A DIY pergola assembled in two days and styled like an affordable Serena & Lily–inspired backyard cabana to add shade by the pool.
If you’ve ever wanted South Beach–style vibes at your own pool, this DIY poolside cabana is a simple, high-impact way to create that look and function.
Technically, we installed a pergola kit beside our pool in 2021, but the result feels much more luxurious than a typical weekend project.
Years later, this remains one of the best upgrades we made to our pool area. With no trees nearby, a pergola kit provided the shade we needed and instantly changed how we use the backyard.
It’s become our favorite spot to relax—and I’ll share what we used and what we learned so you can recreate it.
Here’s what the area looked like before we installed the pergola.
How to Make a Backyard Cabana Using a Tojagrid Kit
We chose a Double Pergola Kit from Tojagrid because it simplified the design and engineering. The kit included hardware and shade sails sized to fit the structure, which sped up assembly and gave a clean, professional result.
While you could source parts and design a custom build, a kit is an efficient route if you want a sturdy, attractive pergola without spending months planning.
Prep Work
We had contractors pour concrete to extend the slab so the pergola posts would sit on solid footing. A properly prepared base is essential for a large freestanding pergola.
The kit we used felt more substantial than many store-bought metal or wood pergolas—creating a stronger focal point and a more durable structure.
Traditional Pergola Uses
Beyond serving as a poolside cabana, a pergola can function as:
- Shaded cover for a hot tub
- Dining area outdoors
- Gathering spot around a fire pit
- Shelter for potting and gardening
- Cozy space for an outdoor daybed or lounge seating
UV Blocking Curtains | Lounge Chairs | Garden Stools | Outdoor Pillows | Turkish Towels | Planter | Curtain Tie-Backs | Outdoor Curtain Rods
Backyard Cabana Ideas
We designed our cabana with several pool cabana inspirations in mind, pulling in light, airy textiles and simple, coastal furniture to evoke a Serena & Lily–style look without the high price tag. All it needs is a mojito and an afternoon to feel like a mini vacation.
I documented the build process in Instagram Stories while assembling the kit with help from my brother and dad. We built an 8′ x 24′ pergola to maximize shade and seating.
How to Avoid Assembly Mistakes We Made
This project was tougher than we anticipated. The pressure-treated 6×6 posts are much heavier than they appear, so plan accordingly.
Hollow Posts
If possible, use hollow 6×6 cedar posts to make handling and lifting easier. They’re significantly lighter while still providing strength for the structure.
Labor
We recommend at least six people for an 8′ x 24′ pergola—four worked for us but involved strenuous lifting and coordination. Having more hands makes the process safer and faster.
It was physically demanding, but worth it—now we enjoy relaxing in the shade on comfortable lounge chairs beside the pool.
P.S. I squeezed into the bushes near the fence to get that photo—totally worth it for the shot!
Outdoor Living Space Inspiration
Trips to South Beach, Miami, and our 10-year anniversary in Montego Bay, Jamaica inspired the cabana’s airy curtains and relaxed, coastal styling. Those vacation memories guided the look so the space feels like a small getaway in our own backyard.
Adding Outdoor Curtains
We installed UV-blocking outdoor curtains and curtain rods around the pergola to keep low-angle sun off the seating area. Tiebacks make it easy to keep the curtains open when it’s breezy or closed for privacy and extra shade.
Open-Air Cabana Seating
We selected simple outdoor lounge chairs that are easy to clean and durable around the pool. In hindsight, we would have ordered two more chairs—there’s plenty of room for six under the pergola.
Garden stools are handy as side tables, and outdoor pillows add comfort without the upkeep of large cushions. Turkish towels work well poolside because they’re lightweight, absorbent, and dry quickly in the sun.
Best Patio Furniture for a Cabana
We added affordable patio furniture that serves as both seating and dining space. It’s comfortable, practical, and fits well under the pergola for gatherings.
This project was physically demanding, but the outcome is so rewarding. Over time we added string lights and solar pendant lights to make evenings by the pool even more inviting.
Eventually we plan to do decorative concrete stamping around the pool, but our DIY painted concrete has held up well since 2020 and continues to perform.
Outdoor projects often take more time and money than expected, but they’re worth it once finished. Our pergola is used daily from May through September and only needs occasional touch-up paint.
Backyard Pool Before and After
For reference, here’s the same area when we first moved in. Over time we cleaned up landscaping, removed a rotted pergola swing, replaced the pool liner, painted the concrete, and installed this new pergola cabana.
After updating the fence and adding more seating, the backyard now feels complete and inviting.
Cabana Decorating Sources
- Pergola Hardware Kit
- UV Blocking Curtains
- Outdoor Curtain Rod
- Curtain Tie Backs
- Lounge Chairs
- Outdoor Pillows
- Garden Stool Side Tables
- Turkish Towels
- Planters
If you want to build your own backyard cabana, explore Tojagrid kit options for various sizes and configurations. Our pergola has held up well since 2021 with only minor touch-up paint needed.
More Backyard Swimming Pool Ideas
The Best Pool Toys for Kids and Adults This Summer
DIY Painted Concrete Pool Deck and Patio That Lasts
Easy DIY Outdoor Kitchen Kit Build – What You Should Know
How to Paint Vinyl Siding & Pool Shed Makeover
See more DIY backyard ideas here!
