backyard, DIY, gazebos, How to, outdoor living, pergolas, Western Red Cedar

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12 Affordable Ways to Personalize a Pergola or Gazebo

12 Affordable Ways to Personalize Your Pergola or Gazebo

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When it comes to building a pergola or gazebo, there’s a wide range of options to suit any style and budget — from classic Western Red Cedar pergolas to sleek vinyl and metal structures. Whether you’re looking for added comfort, shade, or visual appeal, there are countless cost-effective ways to personalize your pergola or gazebo and make it a centerpiece of your outdoor space.

1. Add Some Furniture

Turn your pergola-covered space into a cozy seating area with a patio table, chairs, or even a hammock. Painting the furniture to match the tone of your pergola adds a thoughtful touch, while placing a hot tub underneath can transform it into the ultimate relaxation zone.

2. Add Extra Rafters or Joists

Most pergola kits come with essential rafters or joists, offering partial shade. But if you want more coverage or support for hanging baskets or climbing plants, consider adding extra joist beams. This customization adds functionality and visual interest.

3. Erect Trellis or Lattice

Trellis or lattice panels can be installed on one or more sides to create a “garden room” feel. Ideal for climbing plants like roses, clematis, or honeysuckle, lattice also provides privacy and shade. Be sure to use durable 1/2- to 1-inch thick wood, and pre-drill holes to avoid splitting.

4. Close One End for Added Privacy

While pergolas are often open-air structures, adding a lattice wall or solid panel to one or two sides offers both privacy and a decorative touch. It softens the lines of the structure and enhances its room-like feel.

5. Include Colorful Flowers

Introduce vibrancy with flowering plants like sweet alyssum, marguerite daisies, or spider flowers. Whether they climb up a lattice or sit in pots around the base, flowers bring warmth and seasonal beauty to your pergola.

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6. Opt for All-Season Use

Protect your pergola with a solid polycarbonate roof or retractable canopy. These additions allow you to enjoy your outdoor space through rain, snow, or scorching sun — extending usability year-round.

7. Swing Seating Pergolas

Add a built-in swing beneath your pergola for a fun and relaxing touch. Perfect for two people, swing seating makes the space more dynamic and provides a great spot to unwind.

8. Hanging Seats from the Rafters

Replace standard seating with hanging cushioned chairs to create a laid-back, breezy vibe. Hanging seats add movement and charm, making the pergola feel more like a retreat.gaz screen 1024x1013 1

9. Match Pergola to Your Deck

Stain your pergola to match the deck it stands on to create a cohesive look. Add potted plants and soft seating for a secluded, calming vibe that feels like a natural extension of your home.

10. Paint for a Bright Finish

Choose a classic white or go bold with color. Painting your pergola can give it a refreshed look that aligns with your backyard’s style. For cedar pergolas, use an acrylic, non-toxic paint that won’t harm nearby plants.

11. Install Glass Blocks for Privacy

Want a unique twist? Sporadically placed glass blocks provide privacy and visual interest while letting light through. Pairing wood and glass creates a stunning modern contrast.

12. Mix Function with Fun

Add pillows, fairy lights, or outdoor curtains to complete your pergola personalization. These finishing touches offer comfort, style, and charm for entertaining or unwinding outdoors.

At Outdoor Living Today, we offer premium cedar pergola kits that are easy to assemble and ready to personalize. Whether you’re looking for shade, structure, or a statement piece, our customizable backyard structures are built to last.

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DIY, How to, outdoor living

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10 Creative Ways to Use Your Gazebo Year-Round | Outdoor Living Today

10 Creative Ways to Use Your Gazebo Year-Round

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Think a gazebo is just for summer lounging? Think again. With the right setup, your gazebo can become one of the most versatile, multi-season structures in your backyard — useful for everything from movie nights to pop-up shops.

Whether you’re working with a permanent wooden gazebo or a portable canopy, here are 10 creative and practical ways to use your gazebo all year long.

🎬 1. Outdoor Movie Theater

Transform your gazebo into a cozy open-air theater by setting up a flat-screen TV, speakers, and a few lounge chairs or floor cushions. Want to go next-level? Add string lights and a projector screen for a magical movie night experience.

Tip: Use heavy-duty PVC sidewalls or weatherproof curtains to block out wind and keep the space warm.

Explore our Western Red Cedar Gazebo Kits for the perfect year-round entertainment space.

