10 Best Pergolas and Buying Guide
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Editor Pick Pergolas
Pergolas Buying Guide
Pergolas are an excellent option for outdoor spaces. However, many people don’t even know what it is. And various outdoor structures have been mistaken for pergolas. Even pergolas are generally classified as gazebos. And that’s because pergolas are not easy to identify. There is no particular blueprint for what they should look like. Pergolas also come in various styles, sizes, and shapes.
But you don’t need to worry. With this guide, you will know the various pergolas styles and the materials used to make them. At the end of this article, you can choose a suitable pergola for your outdoor space.
Why You Should Invest in Pergolas?
There are numerous benefits you would enjoy when you invest in pergolas. Here are some of them.
Make an Outdoor Room
You can use a pergola to change your traditional outdoor kitchen, seating area, or barbecue spot into an entire outdoor room. Pergolas have the unique ability to add structures to outdoor spaces without blocking sunlight and air. This means you will enjoy the comfort of being indoors and the benefits of relaxing in your outer space.
However, it would be best if you never forgot that you need a shade canopy to get optimal protection from the sun, rain, and other elements. This is because pergolas do not offer much protection on their own. And I’d you don’t want to get a shade canopy, ensure you go for furniture that can easily withstand rain, wind, and sunlight.
Elevate Your Garden Design
Pergolas can add aesthetics and architectural design to your garden. They also won’t block the rain and sunlight your plants need. You will elevate your garden by adding climbing vines and hanging plants. This is perfect for adventurous gardeners with small outdoor space. Some ideal climbers to integrate with your pergola include wisteria, trumpet honeysuckle, and climbing roses.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Your Pergolas
To choose a pergola for your outdoor area, you should consider some crucial factors. These factors will help you select a suitable pergola that seamlessly complements your outdoor space. Here are some of them.
Choose a Style that Suits Your Outdoor Space
When it comes to pergola styles and designs, there are endless options. So, you must be careful when choosing the one you want for your outdoor space. Generally, it would be best if you chose a pergola that will seamlessly complement your outdoor area. Check out some of the most common pergola styles.
Freestanding Pergolas: as their name implies, freestanding pergolas stand alone and function as a landscape feature detached from your home. They come with four posts that you can fix into the ground. These posts are the only support that a freestanding pergola has. This pergola style will perfectly fit beside your pool or in your garden. You can use it to make an outdoor shelter away from your home.
Attached Pergolas: one side of an attached pergola connects firmly to your home’s wall. It is the best option to cover an extended part of your home, such as a deck, patio, etc. Attached pergolas have the unique ability to make an outdoor space look like an extension of your indoors instead of a different part.
Arched Pergolas: while numerous pergolas come with flat roofs, some have arched tops. Arched pergolas are more attractive appealing than pergolas with flat roofs. And they will give your outdoor space a unique and more elegant look.
Bioclimatic Pergolas: this type of pergolas usually comes with adjustable aluminum louvers. This feature allows you to adjust the pergola according to your needs. Bioclimatic pergolas provide maximum comfort. It does matter if they are automated or manually operated; bioclimatic pergolas enable users to adjust wind ventilation and sunshade easily. They are also fun to use due to their numerous features—add-on side panels, louvers’ position, heating, lighting, etc. The adjustable louvers of these pergolas can also provide you with varying shades throughout the year. Due to their versatility, bioclimatic pergolas allow you to optimize the sun’s warmth in winter and regulate heat during summer.
Determine The Material That Will Work Best For You
Pergolas are not only available in several styles, but they are also available in numerous materials. And you must prioritize the kind of material that comes with your pergola. This is because the material always determines the durability of your pergola, the cost, and the amount of maintenance it will require. Here are some of the most popular pergola materials to get you started.
Wood: this is the cheapest and most common material for pergolas. Cedar pergolas offer the most value for money. So, many homeowners prefer it to other wood pergolas. Redwood, on the other hand, is a more expensive and premium option. However, wood pergolas require maintenance if you want them to retain their natural look. You must restain or repaint them every two years to prevent rots and pests. So while they are cheap, the costs of maintaining them might add up over the years.
Aluminum: aluminum is an ideal choice if you are looking for a more contemporary pergola for your outdoor space. Aluminum pergolas usually have clean lines and simple shoes that blend seamlessly with modern landscaping and architecture. They also do not need much maintenance. This is because they are sturdy, durable, and not susceptible to rust.
Vinyl: like aluminum, vinyl pergolas need little to no care. They will last a generation if you powder-wash them occasionally. Vinyl will last a lifetime with minimal effort. If you are on a budget and want an elegant look for your outdoor space, vinyl pergolas are an excellent choice. The only drawback with vinyl pergolas is that they are only available in white and off-white. So, you have limited options when it comes to colors.
Fiberglass: This is one of the newest materials for making pergolas. You should consider fiberglass pergolas if you want suitable pergolas for your home. They tend to last longer and don’t require much maintenance. Another reason fiberglass is ideal is that you can paint it to suit your outdoor decor. However, it won’t rust with time or take in moisture. Although fiberglass pergolas are lightweight, they can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, fiberglass pergolas are the most expensive. So, while they offer value for every penny spent, many people prefer to go for more affordable options.
Steel: like aluminum, this material can also give your pergola a contemporary appearance. However, the appearance of steel is more heavy-duty and industrial than aluminum. And this is because steel is heavier than aluminum, making it more durable and sturdy. The drawback with steel is that it can rust when exposed to humidity and rain regularly. So, you will have to maintain it to ensure it doesn’t rust.
Select The Accessories You Want in Your Pergola
You can extend the versatility of your pergola when you add accessories. So, if your pergola can’t achieve your vision for your outdoor space, adding some accessories might make up for those gaps. Here are some accessories that would complement your pergola.
Shade Canopy: numerous manufacturers of pergolas know that homeowners who want to install pergolas in their outdoor space would like to use them as sunshades. So, they also make shade canopies to go along with your pergola. There are numerous pergola covers. So, you have access to different options to choose from. You can pick a shade tarp, fabric cover, or fabric cover. You can even go for a sturdy transparent cover that protects you from debris and rain while allowing the sun to seep into your pergola.
Lighting: if you intend to use your pergola for nighttime purposes like dinner parties, you would need to install lighting. The kind of light you select should depend on the brightness you want in your pergola and style. String lights would provide a casual and romantic look. You can also use paper lanterns or chandeliers to create an elegant and exotic outdoor area. If you are adventurous and have more money to spend, installing a fireplace or fire pit will give your patio a unique and luxurious appearance.
Temperature Control: one of the reasons people don’t like spending time outdoors is because they can’t determine how cold or flaming hot it can get. Pergola accessories like electric heaters and ceiling fans allow you to control the temperature in your environment. This way, you will enjoy your pergolas during summer and winter without worrying about the temperature.
Final Thoughts
Installing a pergola can elevate the general appearance of your outdoor space. They come in various designs. So, you have numerous options to pick from. You must consider some vital factors to choose a suitable pergola for your outdoor space. These factors include the style of your pergola, the material you prefer, and the accessories. These factors will help you to choose a suitable pergola that will work seamlessly with your patio. Following this guide will have no problems choosing the best pergola for your outdoor space.
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