Custom Wood & Vinyl Pergolas
Custom pergolas designed and built for Lexington & Central Kentucky homes, by one local team.
Wood & Vinyl PergolasThe Beauty of Custom PergolasPergolas are more than just outdoor structures; they are an extension of your home and lifestyle.See the details
Wood & Vinyl PergolasWood PergolasWood pergolas are an excellent choice for those who love the rustic, natural beauty of traditional materials.See the details
Wood & Vinyl PergolasVinyl PergolasVinyl pergolas are a sleek, modern alternative that offers incredible durability and ease of maintenance.See the details
One teamdesign to buildYour Perfect Escape from the Summer Sun
At H2O Designs, we specialize in crafting beautiful and functional pergolas that provide open-air shade spaces, ideal for escaping the hot Kentucky summer sun. Whether you’re looking to create a relaxing retreat for your family or an inviting spot to entertain friends, our custom wood and vinyl pergolas can transform your backyard into the perfect getaway.
Everything You Should Know About Wood & Vinyl Pergolas
The details we walk through with homeowners at every consultation, so you can make the right choice for your yard.
01The Beauty of Custom Pergolas
Pergolas are more than just outdoor structures; they are an extension of your home and lifestyle. They offer the perfect blend of shade and sunlight, creating a comfortable space to enjoy the outdoors without the harshness of direct sun. From family barbecues to quiet mornings with coffee, a pergola from H2O Designs can make every outdoor moment more enjoyable.
02Wood Pergolas: Natural Charm and Timeless Appeal
Wood pergolas are an excellent choice for those who love the rustic, natural beauty of traditional materials.
Versatility in Design: With wood, the possibilities are endless. Choose from various wood types, stains, and finishes to complement your home and landscape.
Durability and Strength: When properly treated, wood pergolas can withstand the elements while maintaining their charm.
Warm Aesthetic: The organic texture and warmth of wood make it a favorite for creating cozy, inviting spaces.
03Vinyl Pergolas: Modern Elegance and Low Maintenance
Vinyl pergolas are a sleek, modern alternative that offers incredible durability and ease of maintenance.
Minimal Upkeep: Unlike wood, vinyl requires no staining or painting and resists cracking, peeling, and fading.
Contemporary Look: With clean lines and crisp finishes, vinyl pergolas lend a sophisticated, modern vibe to any backyard.
Weather Resistance: Vinyl stands up to harsh weather conditions, making it a practical and long-lasting option.
Planning Your Pergola: What We Look At
Here is what we plan before building any shade structure.
Sun & shade
We track where the afternoon sun hits so the structure shades your seating when you actually use it.
Size & style
Open pergola, solid-roof pavilion or adjustable louvers. Each gives a different amount of shade and rain protection.
Materials
Wood, vinyl or aluminum, each with its own look, cost and upkeep.
Extras
Fans, lighting, heaters, screens and TV mounts are easiest to plan before the build.
From first visit to finished pergola
- 1Consultation
We meet at your home, walk the space and talk through ideas and budget.
- 2Custom design
We design it around how you will use it and how it fits the rest of your yard.
- 3Expert build
Our own crew handles the site prep, the details and the full build.
- 4Enjoy it for years
Built for Kentucky weather, with a local team behind it.

Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Jeff converted my old pond to a pondless waterfall. It is gorgeous and I love the sound. The H2O crew was efficient and neat. If you want to add a water feature to your yard give Jeff a call.

Wide selection, friendly staff, well priced! Very happy with our new koi fish and recent service in Richmond to our pond! Will definitely be back! Thanks H2O Designs!
In middle of project with Jeff and his team. Greta design work and able to see out vision. They are dedicated to working all day to get project finished on time. Attention to detail is remarkable. Job site is cleaned up daily. So impressed with everything..great experience!
Caring for Your Pergola in Central Kentucky
Care depends on what the structure is made of.
- Wood
- Re-stain or seal every two to three years to protect from sun and moisture.
- Vinyl & aluminum
- Wash with soap and water once or twice a year.
- Roofs & louvers
- Clear leaves from roofs, gutters and louvers each fall.
