The Essential Guide to Buying a Pergola: Key Tips and Considerations

The Essential Guide to Buying a Pergola: Tips and Considerations

Understanding Pergolas and Their Benefits

What is a Pergola?

A pergola is a permanent outdoor structure with columns or posts supporting an open roof of rafters and beams. It can often be used as a framework or structure to assist flowering plants and vines in growing in your outdoor space. A pergola can completely transform your outdoor space and protect it from the sun and elements. Pergolas also create a barrier and spacing between different sections of your yard, giving the illusion of a larger space with multiple sections available.

Evaluating Your Outdoor Space

Assessing Your Backyard Space

The best way to assess your backyard space is to first measure the available space you are hoping to use for your pergola. Are you looking to use the entire space or would you prefer to break it up into separate areas? Whichever way you decide to go, getting an accurate measurement of the space will be the first step in the process. Also, is your home more modern or traditional? There are different styles of pergolas that will go better with certain types of homes. Many pergolas will come with different styles of trim that will dress up the pergola and can give different looks depending on the look you need.

Choosing the Right Pergola Type

Freestanding Pergola Options

As mentioned above, a pergola is a structure with four posts and horizontal beams; along with some sort of roof structure. The term freestanding pergola means that all of the posts will be attached to the concrete footing or patio in a certain manner. Freestanding pergolas create a unique living space that can provide shade or shelter. Do you enjoy hosting family get-togethers and parties? Pergola kits are the perfect backyard enhancement. With a pergola attached to a footing and not your home, it will allow for a separate outdoor living space that is unique and uplifting. Outdoor dining and lounging areas are becoming increasingly popular in the modern outdoor space. They can be a nice focal point for several different outdoor spaces in the backyard. This is also typically a far easier installation if a DIY pergola is more your speed.

Attached Pergola Options

When looking into outdoor structures, you may often hear about "attached pergola kits" and also may wonder, what does that mean? This is simply referencing the fact that your new pergol kit will be attached to your home or a portion of your home. This is a popular outdoor structure idea that many are moving to. It can feel like you are adding additional living space to your home. An attached pergola style will connect directly to your home's outer wall and can create an outdoor seating area or outdoor dining room for your outdoor furniture to easily fit underneath. A common reason some folks may opt to attach their pergola to their home is to perhaps cover a deck or patio and provide shade to those areas. It will also allow for cover from the elements as you walk from inside your home to your exterior space. Imagine leaving your exterior double doors open on a nice Fall or Spring day and allowing free access to your beautiful covered louvered pergola. What a wonderful way to expand your existing space! Whether you are looking at customer pergolas or small pergola kits, a comprehensive pergola buying guide is a wise investment to assist in your search.

Pergola Materials and Styles

Most Popular Pergola Materials

I'm sure you have drive-through neighborhoods and have seen pergolas installed throughout. What is the most common material seen with these pergolas? If you answered wood pergolas, you'd be correct. Wood continues to be the dominant choice when it comes to pergola kits, with Cedar and Redwood being the (2) most popular options available. Both Cedar and Redwood are resistant to rot and insect infestation but are still not fully rot or insect-proof. Pressure-treated pine is also able to withstand severe weather and insects. In order to have that option, you would need to look into a different material; namely vinyl pergolas or metal pergolas. Vinyl freestanding pergolas are durable and are a virtually maintenance-free choice and vinyl is a popular material for your home. When it comes to durability and longevity, there is no better choice than an aluminum pergola. Aluminum has a modern visual appeal and is perfect for large spaces. Aluminum offers clean lines and a more elegant appearance than other materials such as vinyl.

Pergola Styles and Designs

In the most traditional sense, a pergola is a basic wooden arbor with posts and a basic horizontal trellis that will support climbing vines and hanging plants. With more modern pergolas, many of them have retractable canopies thus allowing you to operate your roof system with a simple remote control. This also allows you to control the angle of the sun and lets you determine how much coverage you'd like to have for your patio. These types of pergolas often use more quality materials and are generally stronger materials such as aluminum. This option is available regardless if you choose a freestanding or go with attached pergolas. Aluminum is also going to require minimal maintenance and is typically available in a huge range of colors and options. If you are looking for something other than rectangular pergolas, perhaps looking at custom pergolas with an arched look would best suit you.

