Where to Put a Pergola in Your Yard | Pergola Placement and Location

A pergola serves as a stunning outdoor structure that provides solace from the shade along with a suite of other benefits. It’s a place to unwind or entertain guests, and it may even boost your property value.

However, it’s not as simple as looking for a place in your yard with a bit of extra space and getting the structure built. Proper pergola placement can make or break the experience, which is why we want to walk you through where to put a pergola in your yard.

It’s important that your pergola location is chosen in consideration of the sun and wind along with the actual layout of your yard and the flow of traffic. From the garden to the patio to a remote location for your own private sanctuary, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Learn more about bringing the benefits of a pergola to your backyard below. For one-on-one assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Viking Fence, the premier pergola builders in Dallas.

Can You Put a Pergola Anywhere? Why Proper Pergola Placement Can’t Be Taken Lightly

Technically, yes – you can put a pergola anywhere in your yard. But given the high pergola prices you can expect to pay to build one of these structures, we suggest being a bit more methodical in figuring out the optimal location.

After all, this isn’t just something you’re installing for the aesthetic lift it will deliver – although that may be part of what you’re interested in. However, the practical benefits of this structure necessitate careful consideration of pergola placement.

Understanding Your Yard’s Layout

The shape, size, and terrain of your yard will all influence the ideal pergola location. Are there natural slopes or obstacles like trees, plants, or hardscaping features? Or, is there truly a blank canvas ready for you to paint as you see fit?

The goal is for your pergola to fit seamlessly into your yard, working with existing elements rather than clashing with them. So begin by mapping out the space you have to work with to get a better idea of where it might fit well.

Sunlight and Shade Considerations

One of the primary reasons a pergola is installed is for solace from the sun. But, the structure’s ability to provide you with shade will all depend on where you place it on your property.

Pay attention to how the sun moves across your yard throughout the day. Do you want to block the midday heat or enjoy filtered sunlight in the morning? Are you trying to prevent light in your eyes as the sun sets in the evening?

You should also go back to your yard’s existing layout and think about whether nearby trees or structures cast shade on the pergola’s location, as this can influence its use. You might want some level of sun to still come through. Find a balance that aligns with your preferences.

Wind and Weather Exposure

While a pergola is an open structure not designed to protect against wind, it’s still something you need to consider in trying to figure out where to put a pergola in your yard.

Think about how strong gusts might impact the structure’s stability if you live in a windy climate. Those strong gusts might make hanging out in the pergola uncomfortable, too. In these settings, positioning the pergola near a building or hedge can offer some level of protection.

If you deal with heavy precipitation in your region, you should also consider the level of drainage a location on your property provides before installing the pergola. The last thing you want is to have to step over puddles to enjoy your structure.

Yard Traffic and Flow

Of course, the pergola placement within your property should also be chosen in consideration of how convenient it is to access. Think about how you and your family move through your yard. Ideally, the pergola would serve as a gathering point or create a defined space for relaxation.

So, be mindful of access points like gates, doors, and paths to make sure the structure doesn’t block any of these or feel out of place. That being said, we’ll share some ideas on where to put a pergola in your yard below.

Where to Put a Pergola in Your Yard: Our Advice on Pergola Location to Maximize Enjoyment

There are really just four primary locations you can consider putting your pergola – near the house, over a patio or deck, in the garden, or somewhere completely remote for a personal retreat. We’ll talk about the pros, cons, and practicalities of each below.

Near the House for Easy Access

Those looking to create an extension from their home to their yard may choose to put the pergola near the house. This offers easy access to your kitchen or living room, making it ideal for outdoor dining or entertaining guests.

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply enjoying a morning coffee, having the pergola right outside your door is convenient and supports a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

There’s another benefit here in that the structure can shield windows or glass doors that would otherwise get beaten down on by the sun. This helps keep your home cool without raising your energy bill.

Creating a Garden Oasis

Another option for where to put a pergola in your yard is the garden – or if you don’t already have one, create a garden with the pergola as the centerpiece!

This can transform the area into a peaceful retreat that actually gets used rather than simply looked at from a distance. The pergola will serve as the focal point surrounded by flowers, greenery, and climbing plants.

The garden will quickly become your favorite place to relax and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of nature. Part of why we love this pergola location is that you can integrate greenery with climbing plants that work up and down the structure – be it wisteria, jasmine, or vines.

Better yet, you can incorporate a fire pit into the middle of the pergola or water features, making for the ultimate relaxation hub.

Over a Patio or Deck

This pergola placement is one of our favorites for those who love to entertain friends and family outdoors. It creates a shaded, defined space for outdoor activities.

