If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your backyard into a relaxing resort-style escape, this DIY cabana might be just the thing. Inspired by breezy, coastal style and designed to give us much-needed shade by the pool, we built a pergola-turned-cabana that has completely transformed our outdoor space.
A few years ago, we set up this pergola beside the pool, and it’s still one of the best decisions we’ve made for our backyard. With no natural shade in sight and blazing sunshine most days, this simple project gave us a beautiful space to unwind, entertain, and soak up the outdoors—without baking in it.
What started as a simple pergola kit became our own version of a resort cabana, complete with flowing curtains, lounge seating, and tropical-inspired touches that make every afternoon feel like a getaway.
We used a ready-to-assemble double pergola kit that included pre-measured shade sails. While it was more ambitious than we anticipated, the end result made every ounce of effort worth it. We first had a small garden bed replaced with concrete to give us the surface space needed, and from there, the real build began.
The structure feels far more substantial than anything we could have bought pre-built from a typical outdoor section. With clean lines and a minimalist shape, it became the perfect blank canvas to style as we wanted.
Once it was up, we dressed it with sheer UV-blocking curtains that we can pull closed when the sun shifts angles. Outdoor curtain rods and easy tie-backs let us adjust as needed, and the curtains give it that airy, resort-like feel that instantly calms the senses.
For furniture, we chose lounge chairs without cushions to keep maintenance simple, and added garden stools between them to rest drinks or summer reads. A few pillows for back support and some quick-drying towels nearby made it as functional as it is beautiful. Overhead, we added string lights and solar pendants for nighttime ambiance, creating a space we love both day and evening.
As much as we love how it looks, it wasn’t the easiest build. The pressure-treated lumber was much heavier than expected, and lifting the beams into place required more muscle than we had planned for. If we could do it again, we’d opt for lighter, hollow cedar posts and recruit a larger crew. Still, even with just four people and a few sore backs, we managed to raise the frame and set it securely in place.
The inspiration for the final look came from some of our favorite vacation spots. We wanted to bring a bit of that luxurious, breezy feeling home with us, and this setup truly captures it. Now we have a tranquil place to relax, sip something refreshing, and enjoy the warm weather without overheating.
The cabana has become a gathering place for our family—a shady retreat during the day, a cozy conversation zone by night, and a stylish focal point that elevates the entire pool area. We’ve even started planning future upgrades like stamped concrete beneath it, but for now, the painted deck is holding up wonderfully.
It’s wild to think of how different this space looked before. What used to be a plain, sunbaked corner of our yard is now a private escape we can enjoy anytime. From a decaying wooden swing to a modern cabana with soft curtains and comfy seating, the transformation still amazes us.
This project reminded us that the best upgrades aren’t always the ones you buy—they’re the ones you build with your own hands. Even when they’re tougher than expected, even when they test your patience, the payoff is priceless.
So if you’ve been craving a little more style, comfort, or shade in your outdoor space, don’t wait. With a bit of vision, effort, and creativity, you can turn a blank patio into a dreamy backyard escape. Ours has become the heart of our summer life—and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.