Measuring and Customizing Your Pergola

How to Measure for Patio Pergola Kits

Arguably the most important part of choosing your pergola will be to accurately measure your space and determine where your medium-sized pergola will go. This is best done by staking out your outdoor space to determine where your post locations will be. A good exercise is to draw in things like couches, tables, chairs, etc to best determine if all of these items will fit comfortably in your space. This will give you a real-world feel as to what is best going to fit in the space.

Customizing Your Pergola

Do you have a custom size or height that you are working with on your project? With a modern, aluminum pergola, you are able to customize the overall size, color, post height, and attachment methods. You will even have the option of choosing what material you would like your pergola to be made out of. Many pergolas will also have options available to add items such as crown molding, center beams, shades, and even lighting packages or fans. Pergolas also offer various types of post-base covers and decorative trims. What do you plan on having underneath your pergola? Things like firepits, fire tables, outdoor furniture, and so on are very common items to add to your outdoor space and under your pergola.

Pergola Installation and Maintenance

Can Pergola Installation be a DIY Project?

One of the leading reasons why people choose a pergola kit for their outdoor space is due to the ability to perform the installation as a Do-It-Yourself project. As long as you are comfortable using an impact driver, hammer drill, and additional smaller hand tools, a DIY pergola is definitely on the table for you. If you are not comfortable with the above-mentioned tools or processes, perhaps the more appropriate route would be to hire a local contractor to assist. It is important to take an honest and open assessment of your skills and talent to determine which route is best for you.

Maintenance and Upkeep

If you choose the correct material for your weather patterns, there will be minimal maintenance needed to keep up the natural beauty of your pergola. Of course, if wood pergolas are more your speed, there will be maintenance needed roughly every 2 years. You will need to paint or re-seal your wooden pergola to keep it looking great and free from rot and insect infestations. If you are looking for a truly maintenance-free pergola, a vinyl or aluminum pergola is the proper choice for you. Aluminum or vinyl are easily cleaned with a simple soap and water solution and require no painting, staining, or sealing on a bi-annual basis. It is advisable to clean your pergola every year. This will keep your structure free from spider webs, animal infestations or nests, and various other items.

Budgeting and Cost Considerations

What’s the Cost of Building a Pergola?

The costs of pergolas vary greatly depending on several factors. The most important factors are Pergola materials and how much of said material, the size of your pergola, and additional custom options chosen. Pergolas carry an average installed cost (materials and installation) of anywhere from $5,000 all the way up to $60,000. It is important to perform your due diligence to determine the best pergola, material, and size for your space. Considering what permits, engineering documents, and other paperwork are needed is also very important when figuring out costs for your project.

Outdoor Structure Regulations and Considerations

Does Building a Pergola Require a Permit?

Before you begin any project for your home, it is wise to consult with your local building department to best determine if a permit is needed. You also may live in an area with an HOA. If this is the case, it is also prudent to speak with them about your intentions before beginning your project. As stated above, meeting with your local building department will be a major step in the process. If you proceed with the pergola without first checking with your building department, there is a chance they will put a lien on your home. Nobody needs that! In this instance, it is probably wise to consult with a contractor who is familiar with this process. It will end up saving you time, money, and heartache on the back end.

Conclusion

Enhancing Your Outdoor Space with a Pergola

A pergola can be a wonderful addition to any outdoor space, providing shade, creating a sense of enclosure, and adding beauty and elegance. Have some fun with the project! If you enjoy having friends and family over, a pergola is a perfect adder. Consider your outdoor space, budget, and personal style when choosing a pergola. Be sure to measure your space to best determine what will fit and make the most sense for your project. With the right pergola, you can create a unique and functional outdoor living space that you’ll enjoy for years to come.