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Writer's pictureGabrielle Perkins

Why You Should Build a Pergola

A pergola is an outdoor garden structure that forms an open shaded area. It’s made of columns that support a roofing grid of beams and rafters which may be left open or covered. You can attach a pergola to your house or have it free-standing. Pergolas are gaining popularity among homeowners for many reasons, but mainly because they add well-defined living spaces. In this blog, we’re going to give you the main reasons for getting a pergola, just in case you need some convincing.




1. They Provide Shade


One of the prime benefits of adding a pergola is the protection from the elements. Firstly, I have to point out that there are levels to the shade that pergolas give. The least of which would come from an uncovered pergola. In these pergolas, the rafters can be spaced closer together to create more shade or you can allow vines to grow over the top, but an uncovered pergola doesn't provide full protection from the sun.


Next, we have pergolas with retractable canopies. These are usually made from an outdoor fabric or plastic & can give full protection from the sun & even light rain. They can also be retracted to adjust the level of shade. You can read more about the retractable canopies we use in our projects here.


We also have pergolas that are covered with polycarbonate sheeting. These provide shade from the sun & protection from the pouring rain. They can even be tinted for more sun protection. We offer our clients the option to use a corrugated polycarbonate sheeting like SunTuf, or a full coverage system like the Apollo or Hercules SkyPoly system from CoverYourPergola.

Then, of course, the more high-end option is to have a pergola that automatically adjusts to the weather. Many manufacturers are now introducing aluminium bioclimatic pergolas that automatically adjust their louvres based on sunshine, rain and wind. This gives you maximum protection from the elements.




2. They Define A Space


The difference between having patio furniture in your backyard and having an outdoor living space is how well you define your space. One of the ways you can do this is by adding a pergola. If you have a specific purpose like outdoor dining or an outdoor entertainment lounge in mind then this will be important for you. When you add a pergola, you create a designated space visually, which adds to the overall aesthetics and togetherness of your outdoor space.





3. They Extend Your Living Space

You may have some unused or underused space in your yard because it's too hot when the sun is out or it's simply not inviting. Adding a pergola adds an extra space for you to entertain, relax, dine or any other activity that you can think of. If you have found that you love your outdoor living area but that it’s not quite so useful on a summer afternoon when the sun is beating down or if you wish you had protection from inclement weather, a pergola may be for you. A pergola extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside.




4. They Look Great


A pergola is an attractive addition to any backyard. You can make them even more beautiful by adding accessories like hanging pots, lights, curtains, and much more. They can even be built to match your design style; whether you want a modern or a more traditional style we can build it for you!




Thinking about adding a pergola now? Check out our page on our website to get some inspiration or fill out the contact form to get a consultation.


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