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Make your outdoor entertaining area enjoyable in all weather by adding a pergola or similar outdoor structure. You can build a pergola with pre-cut kits or design your own.
Bunnings Workshop community members have shared many creative pergola designs and other ways to add shade to their outdoor entertaining areas.
Here are the top 10 most popular pergola and outdoor shade projects on Workshop by pageviews: 
1. Poolside timber cabana with concrete bench by @ProjectPete
In this massively popular project, Pete included a bamboo roof and a feature wall made from Breeze Blocks when building a cabana by his pool area.
2. Backyard covered patio by @tom_builds
Tom put together a Softwoods pergola in his backyard to create a covered deck area that can be enjoyed all-year round.
3. Garage to pool cabana conversion by @2Belindas
Transforming an old garage into a pool cabana that ties in well with the Hamptons-style home added significant value to this house.
4. Barbecue entertaining area with pergola by @sandy_d
Sandra created a pergola using treated Pine and attached a retractable outdoor blind to provide shade to this outdoor entertaining area. 
5. Pergola for outdoor entertaining by @Shay
This Jarrah pergola transformed a side yard into a stylish outdoor entertaining area.
6. Three-tier deck and pergola by @Itai
While constructing a three-tier deck in their outdoor area, experienced Workshop member Itai added a 6m Merbau pergola to enhance the space.
7. Outdoor entertaining area revamp by @JRRed
Member JRRed included a cabana with a ceiling fan above their deck in this outdoor renovation.
8. Pergola over low-level deck by @DIYgals
Lauren and Sarah constructed a custom pergola with painted galvanised steel posts set into concrete. 
9. Gazebo and fire pit outdoor dining area by @nathanh
Colorbond fencing and Pine frames were used to build a gazebo for this outdoor dining area.
10. Pergola with shiplap panelling and lights by @425314
Workshop member 425314 assembled a pre-cut Softwoods pergola kit from Bunnings and customised it with shiplap panelling, paint and bunker lights.
How to build a pergola
To assist with your pergola project, Bunnings has a series of videos on how to build a pergola, including building the pergola frame and constructing the roof.
More inspiring pergola and outdoor shade projects
Bunnings Workshop members have shared many other terrific projects you can use as inspiration for your outdoor entertaining area, including a pergola with built-in seating by @Caseyd, a backyard pergola by @Egbert and @Jimi's customised pergola for alfresco area. 
You can also check out the following collections for more ideas:
- 10 ways to transform your outdoor entertaining area
- 10 ways to keep cool in the summer
- 7 ways to add privacy to your outdoor area
- Top 10 most popular outdoor projects.
Last updated: November 2023
