Do you want to improve the appearance of your outdoor living space for the summer? Are you looking to improve the overall aesthetic appeal of your patio or deck? Do you need an area of your backyard that you can dedicate to your potted plants? If so, one of the fastest and easiest solutions to achieve all of these creative ideas for your yard is to build a pergola.
So, why a pergola? Pergolas are constructed using different types of materials such as vinyl, metal and even cedar.
Many people confuse pergolas with other types of structures such as arbors. Although they are similar, arbors are usually smaller and have a much simpler structure. Arbors are usually an archway that is typically found in yards, gardens, and parks.
On the other hand, pergolas are large, flat, open structures. Pergolas are typically attached to buildings or homes but can also be a free-standing structure. Even though these terms are often used interchangeably, it is important to understand the differences before you hire a contractor.
You can purchase a pergola-like shade structure from a home improvement store or membership club, but if you want one that is personalized for your specific wants and needs, it is best to have an experienced contractor custom build one for you. In fact, depending on what you are looking for in a pergola, they offer significant advantages when you are ready to create your perfect outdoor space.
They Add Definition
One advantage of building a pergola is that it can add purpose to your landscape. In other words, a pergola carves out a defined space in your yard that can be used for entertainment, lounging, dining and other activities. This is true especially if there is not a patio or deck that is connected to your house. When you add a pergola to your yard, you will be able to better establish how your outdoor living space will be used.
They Allow Privacy
Perhaps you do not want to have your activities on display for your neighbors to see when you are trying to relax and enjoy a warm summer evening outside. If you are not able to build an additional privacy fence, a custom-built pergola with screens, drapes, or even latticework on one or more sides can serve as an alternative to a privacy fence.
In addition, when a pergola is placed strategically in a yard, it can be used to block or cover an unsightly object from your view. For example:
- The road
- The rusty playground equipment
- The next-door neighbor’s shed
In these types of situations, a pergola can enhance the natural beauty of your yard, while also keeping out any unappealing views that surround the yard.
They Create More Space For A Garden
Because pergolas can create space for open latticework (sometimes referred to as a trellis), they afford you the ability to hang vegetation. As a result, you will have a gorgeous garden near the clouds.
These structures are also excellent for climbing plants. As they grow from the ground, they can intertwine themselves around the structure. The result would be earthy, natural walls and/or ceiling for your pergola.
Some of the plants that you can choose from are:
- Ivy
- Grapevines
- Honeysuckle
- Wisteria
- Clematis
All of these plants are able to grow and thrive on a pergola due to its open structure.
They Offer Protection And Shade
The most common shade-style of pergola that we build is a 50/50 shade to sunlight ratio. The top slats of the pergolas are usually 2″ wide and are spaced 2″ apart from each other eliminating 50% of the incoming sunlight. This creates a very comfortable outdoor living space and also makes for a very appealing home addition.
If you choose to add climbing plants and after they’ve made their way up the pergola, you will be able to enjoy even more shade whenever you want to relax underneath the plants. It may take one full planting season before the vines are able to completely take over the top of the pergola, but once the top is completely covered, you will be able to enjoy that much more relief from the sun’s UV rays.
More people are becoming aware of how direct sun exposure can affect their skin, and there has been an increased demand for pergolas that are available with canopies as an option. By having a pergola with a canopy addition, you will be able to open the canopy during the day for sun protection and then close it at night so you can enjoy the moon and stars.
They Can Increase Home Value
The bottom line is that the advantages of building a pergola of your own also adds value to your home. This benefit alone makes a pergola an investment that is well worth it.
According to home improvement gurus such as Bob Villa, having attractive and well-maintained landscaping can increase your home’s resale value by up to 20 percent. When you take care of the pergola and the vegetation that is hanging from it, this is the one addition to your landscaping that can truly make the difference for those who are in the market for a new home.
They Are Affordable
If you are looking to spruce up your yard without spending a lot of money, the best option may be a pergola. They are affordable, but they make a huge difference in the appearance of your yard.
There are some options that may cost slightly more than others, and that is based on the type of material that is used to build it. However, you would be hard-pressed to find a more durable, affordable and beautiful way to make your outdoor space livable than building a pergola.
Pergolas add a lot of beauty to a yard, and they also add plenty of interest to an outdoor space. For example, if you live in a gated, townhome community, having a pergola in your outdoor space could be the one feature that sets your home apart from the others. The pergola will make it much easier to sell or rent your home should you decide to move.
So, if you have done your research and you want to not only have a beautiful outdoor space but also increase your home’s value, consider adding a pergola. Contact us today at 970-663-2868 to see how we can build a pergola that will meet your budget and your needs. To learn more, you can also reach out to us via email at sales@tnthomeimprovements.com or visit our patio cover/pergola page.
