How to Design a Shade Structure:
1. Make sure your backyard has enough space
2. Determine how you’re going to use it
3. Choose between wood or vinyl
4. Find a quality installer

Designing your own outdoor structure makes your backyard feel like home, and your home feel a little more like you.

Make your pergolas, patio covers, and arbors stand out with landscaping software’s easy design tools. From custom wood finishes to precisely placed slats — every detail is easy to design, select, place, and edit because Vip3D integrates smart tools with built-in pergola and patio design software. VizTerra is primarily landscape design software, with the capability to design decks as well. It provides a 3D presentation of the landscape, outdoor structures — like decks, porches, and pergolas — and outdoor kitchens. It will create detailed construction plans for hardscape and landscape items but not for buildings; you will need to use. Creating a pergola similar to the one shown above is easy using the soffit tool and corbel symbols from the millwork section of the Library Browser. To create custom beams First, launch your Home Designer software program and Open the plan in which you want to create your pergola.

Pergola Planner Software has pre-built templates you can choose from to help get you started. Once you begin your project, you can view the in-app tutorial for step-by-step instructions. The software automatically saves your design projects to your account. With Pergola Planner Software, you can design in 2D or 3D environments.

While we have a huge variety of in-stock outdoor structures, you may have very specific needs or a particular idea in mind of what you want your structure to look like. With our online design tool, you can design a custom pavilion, gazebo, or pergola with the exact specifications and features you want. We have all the resources you need to create the backyard of your dreams.

Why Design Your Own Custom Pavilion, Gazebo, or Pergola?

Space

Many customers come to us looking to fill a specific space in their backyard. Whether you’re adding a pergola to your existing deck or patio, or simply looking for a gazebo that fits snugly in your garden, selecting the right size structure is crucial.

While we have a wide variety of in-stock structures at every size, the ability to build your own custom structure will make sure that it’s the perfect fit for your space.

Style

Outdoor structures are a significant purchase, and just like a wedding dress or a nice suit, you want your custom shade structure to be tailored to you. With a variety of dimensions, colors, and add-ons, you can create a structure that’s unique to you and your space. You’ll never have to worry that your backyard will look just like your neighbor’s.

Cost

When you build a custom shade structure, you only pay for what you want. There’s no need to buy a higher-cost package just for one feature you like.

Going custom also means that you can add all the extras you can dream of, like additional electrical receptacles, screens, and cupolas. Designing your own pavilion, gazebo, or pergola gets you the best bang for your buck.

How to Design a Custom Shade Structure

Thanks to our online design tool, creating a custom-built pavilion, pergola, or gazebo doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve broken the process down into five steps of customization that will help you design the perfect shade structure for your yard.

1. Style & Shape

The style of your structure will be one of the biggest decisions you make when designing a custom shade structure. Depending on what structure you’re planning, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Pavilions

We offer pavilions in both wood and vinyl. While both are durable and relatively low-maintenance, one may be a better fit for you. Wood is a beautiful, natural option, but it requires annual maintenance to clean and re-stain the exterior of the structure. Vinyl requires little-to-no upkeep, but has limited color and texture options.

We offer six base pavilion styles so you can find a structure shape that compliments your home and any other structures on your property:

• Vinyl
  • Traditional
  • Hampton
  • Grand Estate
• Wood
  • Traditional
  • Alpine
  • Grand Estate

Pergolas

Just like with pavilions, there are a number of styles to choose from for the base of your pergola. First, you’ll need to choose whether you’d like a wood or vinyl pergola. While it requires more maintenance, wood is a popular choice for its natural beauty.

We also offer four base pergola styles to start with:

• Vinyl
  • Traditional
  • Artisan
• Wood
  • Traditional
  • Artisan Cedar

Gazebos

Gazebos also come in wood and vinyl. Because of the wide range of uses for gazebos, we offer four different shapes:

• Vinyl
  • Octagon
  • Oval
  • Rectangle
  • Decagon
• Wood
  • Octagon
  • Oval
  • Rectangle
  • Decagon

We also have two different railing styles to choose from when building your custom gazebo:

• Country
• Colonial

2. Size

Size is one of the biggest considerations to take into account when designing a custom shade structure. It’s also one of the main reasons why people choose to go custom in order to fit a structure into their existing space. Check out the size ranges we offer for each structure to find one that fits your landscape.

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Pavilions

The smallest custom-sized pavilion we make is 10’x10’. The largest sizes we offer are 24’x24’ and 20’x28’.

Pergolas

We offer a number of pergola sizes from 8’x12’ to 16’x20’.

Gazebos

Our gazebo sizes are dependent on shape. The smallest custom gazebos are our 8’x8’ octagons, and there are unique sizes every few feet up to 30’x30’ dodecagons.

Design Software With Pergolas &

3. Roofing & Flooring

Roofing and flooring are two big decisions when it comes to designing a custom-built pavilion, pergola, or gazebo. Most customers look for a mix of durability and design.

Pavilions

If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting pavilion, you’ll need to select an appropriate roof. Here are the options you can choose from:

• No Roofing
• Asphalt Shingles
• Rubber Slate
• 5V Metal
• Standing Seam Metal

Once you’ve selected your roofing type, you’ll need to select a color. Based on your material selection, you’ll have up to sixteen potential options:

• Dual Gray
• Aged Redwood
• Charcoal Gray
• Driftwood
• Dual Black
• Dual Brown
• Earthtone Cedar
• Rivera Red
• Forest Green
• Harvard Slate
• National Blue
• Weatherwood
• Green
• Red
• Blue
• Bronze

Pergolas

By default, our pergolas come with a classic slatted rooftop. If you’d like a shadier space or want to use your pergola to grow vine plants, you may opt to add a lattice roof to your custom pergola.

