Planning for an Outdoor Pergola Structure

Imagine you're looking out at your backyard, and it's just underwhelming, and you don't know where to start. Lets go over how to plan and brainstorm your backyard renovation project from start to finish. Start by following the steps below, and you’ll be well on your way to upgrading your backyard living space. 

Plan Out The Space

Now, that may seem like a really broad topic, and it kind of is. So what you need to think about is what do you want this space to do? What do you want to accomplish? Like functionally Let's say you like to barbecue, so you want to make sure you have a dining area, as well as an outdoor kitchen. Let's say you just want to relax in your backyard, so you might put in a hot tub. Whatever your ideal outdoor living space might be, you need to make sure the space is conducive to achieving that goal.

Draw Out Your Plan

Now that you’ve planned out your backyard living space in your head, you need to draw it out so you can better walk the space visually, and imagine how everything's going to work together. In this case, you're going to need a tape measure, maybe some chalk, or spray paint if you’ve got grass, just to mark out where you want everything to be. If you want to take things to the next level with your planning, you could even put it in props just to see how everything's going to flow together before you start calling contractors or looking at material that you need to buy.

What Type of Outdoor Living Structure Do You Need?

Let's say you're going with an outdoor structure for shade. If you're in most of the United States you're probably going to need something like that. So you need to decide what kind of structure you want. And we have a video where you can see the differences between all kinds of different outdoor structures that you may, or may not want to include in your backyard project. We recommend a well-built, American-made pergolakit, but the choice of outdoor structures is up to you. After you decide on what you may need for your outdoor living space, it's time for everyone's favorite part, permits.

Ask Your HOA

Next is the kind of boring part, you're going to have to look at HOA building codes, see if you need a permit, and all that stuff. You may need to call your local permitting office. Usually, you can reach out to your city or county, or just look up the building department and give them a call. And usually, if you ask, hey, do I need a permit? They're going to say yes. So make sure that you know exactly what you need and keep it broad saying, hey, I'm looking at buying a pergola kit to put in my backyard living space, do I need a permit for something like that? And then you can get some more information, but if you just ask, hey, I'm building something, “do I need a permit?” They will say yeah because they don't know what you're building. It's usually really easy to reach out to them, to figure out exactly what you need, and if you don't know, or maybe the HOA, or building permit office gives you some weird instructions, you can give us a call at (317) 597-2545.

Samples, Concrete, and Final planning

Alright, so now let's say you figured out what kind of structure you want. You know, the flooring. You know everything. Next is to get some samples, color samples are usually best. Some material samples, especially if you're looking at a larger investment like an outdoor pergola structure. If the company is reliable, they'll be able to give you some samples for color, match, and material. Having samples will allow you a better apples-to-apples comparison, and truly see what two different suppliers will provide you. with those color samples, you can figure out what match works best for the flooring, the house, the window trim, and the structure itself. Overall, material samples give you a better idea, or scope of what you might need to complete your backyard upgrade.

If you're pouring concrete, and you know you're getting an outdoor structure, reach out and we'll send you footer diagrams for any size pergola structure we offer. This lets you know exactly where to place the footers, make sure they're square. Proper site preparation can make a big difference in the installation and usage of the backyard living space. 

Quick Tip: If you're doing pavers, make sure you put the outdoor living structure in first and then come back with the pavers. If you're just pouring concrete, pour the concrete slab, or footers first. 

Build Your Outdoor Living Structure

Next is the fun part. Everything has been building to this point. You get to build your structure! When you build that outdoor structure, with a pergola kit like ours, we recommend at least two people. If you go for a larger pergola structure, like a 12x20 or even one of our super pergolas, two people make assembling your pergola kit, a heck of a lot easier to manage. 

Helpful Link: How to Install a Pergola Kit from The Luxury Pergola

Now that your outdoor structures are up, you'll need to put in your patio furniture, the landscaping, pool, and all the backyard decor you can think of. Now that everything is in place, your backyard living space is complete. 

Add Accessories To Your Outdoor Living Space

After you've enjoyed your new outdoor living space for a few months and you know exactly how it's working, maybe there is something you forgot or some things that you wish you would have added to your outdoor living space. Once you've used the space and understand how it all works, then you are much more informed to decide where you need different accessories. Then you're done planning and building your outdoor living space, and you get to enjoy it for as long as you live in the house. At least if you go with The Luxury Pergola If you have more questions on your project, or maybe need some help planning, or some of those footer diagrams, give us a call at (317) 597-2545, and we’ll be happy to help.