You can create a comfortable area for outdoor furniture, an alfresco dining space, or even an outdoor kitchen. We’ve even seen individuals install outdoor speakers and a TV to watch the game outside.

This works so well because the pergola allows you to breathe in fresh air while still enjoying protection from the sun. It also ensures your outdoor spaces are used year-round, even on those extra sunny or drizzly days when you’d otherwise stay indoors.

Freestanding in the Yard for a Private Escape

Some of the pergolas we’ve seen installed are in a really random corner of the yard. This is by design. You can create your own private escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday living.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be a remote corner of your property, either. It can be tucked away behind landscaping or trees, too. The goal is simply to find your own oasis for some privacy and tranquility, whether for reading, meditating, or intimate conversations.

More Tips to Bring Your Pergola to Life and Experience All the Benefits it Has to Offer

We hope you have a better understanding of where to put a pergola in your yard! As long as the location you choose allows you to enjoy the structure, there are no wrong answers.

But, proper pergola placement is just one piece of the puzzle. Let’s share a few more tips to help you feel confident taking the next steps toward building a pergola.

Size and Design

The pergola dimensions are just as important as the pergola location.

Think about what you’re primarily interested in building your structure for – it is a cozy nook for reading, a place to dine outdoors with loved ones, or simply a centerpiece in your garden to put a fire pit or water feature in?

Of course, if you’ve already figured out where you’re going to place your pergola, the amount of available space will influence how big you can build, too. Common sizes range from 10’ x 10’ to as large as 16’ x 20’.

When it comes to design, the possibilities are endless. You can go with something modern and minimalist or a more traditional, rustic look. From sleek lines to intricate latticework, your personal taste and the existing architecture of your home and backyard will influence the style.

You can also customize the color of your pergola and the materials. It’s just going to be a matter of finding a builder that can help you bring your vision to life. Viking Fence is here to help anyone in Texas. More on that later.

Install Lighting, Canopies, Seating, and More

The pergola itself is just part of what makes the outdoor space so functional. You need to complete it with string lights, lanterns, or even recessed lighting to make the space safely usable at night while adding ambiance.

You can also install a retractable canopy or curtains for extra shade during those hot summer days. Built-in seating or outdoor furniture completes the look, transforming your pergola into a comfortable outdoor living area where you’ll want to spend more time.

Other features we’ve seen installed include BBQs or complete kitchens, fire pits, water features, televisions, and bars. Think about how you intend to use the pergola and what would help you maximize its enjoyment.

Embrace Vertical Landscaping

Nothing completes a pergola quite like climbing plants all over the structure. After all, you’re trying to create the perfect balance between indoor comforts and outdoor enjoyment!

Consider adding climbing vines, flowers, or even hanging planters to integrate nature into the structure itself. Wisteria, ivy, or jasmine can grow up the posts and across the top to form a lush, shaded canopy that feels both natural and elegant.

This will eventually have the structure looking as if it was always there, like it’s part of the existing landscape rather than something you installed after the fact. It will create a cohesive and organic look and feel.

Bring Your Pergola Vision to Life With Viking Fence!

As we wrap up our guide on pergola placement we want to invite you once more to take the next step towards making your vision a reality at Viking Fence, the #1 choice in Texas – from Austin to Dallas, San Antonio, and everywhere in between.

We source the best materials that provide a stunning visual appeal while guaranteeing durability and longevity, so you can rest assured you’re getting the long-lasting quality you deserve.

You can also customize every aspect of the pergola, from various sizes to designs and shades. We’ll work with you to tailor the look to your exact preferences. Plus, you can count on us to actually build the pergola so you can simply enjoy it when it’s all said and done.

Get in touch today and see for yourself why we’ve been the trusted choice in Texas since 1972, whether you want a pergola vs arbor, we’ll work together to make it happen!

Wrapping Up Our Guide on Where to Put a Pergola in Your Yard

Perfecting your pergola placement requires sitting down and thinking carefully about your yard’s layout, the direction of the sun, and your goals for the structure.

There’s a lot that goes into choosing the optimal pergola location, but trust us – as you start enjoying it, you’ll be glad you took your time figuring out where to put a pergola in your yard!

From the garden to the patio, a remote corner of the home to right up against it, the possibilities are as vast as the varying designs you can choose from. This versatility is what makes a pergola such as powerful addition to your property.

At this point, all that’s left to do is partner with the pros at Viking Fence to make your pergola vision a reality. Don’t settle for ordinary – elevate your outdoor space with a custom pergola today!