🚗 2. Temporary Shade Shelter for Your Vehicle

In hot summer months, a portable gazebo can double as a shaded carport. Set it up on your driveway to protect your vehicle from the sun’s harsh UV rays and keep it cool.

🌱 3. DIY Greenhouse Garden

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Create a mini greenhouse in your gazebo for winter gardening. Add PVC or polycarbonate wall panels, a small space heater, and grow lights to cultivate cold-hardy vegetables like kale, lettuce, or herbs year-round.

Bonus: Check out our Raised Garden Beds for compact, soil-ready growing spaces.

🛍 4. Pop-Up Shop for Small Businesses

Have a handmade or local business? Use your gazebo as a temporary pop-up store at markets, community fairs, or parking lots. Just add signage, display racks, and don’t forget to check local permitting requirements.

💞 5. Host a Charity Drive

Set up your gazebo near a school, hospital, or community center to collect food, clothing, or donations for local charities. With the right decor and visibility, your gazebo becomes an inviting drop-off point that encourages participation.

📦 6. Temporary Storage Space

 

Renovating or fumigating your home? Use your gazebo as a makeshift storage area for boxes, furniture, or personal items. Add weatherproof covers or solid side panels to keep belongings protected from rain or snow.

🤝 7. Team Building Exercise at Work

Hosting a company event or retreat? A gazebo setup challenge is a fun team-building activity that fosters collaboration. Split teams into groups, give them a time limit, and award prizes for creativity or speed.

Bonus use: Set up the gazebo as a shaded snack station or breakout space during business events.

🎉 8. Birthday Party Centerpiece

Planning a backyard birthday for your kids? Use your gazebo as the main stage for puppet shows, magic acts, or crafts stations. Decorate with streamers and balloons, and let it double as a shaded snack or seating area.

🎁 9. Business Giveaways or Branded Gifts

If you run a local business, a branded gazebo makes an excellent promotional gift or vendor incentive. Print your logo on the canopy and offer it to loyal customers or use it as a prize in contests to increase visibility.

🏖 10. Shelter for Beach or Outdoor Events

Planning a beach day or outdoor picnic? A gazebo offers a wind-blocking, shaded retreat where guests can relax with blankets, drinks, and games. Perfect for chilly coastal evenings or mid-day sun protection.

Make the Most of Your Gazebo — Every Season

A gazebo isn’t just a summertime luxury — it’s a year-round investment that enhances your outdoor lifestyle, adds usable space, and opens the door to creative activities and business ideas.

Explore our full range of Western Red Cedar Gazebo Kits — all precision-cut, easy to assemble, and built to last in any season.

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DIY, How to, outdoor living

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10 Easy DIY Backyard Projects You Can Build This Weekend | Outdoor Living Today

10 Easy DIY Backyard Projects to Transform Your Outdoor Space

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Have a spacious backyard but not sure what to do with it? You don’t need to be a master craftsman or spend a fortune to create a beautiful, functional outdoor space. These easy DIY backyard projects are budget-friendly, beginner-approved, and fun to complete over a weekend.

Whether you want to add flair, functionality, or just some personality to your backyard, here are 10 simple ideas to get you started.

🔥 1. Build Your Own Backyard Fire Pit

What’s a backyard without a cozy fire pit? With a bag of cement, 50 bricks, and a metal insert, you can build a custom fire pit that’s perfect for roasting marshmallows or hosting BBQ nights. Plenty of tutorials are available online — check out Lowe’s DIY fire pit guide for a solid beginner approach.

Want a fire pit space with coverage? Browse our cedar pergolas for a stylish overhead solution.

♻️ 2. Recycled Pallet Table and Chairs

Turn salvaged pallets or crates into rustic outdoor furniture. For a table:

  • Attach legs or use cement blocks for the base.

  • Add a shatter-resistant glass top for durability.
    For seating, use wooden cartons or stacked concrete blocks topped with outdoor cushions.

🌿 3. DIY Herb Garden Tower

Grow herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary in a stacked pot tower or repurpose old containers into planters. Arrange them in a terraced style, fill with soil, and enjoy fresh herbs just steps from your kitchen.

Looking for a raised solution? See our urban garden beds for compact patios and decks.

🍸 4. Outdoor Bar From Pallets

Create your own backyard bar using a few stained and sealed wood pallets. Stack them to form the bar base and top it with a smooth surface like butcher block or tile. Add hooks, shelves, and bar stools to complete the setup.

