Types of Pergolas
Spring is in full bloom, the weather is warming up, and it’s time to start spending more days outdoors. As you emerge from the hibernation of winter indoors, you may be taking a look at your backyard or outdoor space and thinking about a makeover.
If that’s the case, or if you’ve had plans for a while to enhance your outdoor space in time for the warmer weather, a pergola is a great way to do that. Pergolas provide a wonderful ambiance and an opportunity to enliven your backyard, patio, or poolside area.
As you start to shop around, you may be wondering what the different types of pergolas are. We can help!
Traditional Pergolas
If you’re looking for a pergola that provides rustic charm and blends well with its outdoor surroundings, a traditional pergola is a great choice.
As a reminder, pergolas are four- or six-columned structures. The roof is open, with horizontal beams and purlins that form a decorative lattice. While they are great for style and supporting flowering climbing vines, they are not inherently designed for full shade or protection from rain.
Traditional pergolas usually come in wood but can also come in metal. Cedar is a strong wood that makes for an ideal selection if a traditional pergola is what you’re after. It’s naturally rot-resistant and just needs a once-yearly sealant. Cedar also comes in many different shades of brown, allowing you to match your backyard or personal aesthetic. Metal versions provide the same classic silhouette with virtually zero ongoing maintenance.
Modern Pergolas
Modern pergolas don’t vary in core functionality from traditional ones; both are columned structures with open roofs. The difference comes in the visual aesthetic. Traditional pergolas usually highlight the beams by extending out beyond the support columns with stylized, decorative angles. Modern pergolas generally feature crisp, minimalist lines and exclusively right angles.
Because of the way modern pergolas are designed, you’re much more likely to find them made of metal. Galvanized steel is the ideal choice as it is up to 200 percent stronger than lighter metals like aluminum, allowing it to hold up against strong winds and severe storms. It also requires very little maintenance. Galvanized steel can come in a few different finishes, but the most popular choices are timeless powder-coated black and clean white.
Louvered Pergolas
Maybe you like the idea of a pergola but are looking for something that offers dependable shade and rain protection. There’s actually a type of pergola engineered to provide both.
Louvered pergolas are designed similarly to modern pergolas with one key difference: instead of fixed beams on an open roof, the roof consists of dual-louver slats that can be opened fully to let in sunshine, or closed tight to offer 100% shade and protection from rain. These louvers can be opened or closed effortlessly with just a few turns of an ergonomic louver wand.
To avoid water settling on top of the closed louvers, our high-end steel models feature an integrated drainage system with hidden gutters that channel rainfall directly into downspouts inside the posts.
Cabana Pergolas
Up until now we’ve told you about pergolas that feature four or six columns with completely open sides. There’s also a specialized type of pergola that incorporates integrated privacy walls.
Cabana pergolas are smaller, more intimate architectural structures. They feature two decorative privacy walls that meet at a 90-degree angle to create an enclosed cozy nook. The roof remains open for ventilation and light, but the walls provide wind blocking, sun shade, and privacy from neighboring yards.
Available in both cedar wood and powder-coated steel, cabana pergolas are ideal for smaller backyards, patio corners, or poolside sunbathing. Some models include built-in bench seating and side tables, while others leave ample open floor space for outdoor sectionals and conversation sets.
Transform Your Outdoor Space With Creative Backyard Concepts
Whether you’re looking to garden, dine al fresco, entertain guests, or just relax by the pool, a pergola is a fantastic addition to your outdoor living space.
Creative Backyard Concepts provides a comprehensive range of premium pergolas available in diverse styles, sizes, and architectural finishes. From clean modern profiles to timeless traditional craftsmanship, and from compact 10′ x 10′ corner footprints to expansive 20′ x 12′ and 20′ x 20′ pavilions, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your home.
- Traditional Pergolas: Available in 100% natural rot-resistant cedar (with multiple rich stain tones) or rust-proof galvanized steel in black or white.
- Modern Pergolas: Minimalist profiles crafted from heavy-duty galvanized steel with high-performance powder coating.
- Louvered Pergolas: The versatile Sarasota series in multiple footprint sizes, offering adjustable sun and rain control with concealed gutter drainage.
- Cabana Pergolas: Corner-friendly privacy nooks with integrated seating and slatted architectural backdrops.
Engineered for Lasting Safety: Every Creative Backyard Concepts pergola is PRO-TECT™ Tested & Proven to withstand up to 100 mph winds, features heavy-duty steel foot anchors with four concrete anchors per post, and is backed by an industry-leading 5-Year Limited Warranty. Plus, our ready-to-assemble kits include interactive 3D guided assembly through the AR Studio app.
If you’re ready to start exploring what your backyard could become, browse our collection of pergolas today!