Austin Pergola Company

Custom Built Pergolas made by Austin Custom Pergola

What options should I consider when building a pergola?

Austin Custom Pergola’s hand-built pergolas are custom-made to fit your home. We work closely with each customer to design the best-looking and most functional pergola to fit your space! When designing and planning your pergola there are several options to consider including type of wood, shape and style, overall size and dimensions, attachment vs freestanding, roofing options, and other upgrades. On this page are several of the options to consider when building a pergola.

More information on pergola options can be found on our Pergola Upgrades Page.

More information on how our process works can be found on our How It Works Page.

Two Tone Cedar Pergola with Black Stain and Privacy Blind

Option #1 - What type of wood should I choose for my pergola?

Cedar vs Treated Pine:

Rough-Sawn Western Red Cedar:

Rough-sawn Western Red Cedar is by far the most popular wood option for pergolas and pavilions and other similar outdoor structures for several reasons:

Natural Beauty: Rough-sawn western red cedar has a rich, reddish-brown color and a distinct grain pattern that adds natural, rustic beauty to any outdoor structure. Its aesthetic appeal enhances the overall look of the pergola and complements outdoor environments.

Durability and Natural Resistance to Moisture and Insects: Western red cedar is naturally resistant to insects, moisture, and rotting. Its inherent properties make it well-suited for outdoor applications, ensuring that your pergola will withstand the elements and maintain its structural integrity over time. The rough-sawn, unfinished texture can help hide minor imperfections and wear over time, reducing the need for frequent refinishing.

Stability: Western red cedar is known for its dimensional stability, meaning it is less likely to warp, twist, or shrink compared to other types of wood. This stability ensures that the pergola maintains its shape and structural integrity over time, even in fluctuating outdoor conditions.

Sustainability: Western red cedar is a renewable resource that is sustainably harvested from responsibly managed forests. Choosing western red cedar for your pergola supports environmentally friendly practices and helps reduce the impact on natural ecosystems.

Treated Pine:

Treated Pine is offers a more budget-friendly option while still providing durability against the elements. Treated pine undergoes a pressure treatment process, making it highly resistant to decay and insect infestation and moisture damage. However, it lacks the inherent charm of cedar's natural aesthetics. Treated pine also has a tendency to warp and bow over time, especially with larger spans. For this reason we don’t recommend to use pine on any pergolas over 12’ long or wide. Typically treated pine is used for pergolas 12’x12’ or smaller.

Ultimately, the choice between cedar and treated pine comes down to your preferences in terms of appearance, longevity, and budgetary considerations for your pergola project.

Pressure Treated Pine Pergola and Deck

Rough-Sawn Western Red Cedar Pergola and Deck

Option #2 - Modern or Traditional Style:

Modern Style Custom Pergolas:

Our Modern Style Custom Pergolas are typically built with a four sided perimeter with rafters and beams being flush with each other. Typically there is not a rafter overhang and looks more like a box shape at the top. Modern pergolas are the only type that can have a tongue and groove ceiling.

Modern Style Attached Cedar Pergola

Traditional Style Custom Pergolas:

Our Traditional Style Custom Pergolas are easily distinguished by the rafter tails on top of and overhanging past the edge of the beam. Because of the overhang on the roof of the pergola this type of pergola is a great choice when adding a polycarbonate roof. Traditional pergolas cannot have tongue and groove ceilings.

Traditional Style Attached Cedar Pergola

Option #3 - What size and shape pergola should I build?

Small Pergolas vs Large Pergolas

Classic Rectangle vs Custom Shape

When envisioning your dream pergola, size and shape are pivotal considerations that can influence both aesthetics and functionality. The size and shape of the pergola you choose will depend on several factors such as available space, intended use, and budgetary considerations.

Assess your available space to determine the ideal dimensions, ensuring the pergola complements rather than overwhelms your outdoor area. Consider the intended use—whether it's a cozy nook for intimate gatherings or a sprawling entertainment hub—for guidance on size. Additionally, explore various shapes, from classic rectangles to hexagons to other custom shapes, to find one that harmonizes with your landscape and architectural style. Balancing practicality with visual appeal ensures your pergola becomes a seamless extension of your outdoor living space, inviting endless enjoyment and relaxation.

Custom Shape Attached Pergola

Small Freestanding Pergola Over Outdoor Kitchen

Large Freestanding Custom Shape Pergola at Community Pool

Custom Shape Attached Pergola

Small Privacy Pergola

Option #4 - Attached vs Freestanding:

Choosing between an attached or freestanding pergola is one of the more important decisions you will make regarding your new custom pergola.

An attached pergola is connected by one or more sides to your home and therefore is partially supported by your home. For this reason an attached pergola is very secure and stable. An attached pergola has fewer posts (columns) that could block windows, doors, and walkways. When designed and built properly, an attached pergola is a great way to incorporate the pergola into the existing home for a seamless look that looks like it was desinged with the home instead of as an afterthought.

The main drawback for attached pergolas is that most jurisdictions in the Austin area technically require a permit for any pergolas that are permanently attached to the home. Depending on where you live you may be able to get away with attaching a pergola to your home without going through the lengthy process of getting a permit.

Important things to consider when deciding between attached or freestanding: