Why a Pergola Might Be the Best Backyard Upgrade You Make This Year

Written by tulsadriveways

April 19, 2025

pergolas

Let’s talk pergolas. You’ve probably seen them popping up more and more—at your neighbor’s house, on HGTV, or in those backyard makeover reels on Instagram. And there’s a good reason why. Pergolas are having a moment, and for homeowners in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and beyond, they’re more than just a trend—they’re a game-changer for your outdoor space.

If you’ve been dreaming about upgrading your backyard, a pergola might just be the perfect place to start.

At first glance, pergolas might seem like a “nice-to-have” feature—something that adds a bit of shade and style. But when you look closer, you realize they do a lot more than that. A pergola adds structure and definition to your outdoor space. It turns a basic patio or deck into an intentional, welcoming place where you actually want to hang out. Whether it’s a quiet morning with coffee, a family dinner at sunset, or a weekend BBQ with friends, a pergola gives your outdoor area a sense of purpose. It’s the kind of upgrade that doesn’t just look good—it feels good.

If you live around here, you know how hot the summers can get. And while we love spending time outside, we also know the importance of having a little cover from the sun. Pergolas strike that perfect balance: they give you partial shade, help cool down your patio space, and still let in that beautiful, dappled sunlight. You’re protected, but not boxed in. It’s open-air living without feeling exposed. Plus, they work with almost any outdoor setup. Whether you’ve got a big backyard with a full patio or just a cozy spot off the side of your house, a pergola can be customized to fit the space—and your style.

Good question. People often confuse them, so let’s clear it up. Gazebos are fully enclosed on top and usually freestanding. They offer full shade and sometimes even come with screens or curtains. Covered patios are typically built onto the house and have a full roof—great for total protection but sometimes too “heavy” visually. Pergolas, on the other hand, are open structures with slatted or latticed roofs. They provide filtered shade, look lighter and airier, and are super customizable. Pergolas hit that sweet spot of function and style. And honestly? They just look really good.

This is where things get fun. Pergolas are super versatile, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. At Tulsa Driveways, we work with homeowners to design pergolas that reflect their style, needs, and budget.

Here are a few ideas that we’ve seen work beautifully: a dining area pergola with café lights and an outdoor table, a cozy lounge space with comfy seating and a firepit, a garden pergola wrapped in vines and flowers, a poolside retreat for shade and lounging, or a sleek modern design with clean lines and neutral colors. And if you’re not sure what would look best in your yard, we’ve got you. The team at Tulsa Driveways can walk you through materials, sizing, placement, and all the design choices to make sure your pergola looks amazing and fits perfectly.

We get it—Tulsa weather can be unpredictable. You want something that looks great and stands up to heat, wind, rain, and everything in between. That’s why we use high-quality, weather-resistant materials and build every pergola with durability in mind. Whether you choose wood, vinyl, aluminum, or a combination, you can trust that your structure will hold up beautifully over time. Our builders at Tulsa Driveways also make sure everything is properly secured and sealed, so you’re not left dealing with warping, sagging, or early wear and tear. We’re not just here to make something look good for a season—we’re here to build something that lasts.

Adding a pergola to your yard is more than a quick weekend project—it’s an investment in your home and your lifestyle. That’s why it matters who you hire. At Tulsa Driveways, we bring years of experience in custom outdoor construction, from patios and walkways to pergolas and full backyard transformations. We listen to your vision, help you navigate the options, and deliver quality work on a timeline that makes sense. We’re proud to serve homeowners across Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, and surrounding areas—and we’d love to help you bring your outdoor dreams to life.

Summer’s on its way. The cookouts, the cool evening breezes, the twinkle lights—it’s all better under a beautiful pergola. Let Tulsa Driveways help you create a backyard that feels like a staycation spot all season long.

Reach out for a free estimate today, and let’s start designing the outdoor space you’ve been dreaming about.

You May Also Like…

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.