Pergolas and patio covers are a great way to create shade during those hot Summer days. They offer protection from the sun and can reduce heat gain, saving on air conditioning costs.
A pergola can also be used to grow vines, ivy, roses and other climbing greenery to create privacy and add beauty to the space.
Size
When designing pergolas, size is a crucial factor. If the structure is too small, you won’t have enough room to fit patio furniture, planter boxes, a hot tub and more. On the other hand, if the pergola is too large, it will overwhelm the space.
To determine the ideal pergola size, assess your family’s needs and what you want to use the structure for. For example, a larger pergola that can accommodate eight or more chairs will work well if you plan to entertain guests.
Another consideration when choosing a pergola size is how much sun you must block. Increasing the shade under your pergola can be achieved using larger rafters, adding purlins or growing dense vines. To fully block midday sunlight, however, consider a retractable fabric shade. This can be a fixed triangular shade sail or a rectangle of fabric stretched from post to post.
Aesthetics
Although often confused with arbors, trellises, and gazebos, Pergolas are unique in their freestanding structure that adds beauty and definition to your backyard. They are typically positioned on the edge of a backyard deck to shade an area separate from the house. They can be added in the middle of your yard to create a recreational space surrounded by garden plants and a shady reading nook.
Their open-lattice roofs allow partial sunlight and work well with climbing plants like ivy, peas, and wisteria that can wrap around their rafters. If you want more sun protection, add purlins or drapes to the side of the pergola.
Patio covers, on the other hand, provide full shade and are a great option for homes in regions with harsh weather conditions or those who want a seamless transition between their indoor and outdoor living spaces. They are also easy to customize to match your home, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic.
Maintenance
Pergolas can add a sense of depth and definition to your backyard. They provide a focal point that can capture the eye of prospective homebuyers as they tour your property, and they create a hospitable and irresistible outdoor sanctuary for family and friends.
If you choose to build a pergola, it is important to consider the materials used for construction and the level of maintenance required. Wood is popular but requires regular staining and cleaning to protect against rotting and insects. Metal and vinyl pergolas offer durability and require less upkeep.
A pergola can also increase privacy by creating a sense of enclosure within your yard. Adding drapes or a slatted wall can screen unwanted views or muffle noise from neighbors’ lawnmowers or loud traffic on the nearby highway. For additional privacy, install a plant wall on the pergola to grow greenery over time. This creates a natural boundary that adds to the ambiance and provides shade to reduce heat gain.
Cost
Pergolas are a fantastic way to expand your living space at a fraction of the cost of a full-on home addition. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners looking to add HGTV-approved “X-factor” that will have buyers scrambling to bid on their home.
These outdoor structures create a sense of openness and airiness while offering shade from harsh sun and rain. Depending on the spacing between the top slats, pergolas can eliminate up to 50% of the sun’s rays and help you enjoy your backyard during all seasons.
Also, pergolas are great places to hang outdoor lighting, grills, or other accessories. This allows you to fully utilize your outdoor living space from spring through fall and can make entertaining and spending time with family more enjoyable.
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