Choosing the Right Pergola for Your Backyard: Size, Style & Materials for Idaho Homes

A pergola is one of the best ways to add structure, shade, and style to your outdoor space. Whether you’re designing a backyard hangout, adding shade to your patio, or creating a vine-covered garden retreat, the right pergola can transform your landscape.

But how do you know what type of pergola is best for your home in Idaho? Should it be attached or freestanding? Wood, vinyl, or fiberglass? How much should you budget?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right size, style, and material for your pergola — and how to create a design that fits your space, lifestyle, and budget.

What Is a Pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor structure made of vertical posts or pillars supporting crossbeams and often a lattice-style roof. It adds both form and function — creating visual interest while offering partial shade for patios, decks, gardens, and walkways.

Pergolas are perfect for climbing plants like wisteria or grapevines, which can turn the open structure into a lush, shaded retreat.

You can choose a freestanding pergola to create a backyard getaway, or attach one to your home to extend your outdoor living space — ideal for covering a deck, outdoor kitchen, or hot tub.

Why Add a Pergola to Your Landscape?

A pergola adds structure, elegance, and comfort to your outdoor living space. It provides partial shade while still allowing in light and fresh air — perfect for relaxing, dining, or entertaining.

Here are a few reasons Idaho homeowners love adding pergolas to their yards:

• Creates a destination: Turn a basic backyard into a cozy garden getaway or shaded lounge area.
• Expands outdoor living space: Add one over your patio, deck, hot tub, or outdoor kitchen for form and function.
• Perfect for entertaining: Keep it close to the kitchen for easy hosting, or place it by the pool for summer hangouts.
• Supports plant life: Train climbing vines like grapevine or wisteria for a natural, shaded canopy.
• Sets the mood: Add string lights or outdoor curtains for a romantic or festive feel at night.

A well-placed pergola can elevate the look and feel of your entire landscape — and it’s one of the most versatile hardscape features you can add.

What Size Pergola Do You Need?

When planning your pergola, size matters. Whether it’s attached to your home or freestanding, choosing the right size pergola depends on how you’ll use the space, your home's layout, and even your local HOA rules.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Attached pergolas: Your home’s roofline or architecture will help determine the height and positioning.
• HOA requirements: Some neighborhoods have pergola placement or size restrictions—always double-check first.
• Standard pergola sizes: Prefabricated vinyl pergolas often come in sizes like 10x10, 12x12, or 10x16 feet.
• Custom pergolas: Built from scratch, they can match any space—and typically take about two extra weeks to complete.

Think about how you plan to use your pergola:

• Hosting dinner parties or large gatherings? Go bigger.
• Looking for a cozy dinner spot for two? A smaller footprint may be perfect.

Not sure what size makes sense for your backyard? Our design team at Outback Landscape can help you find the right fit for your space and lifestyle.

Attached vs. Detached Pergolas: Which One Is Right for Your Yard?

Choosing between an attached or freestanding pergola depends on how you want to use the space — and what your property allows.

Attached Pergolas

Attached pergolas are connected directly to your home or another structure. One side is anchored to the wall, while the other is supported by posts.

Best for:

• Covering patios or decks
• Staying close to your kitchen for outdoor dining
• Creating a seamless indoor-outdoor transition

Detached (Freestanding) Pergolas

Detached pergolas stand independently with four or more posts, either set in concrete footings or surface-mounted.

Best for:

• Creating a garden getaway elsewhere in the yard
• Adding shade near a pool or open lawn
• Situations where house layout makes attachment tricky or expensive

If your roofline is complex or you want flexibility in placement, a freestanding pergola may be the easier — and sometimes more affordable — option.

What’s The Best Material For Your Pergola?

Pergolas are typically built from vinyl, fiberglass, or wood — each with its own pros, cons, and price range. The best choice for your yard depends on your design goals, maintenance preferences, and how Idaho’s weather affects your outdoor space.

Vinyl Pergolas

Vinyl pergolas are low-maintenance and usually come in pre-designed kits. They don’t require staining or painting, making them a popular choice for a quick, clean installation.

Pros:

• Easy to maintain—no sanding, painting, or sealing
• Lower labor costs due to prefab design
• Resistant to rot and pests

Cons:

• Least durable of the three materials
• Can warp or sag under heavy snow loads
• Limited customization compared to wood

Fiberglass Pergolas

Fiberglass offers a sleek, modern look with increased strength over vinyl. It’s ideal for longer spans and still very low-maintenance.

Pros:

• Lightweight but strong—can span greater distances
• Won’t warp or rot
• Smooth finish, paintable for custom color matching

Cons:

• Higher upfront material cost
• May crack in extreme freeze-thaw cycles if not installed properly

Wood Pergolas

Wood is the most traditional and customizable option. It adds warmth and character and can be designed to fit virtually any outdoor style.

Pros:

• Fully customizable in shape, size, and finish
• Naturally strong and durable
• Can be painted, stained, or left to weather naturally

Cons:

• Requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and weathering
• Longer lead times for custom builds
• More expensive to ship and install

How Much Does A Pergola Cost?

The cost of a pergola depends on the material, size, design complexity, and whether it’s a prefab kit or custom-built. Here’s a general breakdown to help you plan your project:

• Vinyl Pergolas: $4,500–$9,500
  Typically prefab kits, priced based on size and features. Lowest labor costs.
• Fiberglass Pergolas: $3,500 to $8,000
  Mid-range pricing; ideal for longer spans and sleek designs.
• Wood Pergolas: $7,500–$18,000
  Depends greatly on the level of customization

Keep in mind: factors like site prep, installation difficulty, and add-ons (like lighting, lattice roofing, or custom paint/stain) can affect your final price.

Outback Landscape can walk you through options that match your budget and outdoor goals.

Let Outback Landscape Build Your Dream Pergola in Idaho Falls

At Outback Landscape, we specialize in designing and building custom pergolas that match your home, your lifestyle, and your Idaho climate. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy garden retreat, a stylish shade structure over your patio, or a statement piece by the pool, we’ll help you bring it to life — on time and on budget.

We’re based in Idaho Falls and proudly serve homeowners throughout Rexburg, Pocatello, Rigby, and surrounding areas in Bonneville, Madison, and Bannock counties.

Call us today at 208-607-3776 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s design something beautiful together.