Pergolas: The Crown Jewel of Outdoor Structures

Pergolas are a statement backyard feature, providing shade while adding a stylish focal point. In this blog, we will discuss why pergolas have become the crown jewel of outdoor structures and how to perfect your pergola project for years of enjoyment.

What is a pergola?

Pergolas are permanent outdoor structures that provide shade. Their airy design filters sunlight using a series of beams and rafters supported by posts. The structure can be freestanding or attached to the home or other outbuildings on a property.

The position of the beams and direction of the pergola help manage sun exposure and shade to suit your needs. As a result, they are highly versatile. Their simple design also makes pergolas more affordable compared to other structures, such as cabanas or gazebos, as they use fewer materials and are not as complex and time-consuming to build.

The Benefits of Pergolas

Homeowners are loving pergolas as an affordable alternative to gazebos thanks to their many advantages, including the following:

• Pergolas allow you to maintain your views, as they do not have a solid roof like gazebos and cabanas that can block out certain aspects of your garden.
• You can design a pergola to adjust the level of shade provided using different angles and varying the spacing of the beams.
• Pergolas can support climbing plants to create a soft-filtered light or add natural features such as ivy, grape vines, clematis, wisteria, or roses. 
• Pergolas are more affordable.
• You can enhance pergola protection by adding a louvred roof.

Pergolas vs. Gazebos

There are a few features that separate pergola and gazebo designs, including the following:

• Gazebos have a full roof providing shade and protection against the rain, while standard pergolas offer shade with an open-air design.
• Gazebos are free-standing, so they require more space compared to a similar-sized pergola that can be attached to a building.
• Gazebos are complex structures that involve intricate and varied design elements, while pergolas are more straightforward, composed of basic design elements.
• The roof of a gazebo blocks out views of your garden and the surrounding area, while pergolas allow you to maintain your views.
• Gazebos cost far more than pergolas of a comparable size, as they require more materials, have more complex designs, and take longer to install.

Louvered Roofs for Pergolas

If you love the open, airy feel of pergolas, but also desire the convenience of a gazebo’s solid roof, a louvred roof allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. The roof is installed across the supporting posts and uses adjustable slats to control sunlight, protect you from the elements, and provide ventilation.

The louvres create a far more versatile pergola that can be used regardless of the weather, protecting against the sun and improving air circulation in intense heat, and offering protection against the rain when the vents are fully closed. As a result, you get more enjoyment from your pergola, rain or shine.

Cedar Wood Pergolas

Cedar is the material most commonly used for wood pergolas, although some builders also use pressure-treated wood. Cedar is a beautiful option that is also low maintenance, as it is naturally resistant to rot, water damage, and insects.

The wood develops an attractive silvery-hued patina as it ages, or you can stain it to bring out its natural reddish-brown look. It also releases a lovely scent as the cedar oils are warmed by the sun, which can help repel ticks, a growing concern in Ontario backyards.

Things to Consider When Installing Pergolas

If you’re installing a pergola in your backyard, there are several factors to consider, including the following:

• Function: What is the intended function of your pergola? Is it for dining, lounging, entertaining, cooking, support for climbing plants, or to create a focal point in your garden?
• Placement: Based on the function, what area of the backyard makes the best spot for your pergola? For example, if you plan to use the pergola for cooking or dining, it’s best to position it near your home to make it easy to transport food, utensils, and dinnerware. However, if you plan to use the pergola for entertaining or lounging, you might want to choose an area with the prettiest views, a spot closer to the pool, or somewhere with more privacy.
• Materials: As mentioned, cedar wood pergolas are very popular, but not the only option for materials. Pressure-treated wood tends to be the most budget-friendly option, but it is not as attractive as cedar. Composite materials such as vinyl, PVC, and fibreglass are also becoming more popular, but they are often more expensive than wood. The last option is metal, such as aluminum, which is long-lasting but more expensive up front. Aluminum might offer a wider range of colour choices, providing more design flexibility.
• Stability: The composition of your soil or the surface where you plan to place the pergola (for example, on a deck or paved patio) impacts how the structure is installed. We offer free consultations to determine any special requirements to ensure stability.
• Space: If you have limited space, consider attaching the pergola to your home or an existing structure. By reducing the number of posts required, you also decrease the space needed to build the structure.
• Sun or shade: Some people prefer more sun, while others want full shade. Understanding how the sun falls in your backyard at different times of day both helps determine the best place for the pergola and the design for the beam structure.
• Budget: Although pergolas tend to be the most affordable option, budget is still a major consideration. The size, complexity, and materials used all impact the costs. For example, if your backyard is very sandy or filled with soft clay, you will require more substantial footings, adding to your costs. If you want a louvred roof, you require additional materials, installation, and design, which also impacts cost.

Contact the Professionals at Luxe Landscape & Construction

As you can see, pergolas are versatile, functional, and attractive structures for any backyard. Whether you want to create a focal point, add more shade to your garden, or want a sense of separation for specific functions, a pergola could be the crowning glory for your backyard design.

Reach out to the experts at Luxe Landscape & Construction to learn more about pergola design and installation. You can call us at 289-800-7124 or contact us online as the first step to creating an idyllic outdoor retreat.

Source:

https://www.fraservalleycedars.com/pest-repelling-power-cedar-trees/