10 Stunning Pergola Design Ideas for Your Outdoor Space

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Looking to transform your garden or patio? A pergola is one of the most stylish and versatile additions you can make to your outdoor space. Whether you’re creating a cozy backyard escape, a shaded dining area, or an eye-catching walkway, there’s a pergola design for every space and style.

Here are 10 creative pergola ideas to inspire your next outdoor project — from rooftop retreats to poolside lounges.


🌿 1. Attached Pergolas

Attached pergolas connect directly to your home, extending your living space into the outdoors. Mount one outside your French doors or patio entrance to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, complete with natural ventilation and filtered sunlight.

Check out our attached cedar pergola kits for easy-to-install options.


🪴 2. Two-Tier Pergolas

A two-tier design adds height and elegance to your pergola. Layering the roof structure creates visual interest while allowing airflow and room for hanging plants or climbing vines. It’s a great way to make your garden structure feel grand and luxurious.


🌙 3. Curved Pergolas

Curved pergolas offer a softer, more intimate look than traditional straight-beam styles. Popular with basket-weave or deep-V lattice tops, these designs are ideal for gardens or patios where you want to balance openness with cozy seating areas.


🧱 4. Disconnected Pergolas

For expansive backyards, try placing disconnected pergolas along stone or gravel pathways. This creates charming outdoor zones — perfect for dining, lounging, or enjoying your garden in sections.


🪟 5. Over-the-Door or Window Pergolas

Small pergolas installed above windows or doors add architectural charm and provide space for flowering vines. Extend one over a large window and pair it with a bench or bistro set to create a cozy garden nook.


🛋 6. Extra-Large Pergolas

Have a large backyard? Consider an oversized pergola that functions as a full outdoor living room. Add a fire pit, furniture, string lights, and even an outdoor kitchen for a four-season gathering space.


🏊 7. Poolside Pergolas

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A pergola near the pool offers shade and luxury. Combine a pergola with a pool house design by incorporating tiled floors, outdoor showers, lounge seating, and storage. Cedar is ideal for humid environments and looks stunning beside water features.

Browse gazebos and pergola combos that elevate your pool area.


🏡 8. Pergola Walkways & Entryways

A pergola-covered path from your gate to your front door offers charm, shade, and structure. It’s a smart way to use lawn space when the backyard is limited — and creates a memorable first impression for guests.


🌇 9. Rooftop Garden Pergolas

No backyard? No problem. Lightweight pergolas can be installed on your rooftop or terrace. While aluminum and steel are common, eco-friendly options like bamboo or raffia are also available for a softer, more natural vibe.


🖤 10. Contemporary Pergolas

Modern pergolas go beyond wood beams. Popular contemporary pergola kits feature aluminum frames, vinyl-mesh panels, and retractable canopies. They’re low-maintenance, stylish, and come in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit your home.


Bring Your Vision to Life

Whether you’re drawn to classic cedar craftsmanship or sleek modern styles, pergolas offer the flexibility to match any outdoor aesthetic. At Outdoor Living Today, we offer a wide variety of Western Red Cedar Pergola Kits that are pre-cut, pre-drilled, and ready to assemble.

Explore more ideas in our Decorating Ideas hub or get support with setup via our Assembly Manuals.

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10 Reasons to Choose Western Red Cedar for Your Pergola

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If you’re planning to build a wooden pergola, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right material. Among all wood options available, Western Red Cedar stands out as the ultimate choice for outdoor living structures — offering natural durability, rich aesthetics, and incredible workability.

At Outdoor Living Today, we design and manufacture high-quality Western Red Cedar Pergola Kits for customers across North America. Here’s why cedar remains the gold standard for outdoor pergolas.


🌿 1. Naturally Durable & Weather Resistant

Western Red Cedar is prized for its natural resistance to decay, moisture, and outdoor elements. It performs exceptionally well in extreme weather conditions — from wet coastal climates to dry, sun-drenched backyards. This makes it a smart, long-term choice for pergolas, gazebos, and sheds.


🐜 2. Naturally Insect-Repellent

Cedar contains natural oils that act as a built-in insect deterrent, helping to keep termites and other pests at bay — no chemicals or treatments required. That’s one reason it has been used for centuries in fencing, outdoor siding, and even roofing.


🔁 3. Superior Dimensional Stability

Cedar is a hygroscopic wood, meaning it balances moisture with the surrounding environment. Unlike many softwoods that warp or crack over time, Western Red Cedar holds its shape through fluctuations in humidity and temperature.


🪶 4. Lightweight & Easy to Work With

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Western Red Cedar is one of the lightest softwoods used in outdoor construction, weighing in at about 21 lbs per cubic foot. This makes it easy to handle, transport, and install — especially helpful for DIY builders using our easy-to-assemble pergola kits.


🌡 5. Excellent Thermal Insulation

Thanks to its unique cellular structure, cedar naturally resists heat transfer. Your cedar pergola will stay cooler in summer, providing a shaded retreat, and won’t retain excessive heat like metal or brick structures do.


✨ 6. Beautiful Natural Appearance

Cedar offers timeless beauty with its rich grain patterns and reddish-brown hue. It can be left unstained to gracefully weather to a silvery grey, or stained to enhance its warm tone. It’s the ideal material for homeowners who value curb appeal and natural aesthetics.

Looking for style inspiration? Explore our curated Decorating Ideas for pergolas and garden spaces.


🌸 7. Fresh Natural Aroma

The signature cedar scent is both soothing and nostalgic. Its aromatic oils not only repel insects but also create a pleasant sensory experience — especially in cozy, enclosed spaces like pergolas or greenhouses.


🔇 8. Sound Dampening Qualities

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Cedar has natural acoustic dampening properties, reducing noise transmission and echo. If you enjoy outdoor dining or hosting gatherings under your pergola, you’ll appreciate the added comfort and ambiance it offers.


🛠 9. Builder-Friendly

Cedar is easy to cut, screw, and drill without splintering, making it a favorite among DIYers and contractors alike. Need help assembling your kit? Download our assembly manuals or visit our FAQs for more support.


🧩 10. Design Flexibility

Whether you’re going for rustic charm or modern elegance, cedar gives you more freedom to customize. It handles intricate cuts and decorative touches with ease — perfect for creating pergolas that suit your vision.


Build It Better with Outdoor Living Today

At Outdoor Living Today, we offer a wide range of Western Red Cedar Pergola Kits that are precision-cut, panelized for easy assembly, and shipped right to your door. Plus, we offer warranty coverage and shipping support across North America.

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