From Pergolas to Privacy Walls: Designing Landscapes with Custom Wood Elements in Mind
How intentional woodworking adds structure, verticality, and definition to softscapes and hardscapes
When it comes to landscape design, it’s easy to focus on the greenery—lush lawns, sculpted shrubs, colorful flower beds, and artfully placed trees. Or to imagine the hardscapes—patios, pathways, retaining walls—that give shape to the space. But often, what brings all these elements together and gives a landscape its true character is something else entirely: the intentional use of custom woodworking.
From pergolas and trellises to custom privacy walls and fencing, wood elements offer more than just utility. They create structure, provide visual balance, and introduce height and rhythm to a landscape that might otherwise feel flat or disjointed. Let’s explore how incorporating custom wood features into your landscape plan can transform your outdoor space—and what to keep in mind when designing them with purpose.
Woodworking as the Backbone of Outdoor Design
In any well-designed landscape, the goal is to guide the eye, define space, and create a sense of cohesion between the natural and built environment. Custom wood elements help accomplish all three.
- Structure & Flow: A well-placed arbor or overhead pergola can act as a transition between areas—say, from a garden to a patio—guiding movement and creating a natural threshold. Custom staircases and railings can improve access while enhancing visual appeal.
- Verticality: Wood features introduce height and balance to horizontal surfaces like lawns, patios, or garden beds. A vertical trellis or privacy wall draws the eye upward and breaks up the visual plane, adding interest and contrast.
- Focal Points: A custom wood pergola, pavilion, or even a sleek privacy screen can serve as a design anchor for the entire landscape, helping to define zones within a larger outdoor area—whether it’s for dining, lounging, gardening, or entertaining.
Wood Elements that Define and Elevate Outdoor Spaces
Here’s how specific custom woodworking features add dimension, character, and functionality to your landscape.
- Pergolas, Arbors, and Trellises
These overhead structures do more than provide partial shade—they define space. A pergola over an outdoor dining area makes it feel like an outdoor room. An arbor signals the entrance to a garden path. A trellis, whether free-standing or wall-mounted, offers a vertical surface for climbing plants and adds sculptural interest even when bare.
Tip: Design your pergola with both form and function in mind—think about sunlight direction, surrounding plantings, and how it connects to nearby structures.
Related: How Custom Wood Features Elevate Landscape Design
- Privacy Walls and Fencing
Modern privacy walls and custom fencing go well beyond utility. With the right design—whether horizontal slats, board-on-board construction, or integrated planters—these elements can act as stylish backdrops, define outdoor “rooms,” and shield you from wind, noise, or neighbors.
They also add warmth and texture to the landscape. Natural wood tones complement stone patios, concrete walks, and even modern composite decking, bridging materials with a cohesive look.
- Decks and Elevated Platforms
A custom-built deck remains one of the most impactful ways to extend living space outdoors. Whether connected to a home or freestanding in a backyard, decks create a platform for relaxation and entertaining—and offer an opportunity to experiment with shape, railings, and wood types.
For multi-level yards, platforms can also act as transitions between elevation changes, making the landscape more usable and visually dynamic.
Considering material options? Check out Composite vs. Natural Wood: What to Know Before You Build
- Built-In Benches, Planters, and Accents
Even smaller wood elements—like custom benches or planter boxes—can elevate the feel of a space. Integrated seating along a retaining wall, for example, softens hard edges and invites people to linger. Raised planters made from durable natural wood add texture while making gardens easier to maintain.
Wooden accents can also be added to existing hardscapes. Wrapping a concrete outdoor kitchen island in wood, or adding a slatted wood wall behind a bar area, blends softness with structure.
Designing with Intent: Tips for Successful Integration
To get the most out of custom wood elements in your landscape design, plan intentionally. Here are a few best practices:
- Think in Layers: Balance horizontal and vertical elements. If you’re planning a large patio, consider a vertical feature like a pergola or privacy screen to add proportion and visual interest.
- Match Materials Mindfully: The right wood species and finish should complement your home’s architecture and other hardscape materials. Choose natural wood tones that blend with stone, brick, or composite features.
- Plan for Durability: Use rot-resistant woods like cedar or pressure-treated pine, or explore composite materials if low maintenance is a priority. Work with a builder who understands the structural requirements of outdoor installations—especially for features like pergolas or stairs.
- Unify with Landscaping: Pair custom woodworking with plantings that soften lines and fill in space. Climbing vines, ornamental grasses, and flowering shrubs all play well with vertical wood elements.
Why Custom Woodworking Makes a Difference
While you can buy prefabricated pergolas or fence panels, there’s no substitute for a custom-built feature tailored to your space. A truly integrated landscape design reflects your style, site conditions, and how you want to use the space—not just what fits off-the-shelf.
At The Reesman Company, our landscape and woodworking teams collaborate from the start—ensuring that every wooden element is designed with purpose, precision, and longevity in mind.
Whether you’re dreaming of a dramatic pergola, a series of modern privacy screens, or subtle wooden details that bring your space together, our team can help bring your vision to life.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
At The Reesman Company, we’ve been helping Southeastern Wisconsin homeowners and businesses design, build, and maintain outdoor environments for generations. If you’re planning a landscape project and want to explore the possibilities of custom wood design, contact us to schedule a consultation with our team or call us direct at 262-539-2124.
Browse more outdoor living inspiration in our project portfolio and resources at reesmans.com/news.