Gazebos

There are also a number of roofing options to consider when building a custom gazebo:

• No Roofing
• Asphalt Shingles
• Rubber Slate
• 5V Metal
• Standing Seam Metal
• Cedar Shakes

Depending on your roofing material, you can select from up to seventeen options:

• Dual Gray
• Aged Redwood
• Charcoal Gray
• Driftwood
• Dual Black
• Dual Brown
• Earthtone Cedar
• Rivera Red
• Forest Green
• Harvard Slate
• National Blue
• Weatherwood
• Green
• Red
• Blue
• Bronze
• Cedar

4. Color

Color is often a reason why customers opt to design their own shade structure rather than buying one in stock. The color options for our wood and vinyl custom pavilions, pergolas, and gazebos are as follows:

• Wood
  • Stained: Cedar, Canyon Brown, Cinder, and Mahogany
  • Painted: White or Almond
• Vinyl
  • White or Almond

5. Extras & Add-ons

Depending on the structure and style options you choose, you can select from a number of add-ons for your custom structure.

Post & Railing Styles

Pavilions and pergolas can be designed with a variety of different post thicknesses from 5”x5” to 10”x10”. While all post thicknesses boast the same sturdiness, one may better suit the style of your home and landscaping better.

If you’re designing a custom gazebo, you’ll be able to choose the style of your railing spokes. Vinyl options include Country and Colonial, while wood options include Dutch and New England. Just like with post styles, all of these railings are sturdy and durable, but one may be a better fit with the design of your home. If you prefer a more airy look, you can opt for turned posts and no bottom rails on your gazebo.

Cupolas

Cupolas are small extensions that can add character and charm to your custom shade structure. Our cupolas are available for both pavilions and gazebos. The styles available depend on the overall style of the structure. They can also be bought separately as an add-on later.

Electrical

If you plan on using your structure for entertaining, you can add an electrical package to your custom build. The package comes with one receptacle, and you can add on additional receptacles to each of the main posts of your structure.

Additional Gazebo Options

Victorian braces can add a touch of class to a simple gazebo. If you’re looking for additional protection from sun, weather, and insects, you may want to select a screen package or VinyLite windows. You can also add Amish-built benches or a screened floor if you desire.

6. Requesting a Quote

Once you’ve designed the custom structure of your dreams, you can get a quote with one click. One of our designers will take a look at what you’ve created and provide you with a price and any concerns or considerations to think about. When you’re ready, they’ll bring your custom-built structure to life, and deliver it to your home so you can enjoy it for years to come!

Ready to start designing your custom pavilion, gazebo, or pergola? Try our online design tool and transform your backyard with a new outdoor structure!

When renovating the exterior of their houses, many homeowners look to their patio and landscape as a way to update their outdoor space. Utilizing patio design tools such as software and online apps is a great way to not only get unique ideas, but also help with all your design needs. There are a variety of patio design software programs available for purchase and download, making it easy to find a tool that is right for you. Most programs cost anywhere between $30 to $300, however you can also download free patio design software which has many of the features of the pricey versions, however will not cost you a thing. Continue reading for the top 2016 patio design software reviews and downloads to find a program that fits you and your design needs!

When first embarking on developing their new simple patio design ideas, many homeowners underestimate the usefulness landscape planning software. These programs carry a multitude of features that help to make designing patios an easy do it yourself task. For example, Punch! offers a number of versions of their free deck design software programs with features such as pre-built templates, hundreds of furniture options, the ability to view your blueprints in 3D, and even a cost estimator. Plus with their landscape design tool, you have the ability to plant gardens, build fences, plus interchange the trees and shrubbery in your plans. As one of the best patio design software tools available online, this is sure to provide you with everything you need for your exterior renovation and more!

Downloading the design tool is a great way to get simple landscaping ideas and patio designs, but also to test a variety of different programs to see which one is right for you. A free download is offered by the majority of the most popular design programs including Punch!, Idea Spectrum, and Chief Architect. In fact, the latter offers a free online landscape design tool for their customers to download and test for up to 30 days. Utilize this program to help decide between laying a brick patio and pouring a concrete patio, planting the elegant magnolia or the magnificent Cyprus, and even see how your home might look painted and sophisticated shade of pale yellow. Start searching now for free patio designer software to help you with your outdoor renovation.

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Design Software With Pergolas For Sale

Purchasing patio software design tools are a great way to get a jumpstart on building your own plans, plus find some pictures of backyard patios available. Whether you are looking to install a decorative outdoor fireplace to keep you warm during cold fall nights or a sun-filled porch that you can relax and enjoy a morning cup of coffee, these programs will supply you with a multitude of home patio designs and ideas. Building an outdoor fireplace or fire pit out of pavers is a great way to add to the curb appeal of your home. The Chief Architect Home Designer Software contains a multitude of designs with a fire pit that you can look and view in an uploaded image of your house to help you visualize your yard. In 2016, the best patio pavers and design ideas include building steps, columns, and walls out of this material, or creating decorative walkways.