Pergola Styles And Materials To Consider
A pergola, as opposed to a smaller structure such as an arbor, can offer a wide range of outdoor living functions. For example, a pergola can support decorative grapevines, giving it a landscaping and gardening function while also shading a small patio where you can relax on hot days.
Here are some styles and materials to choose from when planning your next pergola.
Pergola styles
Pergolas come in different shapes and sizes. This means that when designing a custom pergola, you can create a square pergola, a circular pergola, or a promenade pergola (a long pergola that covers a walkway).
But one of the most important distinguishing features is the top of your pergola. The top defines the pergola's visual profile as well as determining how much protection your pergola provides from the weather. Some different pergola top options include:
- An open-top pergola that uses climbing vines to provide shade
- An arched pergola may also have an open top but with an arched shape
- A sail pergola uses a shade sail to provide shelter. (You can also get a pergola canopy separately to add shade to an open-top pergola.)
- A gabled pergola has a gabled roof (the classic roof style that comes together to form a peak in the middle)
In some cases, you can even mix and match your pergola top. For instance, you can use a pergola canopy that's retractable so that you can access the sun in cooler weather but have shade in summer.
Pergola materials
Your pergola is both a functional and a decorative structure. This may be one reason why wood is such a popular choice for pergola structures. After all, wood is both structurally sound and beautiful.
If you'd like an instant weathered look (or you're interested in saving the environment), you can even use reclaimed wood. For instance, reclaimed cedar often has plenty of life left in it.
Other sound pergola material options include vinyl, steel, and aluminum. You can even find pergolas made of fiberglass or of composite materials (such as those sometimes used for decking). Whether you want to build a pergola with a custom shape and size or choose a DIY pergola kit, you have plenty of materials to choose from.
As you can see, constructing a pergola in your yard or garden is a process that will require you to make several choices. You'll need to decide on a shape, a size, a style of roof or top for your pergola, and a type of material.
