The A-Z of What You Need To Know About Pergolas
Do you dream of having more usable outdoor space for hosting, relaxing, or spending family time?
Maybe your current space is unusable or simply unattractive. Either way, working with inadequate hosting space can be frustrating.
At DG Builders, we understand the desire for a beautiful outdoor space where you can spend time with family and friends. Today we would like to tell you about pergolas and how they could improve your property and hosting space.
Ready to get started?
Let’s jump in!
What Is A Pergola?
Let’s define what a pergola is.
First of all, a pergola is NOT a:
- Gazebo - A gazebo has a closed-in roof and usually sits on raised ground with a low railing around its perimeter.
- Trellis - A trellis is a latticework panel typically mounted to something such as a fence or doorway. It often supports plants.
- Arbor - An arbor is smaller than a pergola and usually frames a gate or entrance.
- Pavilion - A pavilion is a large roof supported by posts, similar to a big gazebo with open sides.
On the other hand, a pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of a series of rafters supported by posts. It does not have a closed roof, wall, or railing, so it doesn’t offer complete protection from the elements. Instead, it provides the feeling of an enclosed space with all the benefits of being outside.
It is possible to DIY a pergola, and DIYing may cut down on the cost of building your pergola.
However, make no mistake - building a pergola is not a project to take lightly. To build a pergola you will need:
- Design skills
- Landscaping and concrete experience
- Solid construction skills
- The proper tools, including:
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Caulk gun
- Combination square
- Cordless drill
- Extension cord
- Hammer
- Hole saw kit
- Jigsaw
- Level
- Miter saw
- Posthole digger
- Putty knife
- Router
- Safety glasses
- Spade
- Speed square
- Stepladder
- Straightedge
- Tape measure
- Tool belt
Plus adequate time and some helpful friends to help out with your project.
If you don’t have any previous construction experience, it would be better to hire a professional to build you the pergola of your dreams.
7 Benefits Of Owning A Pergola
We know what a pergola is. But building a pergola is going to cost you - is a pergola a worthwhile investment?
Several benefits of owning a pergola include:
Adds value to your home
Like a deck or patio, pergolas add monetary value to your home. How much monetary value your pergola adds to your home depends on the size, materials the pergola is made of, and where you live. But another perk to keep in mind is that a pergola increases curb appeal, so it may make your home more attractive to potential buyers if you ever want to sell it. Some estimates even put the ROI of a pergola at 50%, although numbers can change depending on where you live.
Adds privacy
If you don’t like being on display while you relax, add some privacy curtains to your pergola, and your problem is solved! Alternatively, you could add a lattice and grow some vines for a cool, leafy privacy curtain.
Creates a frame for plants
Low on space in your garden? Try some vertical gardening! A pergola makes a beautiful frame for climbing plants like wisteria. Plus, a plant-covered pergola adds a beautiful and exotic touch to your landscaping.
You can also add hanging baskets from the rafters to utilize even more of your space.
Provides shade
If your deck or patio is in the direct sun and gets hot during the day, chances are you don’t use it a lot because it gets too uncomfortable. And what good is your deck to you if it’s too uncomfortable to use?
If you add some sun protection with a pergola, you might be able to use your outdoor space more often. Pergolas could add shade to any of your outdoor areas including your deck, patio, or just a nice corner of your yard.
Extends usable space
We understand the frustration of not having enough space for hosting or relaxing. A pergola is a great way to create more usable space on your property. Also, sometimes it’s nice to have a space besides your house that works for hosting, especially if your house is small.
Increases the time you spend outside
Think about it for a second:
Which is better for you—lounging inside on your couch watching television or sitting outside in the sunshine reading a book or connecting with friends?
We all know the answer!
Getting outside is proven to come with some amazing benefits, including improved mood, reduced stress and anger, and even increased empathy for others. Plus, once you get out there it’s usually beautiful and enjoyable! A beautiful outdoor space might be the thing you need to encourage you to get outside more often!
A gorgeous outdoor area is a perfect excuse to host guests, and it’s sure to get you outside on your own, too.
Adds curb appeal to your home
A pergola over your porch or balcony adds a beautiful and polished touch to your home. This increased curb appeal is enjoyable for you as the homeowner and can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever want to sell it.
Types Of Pergolas
Now that we know what a pergola is and how it could benefit you let’s dig deeper into the different styles and types of pergolas.
We will start with styles of pergolas and then move on to materials for pergolas.
Styles of Pergolas
- Free-standing pergolas
Some pergolas are free-standing and can be placed anywhere in the yard where they serve as a hosting space or getaway separated from your home. Free-standing pergolas can also serve as an interesting focal point for your landscaping.
Free-standing pergolas provide excellent sites for events like weddings or banquets as well. At a party, they can serve as a center or gathering point, and you could even set up a bridal table inside or get married under them!
- Pergola on concrete patio
Many freestanding pergolas are built on concrete patios, so you can easily place furniture or a grill inside. A concrete patio with a pergola is an ideal hosting spot! Plus, it’s nice if you live in a wet area because the concrete will keep your pergola area from becoming a mud pit every time it rains.
- Attached pergolas
Attached pergolas attach directly to your house on one side. You could use this style to enclose your deck or balcony and make it feel more like an extension of your home. It makes your deck feel more like a cozy indoor room, but you still get the benefits of being outside.
- Awning pergolas
You can even install smaller pergolas without posts to the side of your house or your windows and have them serve as awning pergolas. This could also work at a shop or other business.
