Modern Pergola Ideas for Your Luxury Backyard

By Toll Brothers 3 minute read

Pergolas are a popular outdoor living feature in today’s world of home design. For those who don’t know, a pergola is an elegant outdoor structure that provides shade and a refined space for social gatherings. These structures incorporate advanced materials from classic wood to sleek metals, creating a luxurious and modern atmosphere. Pergolas have evolved from small structures in ancient architecture to a modern phenomenon in our homes today, enhancing the aesthetic and functional appeal in any outdoor setting. Learn more about pergolas and explore some of our favorite modern pergolas designs in Toll Brothers homes nationwide.

 

The Advantages of a Pergola

Installing a pergola in your outdoor living space offers many benefits. First and foremost, this structure provides shade and protection from adverse weather, allowing you to enjoy your surroundings comfortably. Pergolas also effortlessly extend your living space into the outdoors to sit and relax in your space while feeling covered and protected by the structure above. Whether used as a poolside lounge area, outdoor dining area, or another setting, the structure provides a sense of privacy.

 

Pergolas vs Gazebos

Although pergolas and gazebos may initially seem similar, they have different structures and designs that cater to various needs and preferences.

Pergolas are designed to offer partial shelter from sunlight and weather. This design enables you to enjoy the benefits of sunlight or support the growth of plants under the structure. Pergolas are also very versatile when placed in your outdoor space. They can be attached to your home or freestanding, whatever you prefer.

In contrast, gazebos, with their full roofs, provide complete protection from the sun and weather. They are also great for outdoor storage, so you can store outdoor furniture, grills, or other items without worrying about the weather affecting them. Although gazebos are an excellent outdoor living option, they are typically freestanding due to their larger size, requiring careful consideration of available space.

 

Choosing Materials for Pergolas

Several factors should guide your decision when selecting the material for your pergola. The most popular pergola materials are wood, metal, and vinyl, each offering unique contributions. Consider durability. It would help to consider your local climate and weather conditions to choose a material that can withstand environmental factors. For example, if you live in a humid and wet climate, metal might be the ideal choice due to its moisture resistance. It would help if you also took note of the maintenance that each material needs. Some materials need more consideration than others, so choosing a material that aligns with your willingness to maintain it will ensure the longevity of your pergola. Carefully evaluate these aspects to select the perfect material for your new pergola.

 

Explore These 14 Modern Pergola Design Ideas

1. This luxury pergola features exquisite design elements and water features.

Luxury pergola featuring exquisite design elements and water features.
Ranch Gate Estates by Toll Brothers in Scottsdale, AZ

 

2. A sleek, dark pergola extending over an outdoor gathering area by the pool provides protection from the elements.

Sleek, dark pergola extending over an outdoor gathering area by the pool.
Volara by Toll Brothers in Valencia, CA

 

3. This freestanding pergola offers a serene retreat to enjoy the sunset.

Freestanding pergola designed as a serene retreat to enjoy the sunset.
Silver Star by Toll Brothers in Nampa, ID

 

4. A wooden pergola by the pool with integrated lighting creates a stunning evening oasis.

Pergola by the pool with integrated lighting to create a stunning evening oasis.
Regency at Tracy Lakes by Toll Brothers in Tracy, CA

 

5. This luxurious pergola structure is attached to a wall, defining a private outdoor living space.

A luxurious pergola structure attached to a wall defining a private outdoor living space.
Toll Brothers at Ascension in Las Vegas, NV

 

6. An overhang pergola creates a shaded space for leisure and relaxation by the pool.

An overhang pergola, creating a shaded space for leisure and relaxation by the pool.
Sonoran Trails by Toll Brothers in Cave Creek, AZ

 

7. This pristine white pergola creates a stylish poolside dining space.

A pristine white pergola enhancing the stylish poolside dining space.
Preserve at San Tan by Toll Brothers in San Tan Valley, AZ

 

8. A subtly refined wooden pergola arching over the outdoor dining space in this backyard.

A subtly refined wooden pergola arching over the outdoor dining space.
Toll Brothers at Lakeview Estates in Lehi, UT

 

9. This grand pergola attached to the home adds a touch of luxury to the area.

A grand wood pergola attached to the home.
Toll Brothers at Nolte Farms in Seguin, TX

 

10. A wooden design with string lights elegantly sheltering outdoor furniture.

A wooden design with string lights elegantly sheltering outdoor furniture.
Meridiana by Toll Brothers in Manvel, TX

 

11. This decorative design adds rich texture and intricate patterns to the outdoor hangout space.

A decorative design adds rich texture and intricate patterns to the outdoor hangout space.
Sterling Grove by Toll Brothers in Surprise, AZ

 

12. A creatively structured pergola enhances the aesthetic of this outdoor space.

Creatively structured pergola enhancing the aesthetic of the outdoor space.
Haven Oaks by Toll Brothers in Orlando, FL

 

13. A well-positioned outdoor space provides a mountain view, creating a majestic backdrop when relaxing by the fire.

A well-positioned outdoor space provides a mountain view, creating a majestic backdrop when relaxing by the fire.
Ranch Gate Estates by Toll Brothers in Scottsdale, AZ

 

14. This dark metal design offers a sleek, shaded comfort in the poolside lounge space.

A dark metal design offers a sleek, shaded comfort in the poolside lounge space.
Skylar II by Toll Brothers in Valencia, CA

 

Visit our blog’s “Outdoor Living” category for more luxury outdoor living inspiration, including pools, patios, lighting, and landscaping.

Toll Brothers design options vary by market, community, and home design across the country. For more information regarding pergola options offered in a specific Toll Brothers community or home, please visit our website or contact one of our Online Sales Consultants.

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Embracing an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service, Toll Brothers currently builds in over 60 markets in 24 states nationwide, and is a publicly owned company with its common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TOL). Toll Brothers has been one of Fortune magazine’s World's Most Admired Companies™ for 10+ years in a row, and in 2024 the Company’s Chairman and CEO Douglas C. Yearley, Jr. was named one of 25 Top CEOs by Barron’s magazine. Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information visit TollBrothers.com. From Fortune, ©2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

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