I'd try to build a freestanding pergola out a little further from the house. Whether built into the house or right next to it, it will block a lot more light than you think.

@Calidesign, the windows shown in the pic are facing north, so that section of the patio gets no direct sunlight for the majority of the day anyways. Does this change anything? I’m not sure how much indirect sunlight can pergolas filter through

If the area gets little light, why do you need a pergola?

The pergola should be attached to the home if possible.

You want to attach it to the long brick wall so that the posts run along the railing lide.

If you can find a kit that meets your dimensions, it will cost far less to simply assemble and install.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Integra-24-ft-x-12-ft-Adobe-Aluminum-Attached-Open-Lattice-Pergola-with-4-Posts-Maximum-Roof-Load-10-lbs-1261001041224/303452640

Really cute area there. But what’s the reason for wanting a pergola? From the photo it looks like the neighbor is pretty close so is a little added privacy the driving force? Have you also considered sun shades (those sort of triangular fabric things) or a retractable awning? If I were set on a pergola I’d opt for the attached, in that space attached is always going to look better, even if it means a window sight line is a little hindered. Attached just seems more thought out.

Waht is the reason for the pergola at all? If this is a space with no real sun issue I would not bother with the prgola and for sure not ruin a brick wall to attach it. I think the money would be better spent on some nice decor for your guests to use when a bit of privacy is needed. Maybe an umbrella in a great color to work with the decor. If you have to have a pergola for whatever reason then I think you will need an attached one and live with the damage you do to the brick.

The neighbors next door are driving me crazy. They stuck their head out of their second story window every time we hung out in the backyard in the summer, sometimes when we had guest over they even opened up their window and tried to say hi through the window... so I’m trying to think of a way to block them a little bit. Already considered the option of planting big trees along the fence, but I would have to find a tree about 20ft tall in order to block their view.

To give you guys an idea why I’m trying to put up a pergola.... one main reason is to block the view from their window ....

I'd go with the attached pergola. And have a pro do it unless you are one yourself.

You could probably block the view with a couple of sun sail shades or a retractable awning

Add a second umbrella. With both of them side by side and open, they'll provide a nice block. I don't think I'd want the shade of a pergola near any north side windows. However, you might do a skinny trellis style one running along the fence and cover it with a blooming climbing plant.

Picture this one covered and in full bloom.

BACKYARD RETRIEVAL · More Info

A version of this straightened to follow the fence line and covered with greenery would help.

Traditional Landscape · More Info

This one would give some privacy on the fence side; then add a pair of umbrellas & tables.

Craftsman Garage · More Info

Skinny trellis and retractable awning probably will work. I thought if I had a pergola I could put up a fan and string lights haha. Not sure how I could hook up a fan and lights without a pergola?

How about a triangular pergola? So the interior corner of the house would be open, but the neighbor side and the edge of the backyard side, opposite the door, would be semi covered, and chances are you aren’t going to move your grill and put chairs there anyway. Then you would still have the ‘rafters’ to hang lights and a fan from . Plus a post wouldn’t block a window and you wouldn’t block any light from the windows

Like this

I'd try to put up a tall arbor type structure along the fence line, for vines to grown on and to block the view from the neighbors direction, while keeping the area open. An attached pergola that is open on the fence side may not give you the privacy you need. Depending on your climate though, you can also look at planting Carolina Cherry Laurel bushes along the fence. They grow quickly, the roots are not invasive, they are easy to prune, and can reach 35 feet. The greenery would be nice with all the other hard surfaces.

I love the idea of planting tall trees, and that was the first thing we tried to do. But the problem is the neighbors second story window is probably about 18-20 ft high from the ground so I will need to wait for a few years for a tree to grow in order to effectively block their view.

Thanks everyone for suggesting the alternative skinny arbor/trellis idea. What if I install a skinny trellis along the edge of my patio with lattice? Would it look good? Something like the drawing/pic below :

I think that can work, with a taller lattice part. Plant quick growing vines like jasmine or clematis under it to help with coverage.

What do you guys think of a Cantilevered Pergola right on the edge of the patio? Like the photos below.

Would it look too bulky and overpowering if I install something like this?

I like the skinnier, cantilevered pergola, covered with a vine. Also, if you must have a post close to a window, you could get something decorative to hang on that post facing the window. Like a colorful bird house, or useful like a thermometer you could read from inside.

I'd keep the top shorter so you don't lose so much light.

Thanks guys!! Very helpful!