Welcome to “Pergolas By Julie,” where we transform ordinary backyards into extraordinary outdoor living spaces. For homeowners, designers, architects, and home builders who aspire to create year-round outdoor havens under the shelter of a louvered pergola, you’ve come to the right place. Our mission is to extend the time you spend in your outdoor living space, enhancing your backyard in ways that go beyond imagination. In this blog post, we’re sharing a treasure trove of tips and trade secrets on designing the perfect outdoor kitchen and dining room. Get ready to unlock the potential of your backyard and take your outdoor living to the next level.

Pergola Layout

What are the setback requirements for accessory structures in your city? Pergolas fall under the category of accessory structures and usually need to be positioned a certain distance away from the rear and side yards. In certain cities, there may also be a requirement for pergolas to be set back from the house itself.

When designing your outdoor living space, it’s important to consider the number of people you plan to entertain. This will determine the size of your dining table and grill, ultimately affecting the size of your pergola. When selecting a grill size for your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to consider the number of people you plan to cook for. A 30″ grill is great for couples or for entertaining 10 or fewer guests. A 36″ grill can accommodate most families of four, and if you use the top rack for warming, it can allow you to cook for multiple families of around 15 people. On the other hand, for families either cooking larger food items like steaks or hosting larger parties where 15 or more people will be eating at the same time, a 48″ grill is the best option. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that your pergola covers both the kitchen and dining areas, with some extra space to protect against sideways rain.

Consider the views from your pergola. Will the dining guests, bar seating, or the cook enjoy the best backyard scenery? Layout your kitchen and dining area with the best views in mind based on where you plan to spend the most time and how the views make you feel.

If you have any undesirable views, think about adding an integrated screen to that side of the pergola to maintain privacy or hide unwanted sights.

Plan for easy circulation. Make sure there’s a convenient path for getting grilled food to the table or countertop for buffet-style serving. Give the cook ample room to move around and ensure your guests have space to pull chairs and bar seating back and forth.

Now, let’s talk about comfort. Adding heaters to your pergola is a great way to extend your outdoor enjoyment. Remember that each heater can typically heat up a 10×10 space, but for safety reasons, don’t place a heater and screen on the same side.

Illuminate your pergola with white dimmable lights, strategically placed within the louvers or around the perimeter gutter edge. LED lights with a soft 2700 kelvin color create a natural, non-yellow glow, serving as your main source of light. Consider combining louver and perimeter lights for optimal ambiance. Spotlights add a nice accent but aren’t effective as the only source of dining light.

Screens are a versatile addition, providing sun protection, windbreaks, heat retention, and sometimes insect control. Screens can also enhance privacy or conceal undesirable views.

Finding the right size for your pergola while adhering to city regulations is crucial. Considering comfort and accessories in your pergola design will elevate your outdoor experience. At “Pergolas By Julie,” we’re here to help you bring your dream pergola to life. Contact us today to get started on your journey to the perfect outdoor retreat.

Your dream pergola is just a step away, and we can’t wait to help you make it a reality. Start creating unforgettable outdoor memories today!