- Hardware
- Check fasteners, screens and motors each spring.
Recent pergolas around Central Kentucky
Pairs perfectly with your pergola
From the H2O blog
Helpful articles & answers
Straight answers from our team about ponds, outdoor living and more.
Wood & Vinyl Pergola Questions, Answered
Every tile is a real H2O Designs project. Tap one to read the answer.
Wood pergolas offer a classic, natural aesthetic with unlimited design options but require occasional maintenance. Vinyl pergolas provide a modern, low-maintenance solution with exceptional weather resistance and long-lasting durability.
H2O Designs proudly designs and installs custom pergolas in Lexington and across the wider Central Kentucky area. Our expert team travels to transform backyards throughout the region into functional, beautiful outdoor living spaces.
We view the pergola as an extension of your home, not a standalone structure. We ensure seamless integration by coordinating materials, colors, and design to perfectly match your existing patio, outdoor kitchen, or fire pit area.
The primary advantages of a wood pergola are its natural, warm aesthetic, its superior durability when properly treated, and its high versatility for custom shapes and sizes. It creates a classic, timeless outdoor escape.
Vinyl's main benefit is its minimal upkeep, as it never needs staining or painting and resists fading. It also offers a sleek, contemporary look and is highly resilient against the harsh Central Kentucky weather.
Yes, we specialize in complete outdoor living integration. We can incorporate custom Landscape Lighting for evening use, or design the structure to include features like an outdoor kitchen or a fire pit lounge area beneath it.
The process starts with an on-site consultation to discuss your vision, assess your space, and determine the perfect material (wood or vinyl). We then create a custom design that fits your lifestyle and integrates perfectly with your yard.
Yes, while open-air, pergolas offer a beautiful balance of shade and sunlight, effectively breaking the harshness of the direct sun. We can customize the slat spacing to maximize the desired level of sun protection for your space.
The H2O Designs Difference
At H2O Designs, we understand that every backyard is unique, and so is every family’s vision for their outdoor space. Our detailed design process ensures that your pergola isn’t just a structure—it’s a perfect match for your home, lifestyle, and personal taste.
Custom Design Consultations: We work closely with you to understand your needs and preferences, ensuring the pergola complements your backyard layout and style.
Expert Craftsmanship: Whether you choose wood or vinyl, our skilled team will bring your vision to life with precision and attention to detail.
Seamless Integration: From selecting materials to final installation, we ensure your pergola fits naturally into your outdoor space, enhancing both its function and beauty.
Create Your Outdoor Oasis
Ready to escape the summer heat and enhance your backyard? Whether you prefer the classic charm of wood or the modern elegance of vinyl, H2O Designs can create a pergola that’s perfectly tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start building the covered space you’ve always dreamed of. Let’s create an open-air retreat where friends, family, and cherished memories come together under the perfect balance of shade and sunlight.
Design-first approach
We design the structure with the patio, kitchen or pool it covers, so it all looks like one space.
Built for KY weather
Proper excavation, base and drainage so it stands up to our freeze-thaw winters.
See it before you build
Walk full-size outdoor living displays at our Nicholasville store and design center.
One local team
Design, installation and the add-ons, from lighting to water features, under one roof.
Let's Plan Your Pergola Together
Sit down with our design team, at your home or at our store, to talk through ideas, materials and budget. No pressure, just a plan you can feel good about.
- We walk your space and listen first
- Material and layout ideas for your yard
- Clear next steps and financing options
Nicholasville, KYSee pergola ideas in person
Our store and design center has full-size outdoor living displays, plus the largest selection of pond and water garden supplies in Central Kentucky. Come touch the materials, get ideas and talk with our team.
Wood & Vinyl Pergolas Across Central Kentucky
From our home base in Nicholasville, we design and build pergolas for homeowners throughout Lexington and the surrounding Central Kentucky communities, including:
- Lexington
- Nicholasville
- Georgetown
- Versailles
- Richmond
- Danville
- Somerset
- Surrounding areas
Don't see your town? Give us a call at (859) 305-7049. If you're in Central Kentucky, there's a good chance we serve your area.


