- Louvered pergola
If you want to go modern and high-tech, you can get a motorized, louvered pergola with open and close slats. Then you can use your pergola in all sorts of weather, and if you add retractable sides and a heater, you can use it all year round!
- Modern pergola
Some pergolas, such as timber frame, look more woodsy and traditional. But you can make a very modern-looking pergola by going for a square, boxy shape and modern materials such as aluminum or steel.
- Shade pergola
If you want your pergola to provide more shade, you can get a removable sun tarp to block the sun. Then you can enjoy cool shade during the day and still see the stars at night. A shady pergola would be especially useful if you live in a hot, sunny area.
You could also get a waterproof shade that would provide light rain protection in emergencies.
- Arched pergola
Want a touch of romance? A pergola with a rounded top has more character and flair than your typical straight pergola. Add some wisteria growing up the sides, and you have the perfect recipe for romance!
Materials for Pergolas
- Wood
Wood is one of the most common and cheapest materials for pergolas. It’s classic, matches both modern and rustic aesthetics, and you can paint or stain it in various colors. However, wood is susceptible to pests and rot and requires maintenance such as repainting or staining over the years.
- Vinyl
Vinyl is another popular choice since it has a classic, clean look, lasts forever, and requires almost no maintenance. However, vinyl can be expensive, comes in fewer colors than wood, and cannot be painted.
- Aluminum
Aluminum pergolas offer clean elegance and plenty of customization options. They come in more colors than vinyl and are often powder coated, so they don’t need repainting. Aluminum is also more rust-resistant than some metals, which makes it a better choice for areas that might get salt spray from the ocean.
- Composite
Want the look of wood but less maintenance? Maybe a composite pergola would be best for you. Composite pergolas are made from recycled plastic and appear surprisingly similar to wood. However, like vinyl, composite pergolas can be expensive.
- Steel
A heavy-duty steel pergola lasts for years! Steel’s biggest drawback is that it is susceptible to rust if not properly treated. That means it may not be the best choice for seaside areas that get salt spray. Steel is a good choice if you want a modern-looking pergola.
- Concrete
It’s out of the box, but concrete works for pergolas too. Using concrete, you can create solid, stately pillars for your pergola reminiscent of ancient Greece. Concrete lasts practically forever, and you won’t have to worry about maintenance.
6 Ways To Implement A Pergola
Next up, what are some ways to incorporate a pergola into the landscaping on your property?
Here are a few ideas for where to place a pergola on your property:
Cover your deck or balcony
A pergola is a perfect addition if you want to make your deck, porch, or even your balcony a little more cozy and defined. It makes your deck feel more like a part of your house while retaining all the good parts about being outside.
It can also boost the overall curb appeal of your home.
Enclose your pool
A pergola can elevate any pool design! Whether it’s over your pool or beside the pool with a sitting area underneath, it takes the whole place to the next level.
You can also make your pergola into a privacy solution by adding removable screens to the sides—that way, you are protected from prying eyes.
Frame your patio
If you have a patio unattached to your house, a pergola can make it a bit homier and more defined. The pergola can also add a nice focal point to the patio area.
Plus, you can add a removable tarp to the pergola on your patio or deck for extra shade or light rain protection when you need it since an unattached patio is likely completely unprotected.
Enhance a walkway
You can turn any walkway into a whimsical experience by adding a pergola over a portion of it! It’s even better if you grow some vines up the sides and create a leafy tunnel for guests to stroll through.
Pergolas can also serve as a transition/entryway between different sections of your property.
Create an outdoor living room
Want the comfort and coziness of a living room right in the beauty of nature? Try building a large pergola and filling it with comfy outdoor furniture and lots of cushions. Some warm, romantic lights and maybe even a rug and outdoor fireplace can complete the feel of your pergola living room.
Just keep in mind that a pergola does not protect from the elements, so be sure to choose furniture that will survive outdoors.
Jazz up your garden area
Pergolas are beautiful garden structures as they add an architectural element without blocking sunlight critical to your plants’ growth.
They can add a focal point to your garden, define a section, or even serve as an entryway into your garden. You could also use a pergola to create a little sitting area with a bench or chairs in a quiet corner of your garden.
You can also use your pergola to implement vertical gardening by growing climbing plants such as wisteria or climbing roses or suspending hanging baskets from the rafters. This is especially helpful if you have limited space.
Getting outside is proven to come with some amazing benefits, including improved mood, reduced stress and anger, and even increased empathy for others. Plus, once you get out there it’s usually beautiful and enjoyable! A beautiful outdoor space might be the thing you need to encourage you to get outside more often!
A gorgeous outdoor area is a perfect excuse to host guests, and it’s sure to get you outside on your own, too.
Adds curb appeal to your home
A pergola over your porch or balcony adds a beautiful and polished touch to your home. This increased curb appeal is enjoyable for you as the homeowner and can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever want to sell it.
Conclusion
If you want to add more usable space to your property or spruce up your existing space, consider adding a pergola along with a larger deck, patio, or porch project. It comes with a surprising amount of benefits.
At DG Builders, we would love to help you with your pergola and outside project! Please note that many of the pergolas we build are part of a larger outdoor project including a deck, porch, or patio; and we may not be able to build a stand-alone pergola.
However, please reach out to us either way about your project, and we’ll let you know if we can help make your dream pergola come true. Give us a call today - we look forward to hearing from you!