Modern Pergolas: Everything you Should Know
Pergolas have become a very popular trend when it comes to luxury lifestyles and outdoor living improvement. Although pergolas have been around for quite some time, they are still confused with other outdoor structures such as the pavilion or arbor. In this article, we’ll uncover everything you’ll need to know about modern pergolas, the different types, and why you may want to consider installing a modern pergola in your backyard.
What is a pergola?
A pergola is an architectural structure created from columns and beams of different types of materials, such as wood and metal, to provide a stylish, shaded area. A pergola is essential for stylish outdoor living because it is a freestanding structure that can be placed anywhere you want in your backyard. It’s main purpose is to provide your outdoor living space with adequate shade.
What is a pergola used for?
Pergolas have a few different uses, some practical, some aesthetic, but they’re mainly used to create a shady outdoor living space in your backyard. Constructed from quality materials, the beauty of a pergola is that it doesn’t completely block out the sun, creating a stunning space where the air can circulate freely. Some people modify their pergolas by growing climbing plants on the columns or installing hanging pots to create a wider shaded area.
Pergolas can also be used to create a partition in your backyard by separating spaces. Splitting up your garden area and play area can make for dual uses of your outdoor space. Some pergola designs come with panels or gates that form boundaries, perfect for privacy or containing pets and children to one side of the area.
When choosing a pergola that’s right for you, you may want to consider if you’ll use it for creating an extended outdoor living area. This is an especially good idea if you don’t have a patio deck, but do have an empty area in your backyard. Adding a pergola with a dining set can give you a quality experience of enjoying meals with your family outdoors, as well as adding a little luxury to your backyard. Pergolas can enhance your outdoor space by making your al fresco area look luxurious, while adding an exotic, outdoor feel to your dining.
The different types of pergolas
Wood pergola
Wooden pergolas give a rustic feel to your outdoor living space. They are typically constructed from a strong wood (Cedar, Meranit, Nordic Spruce and Acacia to name a few) creating a natural outdoor space with an earthen appeal. Wood is often stained, but as color can fade over time, depending on the weather conditions in your area, regularly maintaining a wood pergola will ensure longevity, a gorgeous color, and prevent damage or rot.
Metal pergola
Metal or fiberglass-made pergolas have a long life span and don’t require much maintenance. However, they are usually more expensive than other types of pergolas. This material is also the heaviest choice, and may require an additional coating to prevent it from rust. The amount of maintenance needed will ultimately depend on the weather conditions in your area.
Aluminum pergola
Aluminum pergolas are lightweight and protected by a layer of aluminum oxide which helps them resist rust. This makes aluminum-made pergolas ideal for people living in humid areas or near oceans, with the metallic finish creating a modern feel. A good tip when installing an aluminum pergola is to ensure that it is properly anchored or fixed to the ground, due to their lightweight nature.
Cellular PVC pergola
Cellular PVC is an alternate material to wood. It’s capable of resisting moisture build-up and won’t rot or break. It’s termite resistant and can withstand a variety of weather conditions, while mimicking that gorgeous wood grain or coloring. Cellular PVC also requires minimal maintenance, but should be cleaned regularly to maintain the color and design.
Vinyl pergola
Vinyl pergolas offer a classy and stylish look. Vinyl is known to require the least maintenance than any other material, meaning you’ll only need to power wash the structure every one to three years, just to remove dirt or mold. Other than this maintenance, vinyl is a practical material that is expected to last a lifetime. Available for reasonable prices, vinyl pergolas are super budget friendly, but don’t have the luxuriousness of solid, natural wood.
Concrete pergola
Concrete pergolas will withstand any weather conditions and are built to last. Similar to vinyl pergolas, little maintenance is needed, and you’ll probably only need to power wash the structure to rid it of dirt or mold. If the concrete itself begins to show signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or chips, they can be easily remedied by mixing a small amount of concrete and filling them in.
What is a modern pergola?
Modern pergolas tend to have a simple box frame design with clean lines. Beams and rafters create a streamlined style that complements the clean lines of modern furniture styles. Some modern pergolas are designed with a roof that is evenly spaced to offer more shade, while allowing wind to pass through and therefore avoiding putting tension on the overall structure.
Available in a wide variety of styles and dimensions, modern pergolas can be customized to create your dream outdoor space, accommodating everything from your outdoor dining furniture to the luxurious hot tub.
What to consider when buying a modern pergola
When buying a modern pergola, the most important consideration is the material used to build it. This is to ensure that it matches your standards and so that you’ll know how much maintenance is needed. A modern deck pergola made with high-quality materials can save you the time, cost, and effort you need to maintain it. You’ll also need to consider the weather conditions you normally experience in your area. If you’re in areas with fluctuating weather then it’s always wise to consider exactly what kind of pergola is best for you. Factors such as heat, humidity and snow should all be taken into account when choosing your ideal pergola.
One of the main factors that can help you decide when choosing a pergola is its design, and how well it matches your outdoor living space. The size of your backyard, or if you have a pool, can also help you determine which type of pergola might be a more suitable choice. If you’re looking for a pergola that can offer shade and privacy whilst truly maximizing the space of your backyard, a corner pergola might be the best choice for you.