The Best Pergola Direction for Your Outdoor Space: A Practical Guide
Understanding Pergola Placement
If you were to currently sit out in your outdoor living space, I'm sure you can pinpoint a time of day when maybe the sun is at its most inconvenient angle. Possibly right in your eyes, or reflecting off windows or anything else in the area. How do we fix this? A pergola’s orientation can greatly solve this problem. Combining the luxury of having a sun-blocking structure that isn't just convenient but beautiful!
Consider that inconvenient sun angle and consider the direction your pergola will face to optimize your shade and the practicality of your investment. Your pergola placement will have lasting effects on the amount of enjoyment you get out of it, making strategic placement crucial and something to heavily consider before beginning the project.
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It is difficult to completely point the pergola in the wrong direction with a Luxury Pergola, as you can choose one way or another even after it is built. Giving you a slight edge over your space if incorrectly chosen.
Factors Influencing Pergola Direction
Sunlight: Daily, the sun will be the most consistent factor to consider with elements that affect your outdoor living spaces. The amount of sunlight that your area receives throughout the day is a crucial factor to pay attention to.
Wind: While maybe not an everyday factor for some, one crucial piece of information to think about is how fast can wind get in your area. Consider this when pergola shopping.
View: One of the major reasons for the pergola to be introduced to a new space is to keep any great views you already enjoy while reaping the benefits from the pergola. Keep that view and work with a professional to ensure you can keep it!
Purpose: What is the intended purpose? Kitchen, Living Space, Dining area? Keep these aspects in mind when considering the space you have to make sure your directional placement of the pergola is appropriate for the plan.
Pergola Orientation Options
North-Facing Pergola
A north-facing pergola is shaded throughout most of the day, making it ideal for hot climates. Sun orientation and your ability to block that sun angle out of your space will give you maximum control of your environment. For some, escaping the intense afternoon sun is essential.
This orientation will help you take in all the benefits of this new freestanding pergola ability and ensure that you can enjoy your outdoor space without the discomfort of that annoying direct sunlight. Remember that a north-facing pergola is perfect for areas where summer heat can be brutal to relax in.
South-Facing Pergola
If you are planning on orienting your pergola to the south, this can help maximize exposure to the winter sun, which is a significant advantage in colder regions. Consider the warm spells that may occur in your area throughout winter, you can allow the sunlight to come through the pergola slats.
This exposure helps keep the area warm during cooler months on those nice days. This can also help melt any snow that may be lying around the area. However, it might require additional shading solutions, such as a retractable shade. The Luxury Sun Shade would be a great consideration for afternoon shade with your freestanding pergolas.
East-Facing Pergola
Your outdoor living space may call for an east-facing pergola installation for some outdoor spaces this is perfect as it will help catch the morning sun, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy starting their day outdoors with a nice sunrise.
This orientation will mean that the pergola space will be cooler in the afternoon, given maximum shade providing a comfortable retreat from the heat of the day. East-facing can be the perfect pergola orientation for some! Consider the benefits of an east-facing pergola for morning activities and evening shade!
West-Facing Pergola
If you are considering a west-facing pergola installation, consider how this captures the late afternoon and evening sun, a perfect solution for those who enjoy relaxing or dining outdoors at the end of the day.
A focal point for some is the time spent in the evening underneath their space. While this orientation can lead to high temperatures in the pergola during summer evenings, this may be a personal preference however your morning in your backyard would be considered cooler if you have hot mornings where you live.
Consider the benefits of a west-facing pergola for evening use while keeping in mind the hotter evening possibilities by incorporating more shade with an aesthetic appeal like a sun shade to help.
Planning and Installation
Planning your space is vital. Determine the size and shape of the outdoor living space you are looking to create. To position the pergola correctly, you may consider placing a mock pergola or layout with chalk where things will go!
The visual interest is one thing to consider the practical use of the space is just as important to pergola kits. A correctly oriented pergola can greatly enhance your space. If planning to block the sun and give optimal shade or allow the pergola rafters to let sunlight in.
Creating a Functional Outdoor Space
Make sure your outdoor living space is perfect for your needs and leaves a huge impact on your space run through the important features you want to achieve with the location of the pergola.
Incorporate your existing patio and backyard with the space to ensure they blend well. Consider current pathways, plantings, and landscape features that you want to stay. The construction of the project is always easier done with proper planning to avoid surprises and changes on the fly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake people often make is not considering the local climate and weather conditions when choosing a pergola orientation. Keep in mind of wind and sun! keep in mind the purpose of the space. and make sure you have enough room to function!
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