Pergola 101

By Emma Peterson. 

Help your clients get ready for long summer nights in their backyard with the perfect pergola. 

We might still be a few months out from the full-blown outdoor hosting season, but that makes this the perfect time to prepare your clients’ outdoor spaces! Before we enter the spring and summer months, now is the perfect time to plan and implement outdoor makeovers! 

In 2025, homeowners were more motivated than ever to turn their properties into their dream homes. Morgan Olsen, Thumbtack’s interior design expert, told Forbes that homeowners are motivated because “having a personalized outdoor space makes it easier to host, enjoy meaningful moments with family and relax.”  

So, how do you as an outdoor professional make this dream a reality for your clients? The Smithfield Times recommends incorporating a pergola!  

What is a pergola?  

A pergola is a structure that creates a covered area on a patio or in a yard. These can be freestanding structures or attached to a house or garage. Either way, they act as an extension of the interior hosting space.  

Pergolas come in many different styles; some have a rustic lattice structure that is reminiscent of wine country where others bring clean lines and comfortable shade. When it comes to materials, make sure you guide your client towards the right material for their lifestyle. Some common pergola material options include:  

• Wood: This is a classic choice that brings a lot of warmth and comfort to a space. However, it does require more maintenance, like staining and cleaning. 
• Aluminum: This is super low-maintenance and can be amazing for a modern aesthetic, but if for homeowners that want a more classic look, it might not be the right choice.  
• Vinyl: This is another low-maintenance option, but it can lack depth and might not create the high-end appearance your client wants. 
• Steel: While steel brings structural strength and a unique aesthetic, it can be much more expensive.  

Whatever option your homeowner goes with, it’s your job to make sure they have a clear idea of what they are choosing.  

Designing the space 

Once you know you’re building the pergola, it’s time to talk to your client about what they want to add to the area to make it their dream entertaining space. Here are some elements they should consider:  

• Seating that actually works: Help your client determine what they need from the space. Should the focal point be a dining area, a lounge or a combination of the two? During this conversation, you should also point them towards durable cushion materials that are waterproof and/or weather resistant. The last thing you want is to help them build a beautiful space that only lasts one season. 
• Atmospheric lighting: Good lighting can change a pergola from a backyard project to showstopping highlight of the home. Talk to your client about lighting options, both in terms of aesthetic appearance (do they want string lights or lanterns or both?) and in terms of functionality (do they want to incorporate LED or solar options to lower their electrical bill?) 
• Protection when it’s needed: No matter where you are, there are weather conditions that you should consider when designing a pergola. If you are in an area that gets a lot of precipitation, you might recommend fully covering the pergola or designing it with a retractable canopy that will shelter the space. Alternatively, if you are in an area that gets a lot of sun or bugs, roll-down screens can be a life saver.  

Ultimately, a pergola is a great way to extend your client’s living and entertaining space into the outdoors.  

To learn more about creating the perfect backdrop for your outdoor memories, read this article from the Smithfield Times.