The Best Pergola Kit for Your Outdoor Space: A Comprehensive Guide

Does Your Outdoor Space Need an Upgrade? Consider a Pergola Kit

Imagine you’re looking out at your backyard, and it’s just underwhelming, and you don’t know where to start. One great option to consider is a custom pergola, which offers customizable designs and pricing options tailored to unique backyard spaces. Let’s 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.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Outdoor Space

Upgrading your outdoor space can have numerous benefits for your home and lifestyle. Here are some of the advantages of investing in a pergola or other outdoor structure:

Increase Home Value

A well-designed outdoor space can significantly increase the value of your home. According to real estate experts, a beautifully landscaped yard with a pergola or other outdoor structure can recoup up to 80% of its cost at resale. This is because a pergola can add visual appeal, create a sense of warmth and invitation, and provide a functional outdoor living space that potential buyers will love.

Enhance Aesthetic Appeal

A pergola can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outdoor space. With a variety of materials and designs to choose from, you can select a pergola that complements your home’s style and architecture. Whether you prefer a traditional wood pergola or a modern aluminum frame, a pergola can add a beautiful focal point to your yard.

Improve Functionality

A pergola can also improve the functionality of your outdoor space. By providing shade, creating a sense of enclosure, and defining different areas of the yard, a pergola can make your outdoor space more livable and enjoyable. You can use your pergola to create an outdoor dining area, a relaxing reading nook, or a fun play space for kids.

Plan Out Your Outdoor Living Space

Now, that may seem like a really broad topic, and it kind of is. So what you need to think about is what 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. A DIY pergola kit can be a cost-effective and low-maintenance option for creating a shaded area. 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.

With easy assembly, these pergola kits come with pre-cut and pre-drilled materials, making it simple and convenient to put together your outdoor structure.

Draw Out Plans For Your Dream Outdoor Living Space with DIY Pergola Kits

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. Using pre-cut materials can simplify the planning and assembly process. 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 Structure Do You Need?

Let’s say you’re going with an outdoor structure for shade. Vinyl pergolas offer significant benefits over traditional wooden ones, such as low maintenance and durability, as they do not rot, rust, or sag and only require simple cleaning. If you’re in most of the United States you’re probably going to need something like that.

Pressure treated pine is an affordable wood option for those planning to paint their structures, though it may not be as aesthetically appealing as pricier woods like cedar or redwood. 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 pergola kit, 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.

Choosing the Right Pergola

With so many options available, choosing the right pergola for your outdoor space can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a pergola:

Traditional vs. Modern Designs

When it comes to pergola design, there are two main options: traditional and modern. Traditional pergolas are typically made of wood and feature a classic, ornate design. Modern pergolas, on the other hand, are often made of aluminum or vinyl and feature a sleek, minimalist design. Consider the style of your home and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your outdoor space when deciding between a traditional and modern pergola.

Ask your HOA... We Know, But It's The Best Thing

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. Wood pergola kits offer a variety of designs and sizes, making them customizable and easy to assemble for DIY enthusiasts. 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. Additionally, consider the importance of the roof in pergola designs, including options for waterproof and automatic roofs that enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

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! DIY pergola kits offer high-quality materials and minimal maintenance requirements, making them an excellent choice for homeowners. 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. 

Accessories and Hot Tubs

Does Your Outdoor Space Need an Upgrade? Consider a Pergola Kit

Imagine you’re looking out at your backyard, and it’s just underwhelming, and you don’t know where to start. One great option to consider is a custom pergola, which offers customizable designs and pricing options tailored to unique backyard spaces. Let’s 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.

 

Benefits of Upgrading Your Outdoor Space

Upgrading your outdoor space can have numerous benefits for your home and lifestyle. Here are some of the advantages of investing in a pergola or other outdoor structure:

Increase Home Value

A well-designed outdoor space can significantly increase the value of your home. According to real estate experts, a beautifully landscaped yard with a pergola or other outdoor structure can recoup up to 80% of its cost at resale. This is because a pergola can add visual appeal, create a sense of warmth and invitation, and provide a functional outdoor living space that potential buyers will love.

Enhance Aesthetic Appeal

A pergola can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outdoor space. With a variety of materials and designs to choose from, you can select a pergola that complements your home’s style and architecture. Whether you prefer a traditional wood pergola or a modern aluminum frame, a pergola can add a beautiful focal point to your yard.

Improve Functionality

A pergola can also improve the functionality of your outdoor space. By providing shade, creating a sense of enclosure, and defining different areas of the yard, a pergola can make your outdoor space more livable and enjoyable. You can use your pergola to create an outdoor dining area, a relaxing reading nook, or a fun play space for kids.

Plan Out Your Outdoor Living Space

Now, that may seem like a really broad topic, and it kind of is. So what you need to think about is what 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. A DIY pergola kit can be a cost-effective and low-maintenance option for creating a shaded area. 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.

With easy assembly, these pergola kits come with pre-cut and pre-drilled materials, making it simple and convenient to put together your outdoor structure.

Draw Out Plans For Your Dream Outdoor Living Space with DIY Pergola Kits

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. Using pre-cut materials can simplify the planning and assembly process. 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 Structure Do You Need?

Let’s say you’re going with an outdoor structure for shade. Vinyl pergolas offer significant benefits over traditional wooden ones, such as low maintenance and durability, as they do not rot, rust, or sag and only require simple cleaning. If you’re in most of the United States you’re probably going to need something like that.

Pressure treated pine is an affordable wood option for those planning to paint their structures, though it may not be as aesthetically appealing as pricier woods like cedar or redwood. 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 pergola kit, 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.

Choosing the Right Pergola

With so many options available, choosing the right pergola for your outdoor space can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a pergola:

Traditional vs. Modern Designs

When it comes to pergola design, there are two main options: traditional and modern. Traditional pergolas are typically made of wood and feature a classic, ornate design. Modern pergolas, on the other hand, are often made of aluminum or vinyl and feature a sleek, minimalist design. Consider the style of your home and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your outdoor space when deciding between a traditional and modern pergola.

Ask your HOA... We Know, But It's The Best Thing

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. Wood pergola kits offer a variety of designs and sizes, making them customizable and easy to assemble for DIY enthusiasts. 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. Additionally, consider the importance of the roof in pergola designs, including options for waterproof and automatic roofs that enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

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! DIY pergola kits offer high-quality materials and minimal maintenance requirements, making them an excellent choice for homeowners. 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. 

Accessories and Hot Tubs

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. Pergola kits offer a versatile solution to create beautiful outdoor areas for entertainment or relaxation. 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. You can even add a shade sail for additional customization and versatility. 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.