A pergola can be a dramatic and functional addition to your landscape. It can add aesthetic appeal to your garden, while offering support to roses, grapes or other plants. It can also add an element of shade to your garden, pool deck, or outdoor kitchen. You can add a pergola to your existing space, or start a new design using it as a focal point. Pergolas offer homeowners endless options.
What Exactly is a Pergola?
Pergolas are permanent outdoor architectural structures that can be used in the garden to form a walkway or over a patio to provide shade. Their basic design consists of vertical posts, with cross beams and sometimes open, sturdy lattice-work. Pergolas can be an extension of a building or can be a standalone focal point in a garden. Pergolas can create a sitting area to enjoy sun and the breeze, but also offer privacy, and protection from the harshness of direct sunlight.
Pergolas are available in a variety of materials but fiberglass has clear advantages, specially over wood and vinyl.
Fiberglass is the best performing material for your pergola and is suitable for any type of climate you may live in. It is stronger than steel and offers remarkable stability. Fiberglass pergolas are light-weight and naturally resistant to corrosion & rust. They are also weather and insect proof and will not expand or contract with temperature changes.
Incorporating A Pergola into Your Landscape
Incorporating a pergola into your outdoor design can help you define the transition between indoor and outdoor space and serve as a focal point in your landscape design. If you want to add elegance and functionality to your backyard incorporate a pergola!
Three Tips for Adding a Pergola
If you’ve decided to add a pergola to your landscape, you’ll have to make some choices. First, define its use, will it become a place to relax outdoors, a place where you’ll prepare meals, or an extension of your indoor living space. You might be looking to add visual appeal to your garden, or a place for your grape vines to grow.
Here are three tips for seamlessly incorporating a pergola into your backyard.
1. Find the Best Spot
The first step is to choose the best location. Pergolas come in two basic options, attached or detached. Where you position your pergola will determine if it’s attached or detached. When placing it, make sure your new pergola won’t block a beautiful view
2. Match Your Home’s Style and Surroundings
Match your home style and surroundings to blend in. You can do things like incorporating color elements from your home or matching the trim colors. Your pergola’s shape should match the design of the space it’s being incorporated into. For example, if your patio is rectangular, your pergola should be also. If there is a bay window where the pergola will attach to your home, wrap it around the window to mimic the angles.
3. Add on Features to Enhance Your Design
You can increase your pergola’s wow factor by incorporating added features. Consider adding lighting, planters, outdoor speakers or even misting systems. Adding landscape lighting (both up lights and down lights) can have a big effect to your outdoor area. Adding a TV and speakers can make your outdoor space an entertainment center, the perfect place to gather with friends and catch a game. You’re only limited by your creativity and budget!
A pergola is a great addition to your landscaping that can provide years of enjoyment for you, your family and your friends. Old Station Outdoor and Landscape Supply offers a full range of materials for your pergola project. Visit our website or stop into the store, we’re always glad to help with all your outdoor and landscaping needs!
