We added in an easy DIY pergola to our backyard, and it immediately transformed our space!
It’s amazing what adding a little architectural structure to your yard can do!
We have a strangely built backyard with some wasted space, so one of the projects we have had in mind for awhile is to build a pretty pergola by the back porch to add some shade, beauty, elegance and a place to be the center of our back area. Our yard has a large retaining wall made of rock, then behind that our property continues with a wooded area, a tree swing and a big hill. So, it is a hard area to work with, but it is amazing how much this has spruced up the yard!
Easy DIY Backyard Pergola
A few weeks ago I shared an DIY inexpensive project that we did in the corner of the fence. The pergola is located diagonal to that right by the house, so you can have a view of the corner garden too.
So here’s what we did…
We didn’t want to invest in too much money, so we decided to build our own. My husband drew up some easy plans earlier in the summer and it turned out even better than we thought!
Step one: Digging really deep holes!
First, we dug REALLY big holes to make sure it was sturdy enough to withstand Texas storms. I will let the pictures do the talking 🙂
We space them out so we could eventually add in a porch swing.
Step two: Filling in holes with concrete making sure posts are level.
Step three: Add in top boards with this design in mind.
Step three: Next, we adding in a top just for extra shade and looks.
Step four: We stained all the boards with a good outdoor stain from Lowe’s in Canyon Brown to match our fence.
Step five: After we stained it, we added lattice to the stop for added shade and a place to hang lights from. It is really inexpensive and it adds just enough shade. We spray painted it to match the corner garden. I love how it looks with the sun shining through!
Last, but not least, we added in some of our outdoor lights to the frame and let some drape down.
We added in a porch swing as well, you can see that here. Once I finish that up, I will show you full pictures of that too! Be sure to check out my backyard inspiration post for my favorite outdoor lights.
It actually rained pretty hard last week, here is how it looked in the rain!
Fall is my favorite season and I cannot wait to see under the new pergola with a good book, a hot drink and a fire in the fire pit!
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Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
Love this – there is nothing better than being able to see something you have created. I know you are going to enjoy it.
Thanks Sheryl! We are loving it so much. Our next step is to get our fire pit so we can sit out there on crisp autumn evenings 🙂 Have a great day!
What a beautiful piece of woodwork! Funny sidenote: initially I thought you were kneeling BY the hole; I didn’t realize you were standing IN the hole until I stared at the picture for a while – … forehead slap. The lattice work adds a airy, softer touch to the pergola’s hard lines. The lights are beautiful at night… very relaxing and “zen”. And a fire pit coming up! LOVE those! It will be great in the springtime, too, before the heat hits! Enjoy!
Haha, it does look like that! I couldn’t believe how deep my husband dug down! It is very relaxing…we can’t wait to get the fire pit to enjoy this fall. Have a great day Laurie! 🙂
This is amazing!! I wish I had a house to build one myself!
Thank you Bex! That is the one thing that is really fun about having a house…getting to finally build your own things 🙂 I hope you can get to do it one day! 🙂
Nice work, you should feel proud. We just bought a house with a large pergola. It is on the back of the garage. We already have a nice patio and a screened porch which we use all the time, so I haven’t really figured out what to do with the pergola. My husband is thanking hammock…
Thank Michele! That is so neat you already had one! A hammock would be wonderful. We added a porch swing to ours which I will share soon. It is the perfect place to seat 🙂
I love this! Good job. Your pictures are beautiful! Thank you for sharing this at Idea Box.
Thank you Cyndee! We have really enjoyed it! Have a great day!
Looks great! What a huge project to take on by yourselves, but it looks like it will be worth the effort. Back yards are so much ore enjoyable when you have a pretty spot to shit in the shade.
I am co-hosting the #HomeMattersParty linky party this month and would love to have you stop by for a visit. The current party is open through Monday night. http://alaynascreations.co/2015/08/28/home-matters-linky-party-52/
Hi Alayna! Thank you so much! It is wonderful having a place to sit that is shady and beautiful! I linked up with Home Matters Friday 🙂 I always love joining each each week, thank you! Have a wonderful Sunday!
It’s fantastic, my friend! And I love the addition of the sweet lights 🙂 It’s always a delight to see your lovely self at Roses of Inspiration. Hugs!
Thank you, we are really loving it! Thanks for your wonderful link up, hugs to you! 🙂
you all did a wonderful job with this, we have often talked about adding one to our deck for some shade
Thank you! They are perfect for added shade, and they look so pretty too!
You guys did an amazing job. I love that you will sit out there with a fire going in the fire pit. I can just picture it. LOL! I pinned it but I don’t think we have room in our yard but others I am sure do and will love to see it. Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty I am following you on Hometalk now too. I love that site!
Thank you Michelle! I know, we are soo excited about sitting out there with the fire pit! Thank you so much for sharing this, I hope it can inspire others to make one too. I love hometalk also, I look forward to connecting with you there! Have a wonderful day!
Awesome post! I would love invite you to my new link party The Beautifully Creative Inspired. The party launched today and will continue every Fridays at 9AM eastern time on 5 BLOGS! It runs until Wednesday night 😀 Hope you can party with us!
Thank you! I would love to come by and link up! Thanks so much for letting me know about it 🙂
What a wonderful job that you and your husband did! I know that you will really enjoy the pergola a lot.
Thank you Terri! We are really excited to enjoy it when the weather cools down 🙂
Great post Alexis, best part is that you don’t have to wait forever to enjoy it. I featured you at the BCI Link Up. Please grab the featured badge and display!
Thank you so much 🙂 I really appreciate it! I will be stopping by today to link up again! Have a great weekend!