What is the Purpose And Point of a Pergola? Pergolas vs Gazebos

What Is a Pergola and How Does It Differ From an Arbor? While pergolas provide partial shade, they are not fully weatherproof. However, adding a canopy or awning can offer protection from rain. Because a pergola is often made of just posts, beams and rafters, they make a great DIY project. Pergolas are relatively simple to build, don�t require as many materials as other outdoor structural elements, yet still add a big visual impact to a backyard or outdoor space. A pergola is a classic outdoor structure that can add major style and functionality to your backyard. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know. Because they require fewer materials than less open structures, such as gazebos, pergolas are perfect for homeowners on a budget. Pressure-treated lumber, the most important pergola building material, is one of the least expensive types of wood on the market and available just about everywhere. To accentuate this impact, add comfy chairs, outdoor rugs, and a table to the pergola.

What are Pergolas?

Still, it is clearly a pergola, with its purpose a relative mystery. Notice that it has netting you can extend to enclose yourself, keeping you protected from bugs, sun, and whatnot. Now, it is interesting that a pergola should be based on the idea of an eave, because as a structure on it's own, it doesn't really have any eaves to speak of. As you can see from the example above, pergolas can be elevated off the ground, so long as they have a surface to sit on. This pergola isn't enclosed, and, as it has a more minimal structure, it almost seems to have an "unfinished" look, depending on how you look at it. Permit requirements vary by location, so it’s important to check with your local building department before constructing a pergola. These structures hide just enough of the sun without completely covering it, making them an outdoor essential. If you’d like to add a hint of more exclusivity to your space, consider adding a privacy wall to your pergola for extra seclusion from the rest of the yard. The open top can easily be more covered up by using a shaded canopy that glides back and forth effortlessly across a track system attached to your pergola. Additionally, mechanical pergolas can be another option, which allows for the motorized louvers to move back and forth for easy sunlight/shade adjustment.

#7 Vines May Be More Trouble Than They’re Worth

Pergolas are time-tested freestanding outdoor structures, first seen in Egypt around 1400 BC, and widely used among 17th Century Romans during the Italian Renaissance. Today’s pergolas consist of posts supporting a decorative, open-structured roof (as opposed to a closed-structured roof like that of a gazebo), with no walls beneath. Another classic use for pergolas is supporting climbing vines and plants. Planting flowering vines like clematis, grapes, jasmine, or roses allows them to climb up and across the overhead structure. The purpose of a pergola extends far beyond just being a pretty structure in your outdoor space. Whether placed in a garden, over your patio, or even as a novel addition to your garage, a pergola brings a myriad of benefits that encompass visual interest, cohesion, and utility.

A pergola is a structure composed of vertical posts supporting crossbeams, forming an open framework.Pergolas are simple and attractive structures that prove to be purposeful cost-effective solutions to questions such as outdoor comfort, privacy and a means to improve your home’s value.A pergola is a classic outdoor structure that can add major style and functionality to your backyard.

The roof and walls can be left open or covered, depending on the particular style and need. While many pergolas are freestanding, they are also sometimes wall-mounted for attachment to a building. Strategic pergola placement over Look at more info patios, decks, or pools will shelter those spaces from hot sunshine. However, you can add a canopy, shade cloth, or climbing plants to increase the amount of shade. If you choose an attached pergola, make sure it is securely anchored to avoid damage in case of high winds. Some people use covered pergolas to provide complete shade and rain protection. Fiberglass is sometimes used as a covering, but more upscale homeowners may be interested in retractable shade canopies. Another way to add an extra touch to your pergola is by hanging plants or growing roses, wisteria, honeysuckle, or grapes vines through the beams. Give your pergola a romantic feel and some added dusk lighting by draping lights around the posts or through the cross beams.