An Owner’s Guide to Pergolas

Most homeowners like to take as much advantage of their outdoor space as possible, which usually means buying some sort of structure for outdoor recreation and entertaining. One of the most popular types of structures for these purposes are pergolas. Buying a new structure for your property can be a pretty big decision, so it’s important to make sure that you’re well informed before you commit to buying anything. Here’s a short guide to buying and owning a pergola.

What is a pergola?
Pergolas are outdoor structures that consist of four upright posts and an open roof. They are usually used as an archway, a passageway, or for a shaded sitting area. The roof is not closed — it’s usually constructed of a few intersecting cross beams.

What to look for when buying one
When you’re buying a pergola, there are three main things you should look for. The first is the material it’s made of. Pergolas aren’t something you can bring inside with your outdoor furniture when the weather gets bad, so you need to make sure the one you buy is sturdy and will endure through the years. The second thing you need to think about is size. It’s ideal to start by measuring the space you plan to put the pergola and think about how tall it should be and what dimensions you’re looking for. The last thing is design — it shouldn’t clash with the architecture and style of your home.

How to decorate
One of the best things about owning a pergola is that it’s pretty much made to be decorated. Pergolas usually have a minimalist design, so the possibilities are nearly endless. Adding lights, or strings of lights, is a popular way to decorate since that means you can use the space at night. Additionally, climbing plants and vines are popular ways to decorate a pergola.

Have you ever purchased a pergola? Feel free to share your thoughts with us by joining the discussion in the comments section below.