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How to Choose the Perfect Pergola for Your Lawn
In these times where we are confined in our homes for a long period, we start realizing the possibilities and potential of our house and envisioning some great additions. That’s what a pergola is - a great addition!
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English speakers borrowed this word from the Italians, who got it from the late Latin - “Pergula”, referring to a projecting eave. Dating as far back as 1645, it was an immensely popular construction in the Roman Empire, and it has become an all-time favorite backyard addition among Americans, bringing a vintage vibe with a comfortable touch.
Not only is it a practical attachment, with the ability to turn some afternoons into amazing memorable moments but, since outdoor living has become more popular than ever, it can actually, for the right buyer, add a large amount of value to your house.
How to Choose the Perfect Pergola for Your Lawn
What Are Pergolas?
Now, so you don’t mix it with other similar builds like arbors and verandas, we’ll give you a quick and easy understanding of this versatile item.
A pergola is a type of gazebo - an outdoor garden feature - that can work as a walkway, a passageway or simply a sitting area. It’s an open space with vertical posts that typically support cross beams, which can form an open or covered roof. Pergolas can sit in the middle of your lawn, freestanding, or be attached to your house.
They are a practical way of creating a comfortable and personal space while blending with the characteristic nature of a backyard. They can also link pavilions in a fashionable way, providing an area that allows a nice breeze and light sun, but protects from harsher weather. If you need a helping hand on choosing the right one, here you can find a selection of some of the best.
How to Choose the Perfect One
There is a large number of options on the market, and choosing the perfect one for your needs might not be the easiest task. That’s why we’re here to guide you through all the aspects you should take into consideration before clicking that “Buy Product” button.
How Will You Use it?
This is probably the most important question of them all, mainly because your answer will influence the overall design and features of the pergola you should get.
You might want to create a personal, calm oasis, where you can enjoy a morning coffee or a hot chocolate in the night, gazing at the stars. A medium-sized, squared, open style pergola is ideal, offering you a comfortable space with an amazing view of the sky above.
Maybe you’re more of an entertainer yourself and enjoy a practical, convenient outdoor place where you can cook your famous barbecue burgers. We suggest going for a larger rectangular one, with various chairs, a table, and a built-in grill or bar. Straighter and cleaner lines, as well as wider posts and columns, combined with a dark-toned wood, can offer a sturdy and safe vibe, perfect for getting the family together.
If nature is an important part of your life, you can also go for a hexagonal or circular centerpiece in your garden, with vines and flowers all around. There are a few perfect smaller pergolas, with arched structures and artisan-style tops, mimicking nature’s shapes and blending in your garden like no other.
What Should It Be Made Of?
There are a couple of options in this department. Remember, no material is better or worse than the rest, as they all bring strengths and weaknesses to the table, so don’t worry about choosing the wrong one - there is no wrong one!
Wood
This is the more traditional way of going on about it, as it can offer you a sturdy structure, with that natural rustic vibe and feel. There’s also the possibility to choose between a variety of tones, from darker, richer woods to lighter, clear ones.
The big decision will be between hardwoods and softwoods. The first ones are costlier, but more sturdy, as well as a perfect match for older homes. Softwoods are a bit cheaper and you can reach richer textures if you stain it - just remember to do it before assembling the pergola!
Cedarwood is always a solid choice, as it can take a punch from bad weather and constant use and, while retaining sturdiness, develop a more picturesque aspect over time (even though you can sand and refinish it whenever you want and maintain a fresh look). Two big pluses are its cedar smell every morning, as well as a natural resistance against pests and moisture.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight and easy to maintain alloy, as well as the ideal option for everyone living near the sea, as it can tackle humidity and corrosion like no other. Except for a power wash once in a while, from the moment you assemble it, there is virtually no maintenance required.
Vinyl
Vinyl is very popular for two main reasons - affordability and resistance. Not only does it look good (you can get it in white or ivory) but it soft and light colors won’t overly stand out in your back lawn. There is also something called composite, which combines the modern sturdiness of vinyl with the old rustic colors of wood - the best of both worlds!
Roof
Let’s talk about shade! Even though pergolas’ bring an open-style top, there are various possibilities in terms of roofs.
First, if you decide to let it all-natural, the sun and shade you get will depend on the spacing of your cross beams. More space, more sun; less space, more shade. You can also go for a lattice roof - usually made of the same material as the structure, it’s a roof with geometrical patterns that lets some sunlight in.
Some people live in areas affected by bad weather, so a more sturdy, water-proof, steel or thatched roof might be the best choice. Offering that protection, but still letting in some warm sunlight, there are transparent panels or even sails (even though the last one isn’t that effective against rain).
The costlier, but more convenient and comfortable option, is a retractable roof. You can be drinking your coffee, enjoying the outdoors and feel a little droplet on your forehead. Instead of having to go inside, just press a button and a roof will cover the top.
Extra Features
Now that you’ve got a general idea for what to look for, here are some extra features that can really improve your time spent outdoor, under your pergola:
- Lighting. Amazingly convenient after the sunset, some options bring lamps, so you can enjoy those long summer nights with your family and friends.
- Warranty. Every outdoor item is susceptible to some hard obstacles, like weather, storms, and human mishappens. That’s why a nice warranty (some that go up to 20 years) is ideal.
- Resin Bottom. If it’s made of wood, having a resin bottom is essential, as it avoids moisture creeping up through its floors and beams.
- Privacy Wall. Who doesn’t love a little bit of privacy? Be for naked sunbathing or some romantic after hours with your partner.
- Furniture. Some pergolas bring matching seating and dining furniture, perfect for having large dinners outside.
Final Thoughts
In-home isolation leads to mental and physical complications and most of us don’t use that much our backyard because it isn’t that comfortable, so a pergola can really change a routine for the best. Hope we helped you in imagining your dream pergola and, as always, thanks for reading!
About the Author Laura Bennett
Hello, I’m Laura Bennett. I love nature especially when it comes to flowers and different kinds of plants. I started a very small garden behind my house and I named it Humid Garden. So, I created this blog to provide aspiring and inspiring thoughts about gardening for gardeners and anyone who has the intention of keeping a garden.
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