide reliable support. However, they can sink into soft ground unless properly installed.
Tips:
Use overlapping rows of blocks for stability on soft ground.
Add a cedar skirt to hide the foundation and prevent critters from nesting underneath.
Best for: Raising one side of the gazebo on uneven surfaces — without pouring concrete.
Super spikes are metal ground anchors that can help level a structure on sloped terrain. They’re especially useful in warmer regions without ground frost.
Tips:
Always check your local building codes before using them.
If elevating the structure, consider adding a skirt, lattice, or steps for a polished look.
Best for: Larger structures, uneven terrain, or when permits are required.
Sonotubes provide a permanent and code-compliant solution for supporting heavier gazebos. These concrete columns are sunk into the ground to create a rock-solid base.
Tips:
Hire a contractor familiar with local regulations.
Not included in gazebo kits — must be purchased and installed separately.
Best for: Large gazebos, hot tubs, pool equipment, or permanent structures.
Concrete pads offer the strongest and most durable base. While expensive, they’re ideal for setups that involve plumbing, heating, or electrical components.
Tips:
Professional installation highly recommended.
Consider topping the pad with flagstone for a stylish, rustic finish.
Whatever your ground type or structure size, there’s a foundation option that will support your gazebo for years to come. From simple stone pads to professional-grade concrete, the right base ensures durability, safety, and peace of mind.
Browse our full collection of Western Red Cedar gazebo kits and start planning your project today!
Found the perfect pergola or shed online, but never heard of the company before? You’re not alone.
With e-commerce booming, especially for big-ticket backyard purchases, it’s more important than ever to verify the trustworthiness of a site before handing over your credit card. Here’s how to evaluate any online business — and avoid scams, frustration, or costly mistakes.
Before anything else, do a quick Google search:
Type the business name or website + “reviews”
Try variations like “[company] scam” or “[company] customer complaints”
If red flags pop up, dig deeper. One or two negative reviews isn’t uncommon — but a pattern of issues? Walk away.
New websites aren’t automatically untrustworthy — but a company with 5+ years of online presence is a better bet.
Use Whois Lookup to check:
Domain age
Ownership
Hosting history
A well-established site suggests long-term commitment and reliability.
Legitimate businesses list their office or warehouse address. Enter it in Google Maps or Street View.
If a business claims to be a “gazebo manufacturer” but the address leads to a sketchy apartment complex or PO box, move on.
You can find our Contact Page here, including full address and phone support.
Call the number listed or send an email. Trustworthy businesses:
Answer promptly
Respond professionally
Offer clear answers about products, shipping, or policies
If you get no response within 24–48 hours, that’s a red flag.
Secure, professional websites often feature:
SSL certificates (HTTPS)
Trust badges (e.g., BBB, Shopify Secure, Trustpilot)
Memberships in professional associations
But beware: some scams display fake trust seals. Always click the badge — it should lead to a live verification page.
Before checking out, review the site’s:
Return & refund policy
Cancellation terms
Warranty details
Legal terms
Reputable businesses keep these visible, clear, and fair. Ours are always available at:
A sloppy website with plagiarized content, pixelated images, and poor grammar is a red flag. Credible businesses:
Invest in original photos
Write clear, informative copy
Showcase their own product visuals
Want to see what authentic content looks like? Browse our blog or Decorating Ideas section.
Established businesses are often mentioned or linked on other credible sites.
Try:link:example.com
in Google to see who’s referencing the site.
Bonus tip: Check their Reviews page and search the brand on independent platforms like Google Reviews or BBB.
A legitimate online store should accept:
Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex)
PayPal or similar secure gateways
Credit card purchases are protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act, so you can dispute charges if something goes wrong. Avoid websites that only accept e-transfers or cryptocurrency.
A trustworthy site should send you:
An order confirmation within minutes
A detailed receipt with tracking
Contact and return policy info
If that doesn’t happen, follow up. And if you’re feeling uneasy — listen to your gut.
Following these 10 steps can help you safely navigate online purchases — especially when investing in something like a shed, gazebo, or pergola kit.
At Outdoor Living Today, we’ve been building high-quality Western Red Cedar kits for over 20 years — and we’re proud to offer secure shopping, clear warranties, and real customer service.
Have questions? Visit our Customer Care page or contact us directly.
Western Red Cedar has long been a symbol of strength, sustainability, and natural beauty. With a legacy stretching back thousands of years and a growing reputation in modern landscaping, this remarkable wood species continues to shape outdoor living spaces across North America.
From ancient Indigenous tools to premium DIY garden structures, here’s everything you should know about Western Red Cedar wood — including why it remains one of the most trusted and eco-friendly building materials today.
Known scientifically as Thuja plicata, Western Red Cedar is a large evergreen native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Despite not being a “true cedar,” this tree holds deep cultural and practical significance — especially for the Indigenous peoples of British Columbia, Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.
Native communities have relied on Western Red Cedar for over 8,000 years, using virtually every part of the tree:
Bark: woven into mats, baskets, rain hats, and ropes
Wood: carved into dugout canoes, bentwood boxes, planks, and homes
Branches: shaped into bows, fishing lines, and cords
Some coastal Indigenous groups even refer to themselves as “People of the Red Cedar,” with oral legends describing the tree as a divine gift from the Great Spirit to provide shelter, tools, clothing, and protection.
Western Red Cedar is instantly recognizable for its:
Soft red-brown coloring
Scale-like leaves in opposing rows
Drooping lower branches and towering, conical form (up to 60 meters tall!)
Aromatic scent (from natural tannins)
It thrives in cool, wet climates and can live for over 1,000 years. Today, most natural growth occurs along the wet coastal belt of the Pacific Northwest.
Western Red Cedar’s durability, light weight, and natural resistance to decay make it one of the most trusted woods for outdoor construction.
Naturally Rot-Resistant: The wood contains natural oils and tannins that repel moisture and decay.
Bug-Repelling Properties: Its strong aroma helps deter termites and other pests.
Weather Friendly: Unfinished cedar weathers to a silvery-gray but also holds paint or stain well.
Thermal Insulation: Cedar keeps spaces cool in summer and warm in winter, making it ideal for greenhouses or sheds.
Workability: It’s light, easy to cut, and simple to fasten — making it a favorite for DIYers.
Today, Western Red Cedar is one of the most sought-after materials for:
Outdoor furniture, siding, fences, and saunas
It’s available in clear and knotty grades, and comes in everything from rough timbers to 1×4 fence boards, making it suitable for virtually any backyard build.
Western Red Cedar is widely available through:
Local lumber dealers
Specialty manufacturers that sell pre-cut DIY kits like Outdoor Living Today
Online retailers focused on sustainable cedar structures
Looking for something ready to assemble? Browse our curated collection of Western Red Cedar kits — sustainably sourced, pre-drilled, and easy to build.
For more technical specs, finishes, and sourcing details, visit the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA), the industry’s leading authority on cedar wood products.
Western Red Cedar’s long history, natural durability, and ecological sourcing make it one of the best materials for anyone looking to build outdoor structures that last. Whether you’re a seasoned carpenter or weekend DIYer, cedar delivers on beauty, strength, and sustainability — with a legacy to match.