36 Backyard Pergola and Gazebo Design Ideas

Designer Matt Partridge of Juergen Partridge Limited installed multiple structures that provide shady, gathering spots on even the hottest days in this romantic backyard. To enhance the woodwork, he applied multiple stain colors to the cedar structure and decks.

The elevated, diagonal ridge beam that projects out on the leading edge of the wooden structure posed a challenge for the design team. Custom steel connections and careful planning made the outdoor layout successful in creating a cozy lounge for the homeowners and their guests to enjoy.

The swing bed underneath the pergola provides views of the resort-style backyard. Lighted planters full of annuals offer a warm glow and seasonal color.

Guests are invited to relax and enjoy the dramatic view from the covered back porch and gazebo. Comfortable wicker chairs provide seating to watch the fall colors and sunsets.

The swing-bed pergola allows the homeowners to sit back and enjoy their backyard. Palm trees were added to give the yard a resort-vibe. Touches of home can be seen in the columns, which mimic the front porch, and dainty white picket fences on either side. See another view of the yard in the next slide.

A gazebo provides covered seating next to the pool and semi-raised spa. Light-colored stone on the pool deck contrasts with the dark-bottom pool.

This second-story deck and gazebo expand this yard's living space and allow the view to be enjoyed while sitting in the sun or the shade. Excerpt from Deck Ideas You Can Use

Built into a hillside, this pergola-covered patio uses natural materials in earthy colors to give it a relaxing vibe and to help it blend into the environment.

The privacy wall helps block out the neighbors' view. The pergola protects the hot tub from direct sunlight but still allows a view of the stars at night. Excerpt from Deck Ideas You Can Use

Building the pergola directly off the house helps extend the home's living space. The pergola also shields the inside of the home from direct sunlight.

The outdoor living space has a custom steel pergola with hanging pendants to shade the dining area. The fire pit with a built-in bench are constructed of concrete and an exotic hardwood, Brazilian tigerwood.

A spacious cooking zone in this outdoor living area includes a grill, a smoker and plenty of counter space for serving. There's even a dinner bell to call guests to the dining area.

Planters with seasonal flowers and separate pergolas help define the different areas of this well-appointed deck. A seating area with ceiling fans, a fireplace and a flat-screen TV offer a spot for entertaining through multiple seasons.

Two pergolas flank the pool house to create a pair of outdoor rooms. The far pergola houses a casual living room. The second pergola includes a swinging bed hanging from the perlins. Raised planting areas create a protected ambience and foster privacy in the pool zone. Sod ribbons on the raised-bed stairs soften the hardscape.

This small backyard offers two outdoor structures on one deck. Having both a covered gazebo and an open-air pergola provides the homeowners with more options for outdoor living. Excerpt from Deck Ideas You Can Use

Building the pergola off the home makes it a welcoming extension of the home. The pergola and dining set also follow the home's cohesive black and white color theme.

The wood pergola with string lights adds dimension and definition to a dining area with two picnic-style tables and a massive fireplace.

A breezy gazebo at the foot of the pool provides an escape after a few laps.

This clever design by Adam Miller includes cedar pergola and woodwork, black granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and stunning skyline views.

A closely-slated pergola provides shade to the hot tub and the lounge areas.

Landscape companies can make gazebos to fit into certain areas of a yard. For this gazebo, Georgia Landscape was faced with a steel slope behind the pool, but found a spot for the structure, which provides the homeowners a poolside retreat.

The railing on the raised gazebo echos the railing on the deck to help make a seamless transition from the outdoor space to the screened room. Excerpt from Deck Ideas You Can Use

This outdoor kitchen is shielded from the elements with a canvas-covered pergola. In the off-season, or on days when full sun is desired, the canvas can be rolled up or put away.

This is a perfect example of how a small backyard and deck can offer a lot of living space if designed correctly. There is a cooking area on the left side of the deck, and lounge area on the right, and sitting centerstage is an inviting pergola-covered hot tub. Designer: Sean Hudlelson. Builder: Randi Lambeth. Excerpt from Deck Ideas You Can Use

Built-in benches surround three sides of a custom fire pit in this midcentury-mod backyard. A pergola offers shade, as do towering fruit trees behind the fence. Cushions and pillows feature an earthy palette that mixes nicely with the architecture.

This front yard patio is designed to feel like an island. This modified traditional Balinese garden provides an oasis filled with tropical color and foliage, aromatic gardens and an Eastern motif.

Designer Christopher Grubb put together this deluxe pergola from renewable redwood lumber. It features a freestanding outdoor shower, gas fire pit, fountain and sectional sofa.

A set of pergolas were built over each doorway to help block out some of the bright California sun in this Pacific coast home.

A pergola flows from inside the poolhouse to outside, providing artful cover for an outdoor shower. It's the perfect place to rinse off after a swim and it eliminate everyone having to go inside and track water everywhere. Rainchains provide a decorative touch with a practical purpose.

This pergola-covered patio was designed as a modern relaxing Mediterranean oasis. By incorporating the homeowner's eclectic pottery and elegant statues, the outdoor living room evokes a personal, welcoming look.

A full outdoor kitchen is nestled just behind the fireplace and pizza oven on this extensive patio. A substantial timber-framed wood pergola covers part of the kitchen, offering the grill-master a bit of shade on those sizzling summer days.

Think of your outdoor space as an extension of your home. This thoughtfully designed backyard is an excellent example. Here, a Douglas fir pergola provides structure over the back patio, while the composite decking connects the entries of the house acting as an outdoor hallway.

The outdoor living area has a hot tub that overlooks a city landscape. A contemporary sectional is used for seating, while the pergolas help define the different living areas of the rooftop deck.

A crawling vine winds through the traditional white pergola for a whimsical feel in this traditional-style living space. A candle chandelier hanging from the center of the pergola add romantic lighting.

A grid-patterned wood pergola covers this elegant outdoor kitchen and dining space. A metal table with wicker armchair provide a comfortable spot to enjoy meals from the adjacent outdoor kitchen.