While fencing is an integral part of any garden or yard, you can use a variety of garden structures to incorporate an additional feature to your home. Some of the most sought-after options for these structures include a pagoda, arbor, pergola, and arch. Adding outdoor structures like a pergola adds aesthetic appeal to your home’s architecture. Plus, it makes family events and gatherings even more enjoyable.
If you’re considering adding a pergola, you need to find professional installers. But before you do that, you should know what you’re looking for in the outdoor structure. Let’s delve into the discussion to learn “what is a pergola” and how you can use it in your existing garden design.
A pergola is a specific outdoor structure built from beams and posts to create a sheltered or shaded walkway. It is typically built over a deck or patio. A pergola serves as a building extension and provides a focal point in the yard or any outdoor space. It's important to remember that a pergola is not the same as an arbor; in fact, it is more like an open structure compared to an arbor, which is free-standing with a fixed arched roof.
Interestingly, pergolas have been a part of gardens for a long time. The Romans built pergolas from wood, bricks, and stones, supporting them on one side with pillars. During the Italian Renaissance, many architects built pergolas by mimicking the villas and homes of imperial Rome. While design preferences have drastically changed since then, the idea and purpose of building pergolas in gardens remain the same.
Today, homeowners are more creative when it comes to making stylistic variations in outdoor spaces. Garden structures combine plenty of elements to meet individual requirements. Ideally, pergolas should not include solid sides. However, since no two yards are the same, you can use many ideas to customize your pergola.
The possibilities and ideas for pergolas are limitless; here are some common ways these sheltered walkways can serve your garden:
A pergola's structure does not block sunlight completely but typically provides shade from direct light while allowing air to flow freely. The beams in the structure also provide partial shade from the sun. There's ample space on top to grow plants or add creepers to create a cover or provide shade during hot days. You can also add trellises, curtains, or panels to the sides to make it more enclosed. Many people use pergolas as an awning attached to the house to prevent sunlight from heating the building and glaring through the windows.
One of the best parts of summer is outdoor dining. However, there are days when the sun is too hot, and some kind of shelter is necessary. This is where a pergola comes into play. It creates an intimate area by covering a patio or deck. A pergola not only covers the space but also adds a unique luxurious feel, making your garden parties even more exciting.
You can use a simple pergola anywhere in your garden to create a partition like a trellis. Add wires to this partition to train plants to spread over it. After a while, it becomes a lush divider, providing privacy and shade, and also encouraging wildlife.
If you want to separate one area of your garden from another, such as creating different themes, distinguishing dining areas from tea areas, or creating partitions for other functional reasons, pergolas are a great choice. You can also install a pergola with trellis panels to create a boundary for areas like a swimming pool, improving safety for small children and pets. Dividing the garden with pergolas makes it look more organized and beautiful.
Adding a pergola to your garden comes with certain considerations. It is best to hire a reliable installer who is familiar with design structures and adheres to local building codes. Here are a few things to consider when installing a pergola:
In some places, extra care is needed for excavation. It is essential to follow building codes and their explicit instructions regarding your home's safety aspects. Following building codes ensures that your architectural structure withstands weather changes.
Considering your budget before installing a pergola will help determine the material, size, and contractor you want to hire.
Pergolas are a great custom addition to your outdoor space to prevent heat, create separate areas, and enjoy intimate gatherings. While there are several DIY options for installing a pergola on your property, they may not yield the expected results if you're not well-versed in DIY projects. That's why it's better to leave the job to professionals.
Get in touch with our pros at SCHILDR to install a pergola on your property and enhance its overall curb appeal.
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