Decorating & Design
July 13, 2023
6 Reasons You Need A Pergola
A pergola is an outdoor structure typically made up of vertical posts and a slatted roof to allow in some sunlight and a breeze. It’s an affordable structure that can be built from a variety of materials like metal, cedar, or vinyl to suit the style of your home. DIYers can build a pergola from a kit with pre-cut wood, or contractors can help design and build one. Read on for why your garden (and you) could benefit from a pergola.
1. Pergolas Provide Shade
The slats of a pergola can provide some protection from the sun’s rays, and the ceiling beams are substantial enough to support vines, hanging pots of flowers or pendants.
2. Pergolas Link Structures
If you have a large garden, it can be easy to feel “lost” without a focal point — pergolas draws the eye. They don’t need to be standalone structures as they can connect to a veranda or gazebo. In this backyard, the pergola connects two outbuildings.
3. Pergolas Define A Dining Area
A pergola is an easy way to add structure and highlight an area of the garden, making it feel like a distinct room. This dark, sophisticated pergola creates a natural distinction between the lounge/dining area and the rest of the backyard.
4. Pergolas Can Be Themed
This city pergola was transformed into a fun BBQ restaurant-style space, complete with a sign and string lights for a party effect. Although pergolas are typically open, you can create privacy by adding drapes, latticework, or, in this case, wood fencing for a more enclosed feel.
5. Pergolas Can Help Plants Grow
Aside from serving as a support structure for climbing vines, pergolas can offer shelter for plants that can’t tolerate a full day of sun exposure. Plants like clematis, honeysuckle, ivy, wisteria, and grapevines grow from the ground up and can create a natural canopy.
6. Pergolas Create A Focal Point
You can do more than entertain under a pergola. It can serve to frame a comfortable outdoor living space, and help enhance the view of this beautiful dining area in Montreal, Quebec.