10 Patio Pergola Ideas for Frisco, TX

As spring makes her entrance, it is the perfect time to contemplate your next home improvement project. A patio pergola is a beautiful way to add shade and shelter while you enjoy the outdoors. The lists to follow describe ten patio pergola ideas which are not only architecturally attractive but durable and functional for relaxing with family, friends, and nature all year round.

What Is a Pergola?

The pergola emerged during the later medieval period as more like a simple green tunnel interwoven with willow shoots or other twigs. The word "pergola" originates from the Late Latin word "pergula" which means projecting eave. It faded from popularity for two centuries and made a comeback in Europe in the late 19th century. It remains a prevalent fixture in many yards today.

Today's pergola embodies a more permanent structure. It is characterized as an outdoor room with an open-frame structure and an open, usually glass or lattice-style roof to allow some sunlight. It is ideal for shade during hot summer days and overhead protection during rainy days. Additionally, it is often part of a deck or a patio.

A pergola is often used interchangeably to describe a gazebo or arbor. There are differences between the three, however. A gazebo is a free-standing structure with a solid roof. An arbor is a much simpler structure and usually houses a bench - it is often a common fixture in parks. On the other hand, the pergola has countless uses and designs and can either stand freely on its own or integrate into another structure.

Does this sound like something you want to complete your backyard sanctuary? If so, read on to find out what you will need and what pergola styles are out there. The sky is the limit!

What Type of Pergola Should I Choose?

Before you get started on building your pergola, there are a number of things to consider. Firstly, based on the available space in your yard and how much money you are looking to spend, there are two basic structure types.

Pergola Structure Types

1. Attached pergola - One or more sides of the pergola is attached to the outside wall of your house. The open sides consist of posts supporting the roof of the pergola.
2. Free standing pergola - A pergola that stands freely without the support of your house. All sides of the pergola roof are supported by posts.

Your pergola is also an outdoor extension of your home so you want to choose a structure and design that integrates nicely with the rest of your house, backyard patio, and landscape.

What Materials Are Used in Building a Pergola?

Pergolas are built out of three major materials - wood, metal, and stone. A combination of two materials is often used for a unique and personalized effect. Again, depending on your budget and style preference, some materials are less costly than others and still provide an attractive backyard oasis.

The Most Common Materials Used in a Pergola

• Wood - Some of the most common types of wood used in a wood pergola are cedar, oak, and redwood. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects which makes it more durable. It can turn gray over time but responds well to paints and stains. Oak is ideal if you want to create a country garden look while redwood keeps its rich deep natural color for years to come.
• Stone - Stone materials such as brick or marble are used typically when you are trying to match the pergola style with your house. Stone also requires less maintenance and provides a strong, stable frame. Other affordable materials that hold strong in all weather types are:
• Flagstone pavers
• Travertine pavers
• Belgard pavers
• Metal - Metals such as steel and aluminum are great for a modern look and are also the best material for large size pergolas. You can have metal pergolas custom made for your personal artistic flair.

Additionally, materials such as PVC, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass have been used in pergolas. Make sure that you know which material will work best for the look you want to create as well as the maintenance required. Furthermore, you can allow vegetation such as vines to grow onto your structure for a gorgeous vine covered pergola which keeps temperatures cooler on hot days and provides shade and privacy.

10 Stunning Patio Pergola Ideas

Now that you know the structure types and materials used in pergolas, take a look at 10 examples of exquisite pergola ideas to add charm to any yard or garden. There really are no rules when designing a pergola and you can add your own personal style.

Beautiful Pergola Examples

• Create a beautiful, romantic backyard island with a pergola enhanced with fairylike strands of globe lights and white tieback drapes. This is the ultimate backdrop for a romantic night outside. You can also change the mood by changing the color of the lights and/or the drapes. Your pergola can be of any material you wish. Great suggestions would be wood, stone, metal, or possibly a combination.


• For those blazing southwestern summers, use large slats topped with thinner slats for the roof of your pergola which provides even more shade from direct sunlight. You can even add a solid roof and ceiling fan over the sitting and dining areas for more comfort and protection. Moreover, for extra protection from sun and rain, covers such as slide-fabric panels can be draped over a lattice roof.


• Incorporate your pergola around an existing object such as a tree. This can add a natural, stunning twist to your design and also conserve nature. There is no limit to the designs you want to incorporate such as a stone wall or trellis around the tree where branches and vines can climb.


• Turn your backyard patio into a firepit lounge and integrate some aspects of the pergola's origin during medieval times. People often gathered around an outside firepit where food was served during festivities put on by the king. However, when incorporating a firepit, grill, or stove, take extreme caution and avoid fire hazards. First and foremost, always contact your city or county for any fire regulations before installing.


• Construct a Grecian palace with a Greek-inspired pillared pergola. Strong marble pillar posts give an imperial look and create a stable support for your roof. Add a stone or paver fireplace and patio deck and you will feel just like Zeus or Athena.


• If you like the sleek, modern look, your pergola can also reflect this preference. The materials used in most contemporary pergolas are stone, metal, and glass. Depending on how much light you want to allow, you can choose colored, opaque, or clear glass.


• Create an inviting poolside gazebo effect with a pergola adjacent to your swimming pool. After an invigorating swim, you and your friends can relax comfortably by the poolside and enjoy drinks or a meal. An ideal poolside pergola theme is a cabana style with fresh white lounge cushions and tieback drapes for privacy, creating the perfect resort-style backyard hideaway.


• You can fashion a greenhouse look by using an arched greenhouse-type roof while using pavers surrounded by grass strips. Bring the outdoors into your pergola and integrate with nature's beauty. Trellis walls can allow for vines and vegetation to grow, creating a tranquil green backdrop.


• If you really want to add your personal flair and personality, go for an eclectic style pergola. With eclectic, anything goes and there are no rules for your own style. Some great examples are mismatched oriental rugs for the deck or for hanging and contemporary furniture for the embodiment of glorious fusion.


• Transport yourself to England with a pergola that doubles as an English garden. Wood and/or stone sets the perfect mood along with trellis backdrops on which vines and flowers can mingle. Complete the effect with a stone paver patio. Keep in mind, however, that vines and vegetation attract pests and require more maintenance. Be sure your pergola is treated with pesticides should you choose this motif.

Your pergola can be a backdrop for a story. It can tell of two people falling in love under a traditional pergola and a starry sky. Or, it can pass on legends of royalty and thrones around a stone-covered fire pit. You are the storyteller. Create a riveting one to last for generations.

One Pergola = Innumerable Options

Unlike the confines of a gazebo or crudeness of an arbor, there are no holds barred when constructing a pergola. This versatile fixture adds a dramatic and delightful atmosphere to even the most lackluster yards. To create a beautiful extension of your home as well as add your personal touch, there is no better choice.