Outdoor Dining Area With a Pergola

Choosing the Right Pergola

Intro

Are you looking for a pergola to highlight your outdoor dining area? If so, read below! I will dive into different types of pergolas, furnishings, and even different types of foods to offer to your guests. Stay tuned!

Types of Pergolas

Wood Pergola

A wood pergola is traditional and rustic - Wooden pergolas are often made from tree species like cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated lumber. These types of species are great for pergolas mainly because of their ability to resist humidity and moisture.

A wood pergola will give you a natural look and feel, along with strength, and can be stained or painted to match any existing decor.

Aluminum Pergola

Aluminum pergolas are often very modern and sleek, offering a different aesthetic than wood or other materials. Metal (aluminum) pergolas have some key advantages - They are durable and long-lasting, require minimal maintenance, and will resist poor weather, pests, and other problems.

If you go with metal or aluminum, make sure to have it powder-coated - It can also be a bit more expensive than other materials, namely vinyl and wood.

Vinyl Pergola

A vinyl pergola is low maintenance and quite versatile. They can come in a variety of colors and styles. Vinyl requires very little maintenance and can easily be cleaned off when needed. It is also resistant to rust and rot and will not have those same material issues as wood.

Vinyl is not nearly as strong as wood or metal - It will expand and contract as warm and then cold weather arrives.

Design Considerations

Size and Shape

The first question to ask yourself is - What do I want to accomplish with my space? Do you want your outdoor dining room and your outdoor kitchen next to each other? With al fresco dining, having a well-defined cooking vs seating area is of major importance.

Make completely sure that you have enough space laid out to suit what you are trying to achieve.

Location and Orientation

It is important to determine actual direct sunlight angles as they hit your space. There is not much worse than trying to host a dinner party or have family over and the sun is blinding all of your company.

Place and orient the pergola in such a way that the sun will be at the back of your visitors. This will make for a much more enjoyable and comfortable experience for your patrons.

Style and Aesthetic

Pergolas can be very contemporary and can offer a uniquely modern twist to your patio space. Does your outdoor dining space need a metal pergola to accentuate your outdoor environment?

A good place to start is to consider the current landscape in your patio space to get some patio ideas. Your pergola design can contain potted plants, outdoor furniture as well as hanging flower baskets - all of these will allow for an inviting atmosphere and will perfect your outdoor living.

Functionality

Pergolas have a few distinct purposes. These main purposes are for shade creation and protection from the elements, namely rain.

The louvers on the roof structure will allow you to control the angle of the sun as the day goes by. Those same louvers will also be able to be closed and will protect from rain falling from above.

Pergolas will also offer a location to attach fans for cooling, lighting for ambiance, and even heaters to keep your guests comfortable on those cold, Fall and Winter evenings.

Furnishing your Pergola Dining area

Dining Furniture

There are a few different types and materials to pick from when looking at furniture for your outdoor dining space and kitchen. Wood, Metal, Wicker, and Plastic seem to be the most common outdoor furniture used, under a pergola.

Metal furniture can rust, over time. Vinyl is not quite as strong as other materials. Wicker is a virtually maintenance-free material and is a nice option.

Wood will give you natural beauty and will add a touch of class to your contemporary style home.

Tables and Chairs

Having tables and chairs will add elegance to your outdoor dining room. This will truly be an extension of your living space. Tables will typically be round or rectangular - make sure to choose a shape and size that will work best with your outdoor space.

Oftentimes, you can purchase your tables and chairs as a Dining set - offering pre-matched colors and styles that add beauty to your patio design.

Benches and Stools

Benches and stools are a nice option for seating. Keep in mind, they are more casual and not as formal as a dining area. Similar to tables and chairs, benches and stools come in a multitude of materials, including; wood, metal, wicker, and plastic.

Comfort and Style

Cushions and Pillows

To add a bit more comfort and aesthetic beauty, cushions and pillows can easily be added to your outdoor space - creating a focal point within your covered pergola.

If you are adding chairs, stools, or benches, cushions are an absolute must for your space. With Benches, a comfortable pillow is great to create a cozy, patio pergola.

Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs are quite convenient and will pull the entire space together. With different sizes, colors, and options available, rugs are essential when completing your outdoor living space.

Accessories and Decor

Table Settings and Centerpieces

Table settings and centerpieces offer an extra level of class and comfort to your outdoor dining experience. If you are hosting parties and events at your home, table settings and centerpieces are a must. You are also able to several types of these accessories to perhaps go with any party theme you are trying to achieve.

Outdoor curtains

Is the sun causing some issues with your space? If so, then outdoor curtains or shades can be a giant benefit in curbing the sun's rays. There are multiple options and different mounting styles to choose from. If a more comfortable, shaded pergola dining area is what you are after, an outdoor curtain or sunshade is crucial to your space.

Creating Ambiance with Lighting

Types of Outdoor Lighting

If lighting options are what you are looking for, several different types or styles are available. From puck lighting to LED strips to larger light fixtures - the opportunities are numerous. Get a good feel of how you use your space to determine the best way to light your freestanding pergola.

Seasonal Pergola Dining Ideas

Spring and Summer

When I think of Spring and Summer, I think of cool, crisp, lighter food options. There are lots of fruit salads, raw vegetables, and cool drinks that work well with Spring and Summer. If you are a fan of protein then chicken or beef, on the grill, are quite popular for these times of the year.

Fall

Fall is a time where you begin to integrate more soupls and stews - crockpot meals become a large staple in much of the country. Things like Chili, beef stew, potatoes, etch are wonderful options as those chillier months begin.

Winter

Winter is based on foods that will warm your insides. Sometimes thick and rich stews, along with some spices added can bring on a tasty and interesting change and will bring much interest to your parties and events.

Conclusion

A pergola will allow you to pick and choose what types of outdoor dining environment you would like. Whether you are picking meals during Fall, Winter, or Spring, a pergola will shield you from the elements and will enhance your outdoor dining space.