Are you looking for more information on how a pergola can enhance your outdoor living space? Or, perhaps you currently have a pergola you want to update? In this blog post, we offer a look at how a pergola works in comparison to other types of backyard structures. We’ll also highlight several of the unique pergola designs we have available to help you create the perfect space for outdoor entertaining.
Whether you are simply looking for a beautiful way to add shade, want to enhance your garden, or would like to add more privacy, a pergola from Elite Outdoor Expressions in Lancaster, PA, might be your answer.
How Does a Pergola Work?
Unlike screened-in porches, pergolas add shade and architectural charm to your backyard and other outdoor spaces without a solid roof or sides. So, how does that work to keep you comfortable?
Well, pergolas have open sides and a slatted roof of beams or rafters that allow air to flow freely in and around the structure. While a pergola won’t naturally keep you dry in rainy weather, you can add features, like canopies, which will make your pergola more weather protective.
Pergola designs vary in size and materials used in construction. They can also vary in purpose and work in many different intended locations, depending on your needs. Read on for what to consider first when updating an existing pergola or adding a new pergola to your backyard.
What to Consider for Your Pergola
Since pergola designs can vary greatly, it is essential to research a few elements of your pergola project before you begin. Consider budget, placement, and any local building restrictions your area might have.
Budget
Before you start on any pergola project, take the time to decide if you have any budget restraints. Your budget may affect what type of pergola designs you can consider.
What You Intend to Cover
You may be looking for poolside shade, additional patio or porch shade, or even adding a pergola to your garden area to allow your plants to climb.
Whatever you intend to cover may require specific sizing, materials, or structural design elements. It’s best to talk with an experienced pergola builder and installer like us here at Elite Outdoor Expressions to work out the details.
Building Codes & Zoning
Even though a pergola does not have walls or a solid roof, it still counts as an outdoor structure. With that in mind, know that building one may require permits or approvals from your city, township, or borough.
Local building codes and zoning restrictions may also have limitations on where your pergola is located on your property. Whether you are looking to have a freestanding or attached pergola, an experienced pergola builder in your area can help you navigate these limitations.
Materials
Pergola designs can incorporate many materials—wood, vinyl, fabric, glass, and more. Since your pergola is an outdoor room, it’s good to keep your seasonal weather in mind when choosing materials for your outdoor living space.
Here at Elite Outdoor Expressions, we specialize in vinyl-constructed pergolas. We believe vinyl is an ideal pergola material since it’s high quality and virtually maintenance-free over many years of use.
Covered Pergola Ideas
As we mentioned, even though pergolas do not generally have a solid roofing structure, they may have coverings that can help protect against the elements. The roofing grid of beams or rafters remains a strong design element even with covered pergola designs. Here are a few pergola ideas that incorporate covers.
1. Glass-Covered Pergola
A glass-covered pergola adds a layer of protection against the elements but does not block sunlight from coming through the rafters. These glass-covered pergola designs often look modern and add a clean element to your outdoor room and living space.
2. Fabric Canopy Pergola
There are many uses for fabric when it comes to pergola designs. Whether you are looking for more shade and protection from the elements, or you want to create privacy walls around your structure, canvas fabric is an excellent material to add to any pergola design.
3. Plant Covered Pergola
Since pergolas tend to be open on the sides and top, they make the perfect structure for climbing plants. Allow your plants to climb and grow overtop your open pergola to create shade.
You can also use your pergola to hang planters and allow those plants to create natural shade for you as they grow.
Open Pergola Ideas
Since pergola designs naturally have an open roofing structure, many homeowners choose to creatively employ slats, accent screens, fabrics, and more to create additional shade.
4. Bali Blind Slanted Pergola
Bali wood blinds can add warmth and texture to your pergola design. These slanted blinds also create added shade for your outdoor room and living space. Like the glass-covered pergolas, Bali blind slanted pergolas add an extra layer of protection against the elements and create a modern look in the process.
5. Metal Screen Accented Pergola
If you are looking for a way to accent your pergola without losing access to natural sunlight, consider decorative metal screens. You can add these to the top or sides of your pergola as accents to match your outdoor living space or even your outdoor furniture.
6. Louvered Slat Pergola
Louvered slat pergolas combine the best of having an open outdoor room with the added shade and elemental protection. Often, louvered slat pergolas are adjustable and can increase or decrease the amount of sunlight allowed into the pergola.
Want to Add a New Pergola to Your Outdoor Space?
At Elite Outdoor Expressions in Lancaster, PA, we build custom pergolas to match your backyard, porch, patio, garden, and more. Ask us about our pergola designs and see how we can help you create the perfect outdoor atmosphere for your home.