🔠 5. Scrabble Tile Floor Game

Make your backyard interactive with a giant scrabble board! Lay down square tiles or pavers in a grid, and create oversized scrabble letters for backyard games. It’s creative, fun, and a guaranteed conversation starter.

🎨 6. Mosaic Stepping Stones

Use broken tiles, marbles, or colored glass to make custom mosaic stepping stones. Arrange them in a non-stick cake pan, add concrete and mesh backing, and let dry. These make great decorative paths or garden borders.

✨ 7. Votive Candle Chandelier

Hang votive holders from a wooden X-frame using chain or twine, then place candles inside for a warm evening glow. Great for patios, pergolas, or suspended tree limbs — and easy to personalize.

For a centerpiece to hang it from, check out our cedar gazebo kits.

🚿 8. DIY Outdoor Shower

Beat the heat with a simple outdoor shower setup. All you need is:

  • A vertical pole to house plumbing

  • A showerhead

  • Two vinyl or bamboo privacy screens
    Set it up near your garden or pool for rinsing off without tracking water indoors.

🛠️ 9. Install Mosaic or Stepping Paths

Use leftover bricks, flagstones, or tile shards to create a winding garden path or patio inlay. It’s an easy way to define space, improve drainage, and give your yard a polished look without professional landscaping.

🏠 10. Build a DIY Shed

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One of the most rewarding projects is building your own backyard shed. Whether you follow free online plans or order a pre-cut DIY shed kit, you’ll gain much-needed storage while adding structure to your yard. Bonus: you’ll save money and get bragging rights.

Need a low-effort option? Explore our pre-panelized Western Red Cedar Shed Kits here.

Ready to Get Started?

You don’t need a workshop full of tools or a huge budget to upgrade your backyard. With just a little time and creativity, these DIY outdoor projects can completely transform your space into a more usable, beautiful retreat.

Looking for quality materials or ready-to-assemble structures? Browse our full collection of outdoor products to complement your next project.

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DIY, How to, outdoor living, pergolas

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10 Creative Pergola Design Ideas for Your Backyard

10 Stunning Pergola Design Ideas for Your Outdoor Space

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Looking to transform your garden or patio? A pergola is one of the most stylish and versatile additions you can make to your outdoor space. Whether you’re creating a cozy backyard escape, a shaded dining area, or an eye-catching walkway, there’s a pergola design for every space and style.

Here are 10 creative pergola ideas to inspire your next outdoor project — from rooftop retreats to poolside lounges.

🌿 1. Attached Pergolas

Attached pergolas connect directly to your home, extending your living space into the outdoors. Mount one outside your French doors or patio entrance to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, complete with natural ventilation and filtered sunlight.

Check out our attached cedar pergola kits for easy-to-install options.

🪴 2. Two-Tier Pergolas

A two-tier design adds height and elegance to your pergola. Layering the roof structure creates visual interest while allowing airflow and room for hanging plants or climbing vines. It’s a great way to make your garden structure feel grand and luxurious.

🌙 3. Curved Pergolas

Curved pergolas offer a softer, more intimate look than traditional straight-beam styles. Popular with basket-weave or deep-V lattice tops, these designs are ideal for gardens or patios where you want to balance openness with cozy seating areas.

🧱 4. Disconnected Pergolas

For expansive backyards, try placing disconnected pergolas along stone or gravel pathways. This creates charming outdoor zones — perfect for dining, lounging, or enjoying your garden in sections.

🪟 5. Over-the-Door or Window Pergolas

Small pergolas installed above windows or doors add architectural charm and provide space for flowering vines. Extend one over a large window and pair it with a bench or bistro set to create a cozy garden nook.

🛋 6. Extra-Large Pergolas

Have a large backyard? Consider an oversized pergola that functions as a full outdoor living room. Add a fire pit, furniture, string lights, and even an outdoor kitchen for a four-season gathering space.

🏊 7. Poolside Pergolas

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A pergola near the pool offers shade and luxury. Combine a pergola with a pool house design by incorporating tiled floors, outdoor showers, lounge seating, and storage. Cedar is ideal for humid environments and looks stunning beside water features.

Browse gazebos and pergola combos that elevate your pool area.

