If you are looking to beat the heat and take your backyard to the next level at the same time, a pergola might be the perfect option for you.
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What is a Pergola?
A pergola is an open outdoor structure made up of four support beams and a latticed or slotted roof. Think a gazebo but square instead of round, and with an open, cross-beamed roof instead of a solid one. A pergola is nice because it filters the sun instead of completely blocking it, allowing you to enjoy the sunlight while still keeping cool in the shade. Pergolas are also easy to customize to fit your existing outdoor decor and can be fitted with plants, canvas, or any other kind of decoration you can think of. This makes them an extremely versatile piece of furniture, which is great for anyone who has a strong sense of what they’d like their backyard to look like.
Types of Pergolas
There are several different materialsv that pergolas can be made out of, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. The material you choose is obviously going to be dependent on what kind of space you already have in your backyard.
Vinyl is the cheapest and easiest material for a pergola. It’s lightweight, relatively maintenance-free, and can come in a variety of colors and styles. Vinyl pergolas don’t have to be painted or stained, which is nice, and they won’t be damaged by weather or rain. However, the look and feel of vinyl isn’t quite as nice as some other materials.
Wood is a classic look, and you really can’t go wrong with a wooden pergola, especially if you’re aiming for a more rustic style. They do require a bit more maintenance than vinyl pergolas do, but they more than make up for it with style and feel.
If you’re in a more urban space or just have a generally industrial sense of style, you might want to opt for a steel pergola. Metal does eventually rust if left outside, so you’ll need to take good care of it, but a steel pergola has a striking look that has a bit more character than the standard wood or vinyl.
Uses for Pergolas
You can use pergolas as a cover for a lot of different spaces. Ultimately, you’re only limited by your own creativity and the space available to you, so take these options as suggestions and don’t be afraid to branch out and think outside the box.
The most common use for a pergola is as a cover for a comfy shaded seating area. This is a classic for a reason – it’s classy, it’s extremely comfortable, and a seating area is a must for any backyard or patio. Just kick back, put your feet up, and enjoy the shade. Sojag makes a great upscale looking pergola for the backyard.
The fact that pergolas let in some light but block a lot of heat makes them the perfect cover for hot tubs. They’ll protect you from the heat and falling debris without keeping you in the dark, plus any excuse to set up a hot tub is a good one.
Every good backyard needs a fire pit, and every fire pit should have some shade. A pergola is actually an ideal choice to cover a fire pit since the open roof allows smoke to escape through the top while still shading you from the sun.
