10 Patio Ideas With Pergola That Make Backyards Feel Like Outdoor Living Rooms

The Final Wrap-Up: Reclaiming Your Backyard

Looking back at my own incredibly bare yard before I finally built my first simple shade structure, I just can’t believe how many gorgeous summer weekends I wasted hiding inside.

It honestly makes me kind of sad to think about all those missed memories just because I was afraid of a little DIY!

The biggest lesson I have learned over the years is that a totally flat patio without any walls or a ceiling is literally just a floor.

But adding a sturdy, defined structure totally transforms that empty slab and finally gives the whole space a beautiful, welcoming soul.

You do not need a massive budget, a professional contractor, or a degree in architecture to completely change how your family uses your backyard.

Whether you decide to go with a heavily draped fabric canopy or a fiercely overgrown wisteria pergola, the hardest part is honestly just deciding which style you love the most.

So, I want you to pick the one specific design that actually fits your current lifestyle, grab some basic lumber from the hardware store, and start planning your DIY backyard projects this very weekend.

I seriously cannot wait to see what you build and exactly how you style your brand new outdoor living space!

Please let me know down in the comments which of these 10 ideas was your absolute favorite, and be sure to share this post with that one friend who desperately needs a patio makeover before summer hits.

And hey, don’t forget to pin your favorite backyard landscaping ideas to your best outdoor living boards on Pinterest so you have all the inspiration ready to go when you start building!