🏡 8. Pergola Walkways & Entryways

A pergola-covered path from your gate to your front door offers charm, shade, and structure. It’s a smart way to use lawn space when the backyard is limited — and creates a memorable first impression for guests.

🌇 9. Rooftop Garden Pergolas

No backyard? No problem. Lightweight pergolas can be installed on your rooftop or terrace. While aluminum and steel are common, eco-friendly options like bamboo or raffia are also available for a softer, more natural vibe.

🖤 10. Contemporary Pergolas

Modern pergolas go beyond wood beams. Popular contemporary pergola kits feature aluminum frames, vinyl-mesh panels, and retractable canopies. They’re low-maintenance, stylish, and come in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit your home.

Bring Your Vision to Life

Whether you’re drawn to classic cedar craftsmanship or sleek modern styles, pergolas offer the flexibility to match any outdoor aesthetic. At Outdoor Living Today, we offer a wide variety of Western Red Cedar Pergola Kits that are pre-cut, pre-drilled, and ready to assemble.

Explore more ideas in our Decorating Ideas hub or get support with setup via our Assembly Manuals.

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DIY, How to, outdoor living

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How to Winterize Your Backyard for Winter

How to Winterize Your Backyard: Tips for Protection & Seasonal Maintenance

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As the seasons shift and summer fades, it’s time to start thinking about how to winterize your backyard. From patio furniture to garden tools, taking steps now will not only protect your outdoor space during the colder months but also make reopening it in the spring much easier.

Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply want to maintain your investment in outdoor living products, here’s a comprehensive guide to preparing your yard for winter.

🛠️ 1. Protect Your Grill & BBQ Station

If you use a portable grill or barbecue, bring it indoors to a garage, shed, or storage unit. Avoid storing propane tanks inside — keep them outdoors in an upright position, covered with a tarp or plastic bag to shield them from snow and moisture.

Need a place to store gear? Explore our Western Red Cedar Sheds — functional and built to last.

🌾 2. Store and Maintain Garden Tools

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Clean, sharpen, and store your hand tools to keep them rust-free:

  • Dip tools like spades or shears in sand mixed with motor oil to clean and lubricate them before storage.

  • Store in a dry place like your garage or cedar storage shed.

💧 3. Drain and Store Garden Hoses

Leaving hoses outdoors can shorten their lifespan. Even if drained, the cold can make hoses brittle and crack-prone.

  • Disconnect from spigots.

  • Drain all water.

  • Coil and store indoors — a shed is perfect for this.

🚜 4. Prep Your Lawn Mower for Storage

Avoid the spring rush by tuning up your mower at the end of the season:

  • Add a gasoline stabilizer to any remaining fuel.

  • Clean off grass and debris.

  • Store it in a dry, covered space.

🌱 5. Retire Potted Plants for the Season

Sadly, potted annuals won’t survive the freeze. Before the first frost:

  • Pull up and discard spent plants.

  • Empty soil to prevent freezing expansion.

  • Store terracotta and plastic pots in a shed, garage, or basement to prevent cracking.

🪑 6. Cover or Store Lawn Furniture

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Here’s how to protect your patio and lawn furniture:

  • Plastic furniture: stack and store in a garage or shed.

  • Wrought iron or metal: OK to leave outdoors, but cover with vinyl covers or heavy-duty tarps.

  • Cushions: store indoors and wash them before storage to avoid staining and insects.

Want to elevate your outdoor furniture storage? Check out our accessories collection for smart solutions.

🏊 7. Winterize Your Swimming Pool

Proper winterization helps preserve equipment and keeps the pool clean for spring:

  • Balance water chemistry:
    • pH: 7.2–7.6
    • Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
    • Calcium hardness: 180–220 ppm

  • Remove ladders, fittings, and accessories — store them in a shed.

  • Drain filters, chlorinators, and pumps.

  • Ensure chlorine is below 3.0 ppm before covering the pool tightly with a winter cover.

🐟 8. Prepare Garden Ponds

Winterizing a garden pond (especially with fish) requires care:

  • Turn off and remove pumps or filters exposed to freezing air.

  • Trim plants back to their root ball and remove from the pond.

  • Keep a small hole in the ice open using a pond heater or air pump — this allows oxygen in and harmful gases out.

Ready to Get Started?

A little time spent now can save you money and effort later. For the ultimate in storage, durability, and protection, explore our full line of Western Red Cedar Sheds — the perfect solution for storing tools, gear, and seasonal accessories.

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